Red Feather Lakes, CO

Sundance Trail Ranch DGC

Permanent course
3.835(based on 23 reviews)
Filter course reviews

Filter reviews

Filter reviews

Sundance Trail Ranch DGC reviews

Filter
3 2
Timythe
Experience: 31.6 years 6 played 5 reviews
4.00 star(s)

An Everything Bagel 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 2, 2019 Played the course:once

Pros:

Beautiful scenic course on dude ranch. Had course to ourselves all afternoon. Very technical, especially mid 7 holes nestled amongst the rocks.

Cons:

Be mindful of the wetlands hidden under grass around lake. Watch out for horse dung.
Beginners beware.

Other Thoughts:

This is a 21 hole course not 18.
Bring your A game and an extra pair of socks.
T. '[ '
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 0
Mushin No Shin
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 19.1 years 1192 played 67 reviews
4.00 star(s)

SunDancing 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Sep 4, 2017 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

The Baskets ARE there!
Red Feather Lakes area is Gorgeous

Perfect mix of hole types:
Tunnel shot thru rows of Pines
Shots thru Pines from Boulder Pads to Baskets on Boulder Croppings, using elevation
Huge uphill Huk to Basket on top of Boulders
Top of the World Shot
500ft hole with Basket guarded by Pines and Boulders
Technical shot shaping thru tight Pines
Shaping bigger shots onto Greens with guarded Baskets
Water hazard behind Green
True Par 4 Hole #16
More crazy elevation thru Pine and Boulders, up and then down
Air out shot with drop off ledge along fairway and beside basket
Last 2 holes are huge shots that could be birdie opportunities or could also become 4s

The first time I came thru here, 1 and 16 were the two weakest holes, IMO.
1 seemed like a filler hole, to get from the lot to the "good stuff". It's a pretty long tunnel shot, 400ft, with big ole pines on the left and younger 15-25ft Pines on the right. I underestimated how easily a bogey can happen here. It's a solid challenge and a good tough first hole :)
16 has been redesigned and is now the toughest 3 to get. The only true par 4.

Cons:

Beehive in the Root Stump in the middle of 3s fairway. Make sure your Towel doesn't catch some Bees, and make them wanna get all stingy (I should have told myself)

In my perfect World...
18 disappoints me. I want the Tee to be after 17s Basket, and up on the next shelf! Then have the basket up on the Boulders in front of where it is now. This hole could be a Beast! It plays as a Mid-Thumber for an easy bird, the way it's setup now.

Other Thoughts:

I'm indifferent to Natural Pads. These were all good the two times I've been here, in Sept and Oct.

Also indifferent to Manure. Didn't effect my fun.

14s basket is to the Right, inside the group of Pines... not the one straight out unguarded (that was 12s)

Bark Beetle has impacted this part of the Country. So there's that going on with the Pines and course maintenance.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
3 0
JohnPSI
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 27.2 years 93 played 19 reