Moab, UT

Old City Park DGC

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3.75(based on 28 reviews)
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13 0
sillybizz
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 22.3 years 426 played 401 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Moab is beautiful

Reviewed: Played on:Oct 19, 2023 Played the course:once

Pros:

Course Infrastructure:

Reading some of the older reviews there were reports of bad signage and navigation issues which I did not experience at all. Looks like brand new tee signs which have all of the required information and then some. Every single sign had the course map on it which I thought was very handy. It honestly didn't need it because there are next tee signs as posts in the ground and also stickers on the inside pole on the basket directing you to the next tee sign. Even some of the longer walks between holes and across the street from each other were super easy to figure out. Some of the baskets look like they have been around since 2008 when the course was established and these are in fine shape. There are quite few newer baskets here though that obviously have retired/replaced the worn out ones. Tee pads are all concrete and do the job just fine. Since this is a desert and there is sand and dirt around some of these tee pads there are a few brooms out here. Also there are benches at every tee pads and the tee signs have bag hangers on the back of them.

Topography and terrain:

This is where the course is interesting for me at least. I have played only a few courses in the desert and every time I do it's a lot of fun. Your main obstacles starting out are bushes and shrubs, mostly juniper trees. When you get across the street for holes 7-9 you get grass and lots of trees, it looks more like a forest than desert but only for this stretch. There are many what I would call mini top of the world shots here a few of them throwing over gulches and dropping down quite a bit with junipers making you throw higher than you may want to. Loved hole 13 that was this way while also have the basket on top of a rocky outcrop, very fun. A nice variety of sand, dirt, rocks, and grass greet you and your disc here.

Aesthetics:

You get all of the amazing views of the surrounding red, vertical rock walls that you get from town but here you're a bit more elevated and have less things in your view. Having those benches at the tee pad were really nice for the sake of me wanting to sit down and admire the view at every hole. There is a few streets and one you have to cross on the course that are more for locals and are quiet. If you want a course to get away from all of the tourists in town this place does the job.

Course overview:

There is a good amount of variety of left to right and right to left and the variety in green types and elevation make this course especially fun. The only kind of shot here you won't throw is probably a roller. Although the distance variety is lacking (more on that later) I still found myself having fun on every hole, even similar ones. A lot of the holes here require slightly more distance than I have to get to circle1 but still found myself finding better lines and landing zones, too bad it was mostly after I threw! Even though many par 3 holes here I couldn't reach in one, I still enjoyed them. This is the kind of course that shows itself to you over time the more you play it. Sadly as a course bagger and not a local I didn't get to learn this course in such a way.

Cons:

Not much distance variety:

Many holes here required the same sort of distance. If you can throw 320-360 feet this is a great course to challenge you on at least for par 3 holes. If you throw in the 250 foot to 300 foot range you're going to hitting par at best on almost all of the holes out here. Many of the holes that say 280 feet play much further because of elevation or some obstacle that you have to carry or go around. A few more par 4 holes would have been nice as well. I think hole 6 is the only hole that plays less than 300 feet on the whole course.

Blind baskets:

On much of the course especially after hole 6 you cannot see the basket from the tee pad and in many cases even from halfway up the fairway. Walking 3/4 the length of the hole before playing it is not ideal especially for the course baggers like me who are trying to cram 10 courses in each day.

Watch your step!:

Lots of cactus and other thorny/spikey things are all over the course and watching your footing is especially important. There are rocks and roots and other things trying to get you and a fall out here wouldn't be much fun. I didn't see any but I can imagine rattlesnakes are prevalent here especially early in the morning or near dusk.

Other Thoughts:

This is a really fun course in a town full of really fun stuff to do. I assume if you're planning a trip here you're going to do Base Camp as well. I went to Base Camp before I played here and I can say it's one of the best experiences of my life and some of the most fun disc golf you'll ever play. Yes the road in is a bit rough to Base Camp but we made it in a Subaru Forester. It's totally worth it! If you're gonna be in Moab you probably know of all of the national parks around there as well. Try the Thai Bella in town, some of the best Thai food I've ever had. Overall love this course and Base Camp and the city of Moab and the surrounding fun to be had.
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15 0
mykeg44
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14.9 years 72 played 45 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Good Course in a Stunning Place 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Feb 23, 2022 Played the course:once

Pros:

The course is set in a stunningly beautiful part of the world and offers a truly memorable experience.

Old City offers a decent challenge to experienced players without being overly punishing or long, so novices can also enjoy playing here. You'll need your driver on almost every hole, and there's enough variety to keep the course interesting throughout.

#17 is easily the signature hole, requiring a well placed drive to avoid a beautiful but punishing cliff drop if you hook your drive too far left off the tee. #7 and #18, both hilltop tee shots, stood out.

Nice tee boxes and benches on pretty much every hole.

Cons:

As other reviewers have noted, the signs are worn to the point of being useless on at least half the course.

Navigation is generally intuitive, but the back 9 was a little difficult to navigate in some spots.

Hole 18 is a beautiful tee shot and would be a great finale to the course, but there was a truck parked directly in front of the basket, so I didn't even bother throwing.

Other Thoughts:

Played on a weekday in late February after a light snow and had the course to myself -- a nice break from the crowds in Moab.

I was able to get the full 18 in in about two hours. While it's not a true "destination course" I would absolutely recommend any DGer try to get in a round here if you find yourself in Moab.
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15 0
Discette
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 27.7 years 675 played 64 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Desert Disc Golf with A View 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 18, 2018 Played the course:once

Pros:

This is an 18 hole disc golf course set in the desert area of the park. Here is your chance to play in the desert and take in some amazing views. I have played many, many desert courses, and this was one of the best. I played this course as part of a disc golf road trip from California to Colorado and back.

I used bullet points for those that don't want to read the entire review.

Amazing Vistas
The park has amazing views of the sandstone cliffs and mountains surrounding Moab. It really is awe inspiring in a way that photos can't convey. If you are in Moab, you probably already appreciate the Western desert. Even if you are not into playing disc golf in the desert, this is fun desert course and one of the best desert courses I have ever played.

Western Disc Golf
First and foremost, I love rugged, Western disc golf. While this is a desert course, it is pretty tame compared to most. While the ground is a bit rocky, it is mostly dusty and dry. Bring your bright and durable plastic or be prepared for some scuffing and scraping. There is quite a bit prickly pear cactus on the desert holes. There are also some thorny trees and shrubs as well. Moab is 4,000 in elevation, so discs will tend to be a bit more stable than sea level play.

Exposed
Play early in the day to avoid the heat in the summer. Bring lots of water and wear sun screen. While there is some cactus, it is low to the ground, so it mostly a problem for discs, not for people. I wore regular trail shoes and shorts and didn't have any problems. The afternoon wind provided some relief from the heat, but the wind adds more challenge.

Tees, Signs and Benches
Course has ample concrete tees on all the holes. Many holes had sturdy benches. Every target had a tall PVC pipe with multicolored streamers. It was always possible to see the target from the tee (or a little shuffle to the side). There were tee signs with bag hooks on every hole. While every tee did have a sign, some are faded and cracked making them difficult to read.

Navigation
Even though some signs were tough to read, the wonderful streamers on the targets make it possible to know exactly where you need to throw. There are plenty of navigation signs to guide you to the next tees. It is easy to see where to go next, even when you must cross the small street to play Holes 7-11.

All 18 in a Row
Once you tee off on Hole 1, you do not return to the parking area until Hole 18. Although, it would be possible after playing Hole 6, to skip over to Tee 12 without playing 7 through 11 across the street. Otherwise, prepare to bring all the water and supplies you need for the entire round.

Variety
While most holes are only 300 feet or so, there is a great mix of shots. The elevation of the land is used to provide maximum challenge. Some targets are perched on mounds, while others are surrounded by rocks. Most of the holes are in the desert area of the park and others are located in the riparian zone. Even in mid August there was green grass and plenty of shade on this area of the course. Wind in the open areas adds to the challenge.

Visible Targets For The Win!
I have played so many desert courses where the target is not visible from the tee. Old City Park is NOT one of those courses. Every desert course should strive to create an experience like this course. There was no guessing where the targets were, ever.

Kids, Carts and Strollers
Probably not a good idea for any carts or strollers without solid tires. Too much cactus for air filled tires. There are some rocky areas that are not easy to navigate in a cart or stroller. If your kids understand cactus and have proper footwear, they should be able to walk along. Even though the holes are not that long, it is not really a kids course. There is a super green and shady park right next to the disc golf course where the kids can cool off in the shade. There is a little stream, duck pond, play ground, picnic shelters and BBQs. A great place for a shady picnic before or after the round or instead of a round.

Lost Discs/Damaged Discs
You could lose some discs in the thick Olive trees on 7 - 9. Discs can be damaged if they land directly in some cactus. If you are afraid to damage a favorite disc don't bring it. Pack light and bring only a few discs you don't mind getting a beating: a wind beating hyzer disc, a tailwind driver and a putter should be all you need to get the job done.

Restroom
There is a restroom in the green oasis area of the park. There were no other restrooms or portables on the course. However, there is opportunity for some privacy near Holes 7-9.

Cons:

If you do not like rugged Western disc golf, these could be cons for you.

Cactus
If your disc happens to dive into a patch of cactus, it could be damaged forever, even if it is premium plastic. The rocky, dusty terrain can damage regular plastic. Use premium plastics to avoid damage.

Sun Baked
Play early to avoid high temps and use suncreen. Some of the tee signs are faded and not easy to read.

Other Thoughts:

Split Personality
This park has two distinct areas, the super shady grass area for picnics and the dry, dusty, natural desert area that contains the disc golf course. The green part is a little oasis with a gazebo and a pond. I imagine they have weddings here. There is also a play ground, picnic shelters and BBQs. Great place to cool down after a round or for a shady picnic. This area of the park is at least 20 degrees cooler than the desert area of the park.

Utah is Awesome
Moab is a wonderful outdoor adventure destination and the nearby National Parks are amazing. The jaw dropping beauty of the geology of the area is like no other place on Earth. There is no "driving through" Moab. You must make the effort to stop and visit. Arches and Canyonlands National Parks add to the adventure and part of the "Mighty 5" National Parks located in Utah. This course makes it possible to add a desert course to your "played list".

Rating
Absolutely one of the best desert courses I have ever played. It offers a good variety of shots and elevation changes with excellent cement tees and lots of benches. While the rocks and vegetation are rough and tough, this course is tamer and more forgiving than many other desert courses. I love the fact that targets are easy to locate from the tees! I am going to give this one a four.
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9 1
Throbbert
Experience: 12 years 10 played 4 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Only course in Moab, but one of the best I've played 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 1, 2016 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

I am so glad I found this course when I was in town about five years ago. Every time I go back to Moab I bring my discs and play at least once, if not two or three times, while I am there.

-This is the only disc golf course in the city of Moab. That in itself is a pro.
-It is never packed. I have run into, at most, two or three groups playing at a time
-The course is beautiful
-The course dries up very fast
-The holes are very well laid out with great signage at every hole.
-There are a lot of baskets that are hidden behind and around trees, but they all have extended flags on top so they are visible which is awesome.
-Nice variation of upshots and downhill shots.
-Not the longest course, but there are a decent number of holes to let it rip on, like hole 7, 11, 13 and 18

Cons:

Only really one that I can think of.

There is a lot of cactus and fairly large bushes so your disc can land in some place that are hard to get to or just out right painful if you misstep.

Other Thoughts:

This probably won't sit well with locals, but if you are in town and like disc get out and play it. It is a fantastic course. One of my favorites that I have played.
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1 4
thenewguy
Experience: 11 years 16 played 6 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 30, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

Great signs, great views Lots of different shots needed, great way to build your technique. Only about an hour away from base camp.

Cons:

Bring a buddy, very easy to lose a disc, lots of foliage and big plants Also going from I believe hole 4-5 I was lost for a little while. Print the map or take dgcr with you.

Other Thoughts:

Bring water!
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5 1
bobmcnelly
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 13 years 326 played 190 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 26, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Concrete Tee pads
-Great variety of shots
-Very challenging course
-great signage making it easy to get around

Cons:

Lots of cactus around so keep an eye out
Very hot

Other Thoughts:

Great course, very challenging but its just very unforgiving.
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5 0
MightyJeff
Experience: 27.9 years 34 played 13 reviews
4.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 17, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

-Beautiful surroundings. Moab didn't become a desert tourist destination for no reason, and at Old City Park, you get to throw a round surrounded by desert beauty
-Varied terrain. There's a little bit for everyone here - you have the woods on a few holes, the desert on most, with hills, flats, doglegs. You'll have to pull a lot of shots out of your bag to handle this one.
-Excellent signage. Whoever is responsible for course upkeep clearly knows that a lot of first-timers will come here while on vacation, and the tee signs and directional signs were a great help
-The course has a great balance of challenge and accessibility. More experienced discers will have plenty of fun here, but newbies can too. There aren't many courses that have that kind of broad appeal

Cons:

-HOT. I literally woke up at 6AM just to play this course before the heat came for the day by 9AM, and I'm not sure how much I succeeded (I played it in the middle of June). I went through 40 oz. of water by the 16th hole. If you plan on playing here (and you should), be prepared for the heat with water, sunscreen, etc.
-The bugs. Oh, the bugs. I felt like a street light at night with how many bugs kept swarming around me as I wound my way through the course. I didn't get bitten, but man, they were annoying.
-There are a lot of blind baskets. A lot. Bring a spotter if you can, or take the time to walk halfway up the fairway to see where you're driving, because as good as the tee signs are, you won't really know
-All of the holes are similar in length. I would have liked to see a 100 footer mixed in with a 700 footer or two, but this isn't a big deal. It's still a great course
-The desert rocks and vegetation will tear up your plastic. Leave your pro-D and DX discs at home.

Other Thoughts:

This is an excellent course, and if you're anywhere near Moab, I highly recommend stopping by for a round... provided that round is played when it's cool outside! I did lose two discs on this course, and I never lose discs. So you'll have to be careful - but that just means it's a great challenge.
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8 0
ryyedogg
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 47 played 34 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Most professional looking course I have played. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 25, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

Great desert course in the city of Moab that requires some accuracy and a good drive to score well. This is your typical desert course with lots of brush, cacti, and medium sized trees that provide plenty of challenge for most players. The tee pads are nice, concrete slabs that all have a sitting bench and sign behind them with hole pictures and info. Lots of fun shots from hard straight blasts around thick brush, to tight wooded shots though the desert vegetation. Overall, a nice variety of shots are necessary to avoid disaster. The last hole is a fun downhill shot down into the park area.

This was the best marked course I have ever played and it's nearly impossible to get lost. A few holes require some walking in between, but signage will lead you right to the next hole. There is even a note and direction taped to the pole of the basket letting you know where to go.

Cons:

The prickly pear, barrel cacti, and other rugged desert plants are everywhere. Watch carefully for them. The thick brush can be a easy place to lose a disc. Don't forget about snakes and scorpions that could be found here as well.

It's the desert, so bring water and snacks. I'm not sure if there are facilities at the public park.

Other Thoughts:

This is a great course that isn't easy.(my score reflects that) Maybe it's because I had just played Base Camp Adventure and was exhausted. Either way it is a fun course worth checking out, even if you came to the area to play BCA.

Favorite holes: #6, #8, #13, #18
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4 0
ceallworth
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Hot and Dry! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 2, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Best signs at tees I have ever seen, very accurate. Nicely laid out for us visitors to Moab area. Did not lose any discs! Good combination of shot types. Scenic for the most part. Only one other player on the course when we were there. Fun last hole brings you back to parking lot.

Cons:

A few hazards where you need to watch and not fall.

Other Thoughts:

Very nice desert course. I have played others that are just baskets in the sage. This one is much better, and the adjacent park is a great place for barbque!
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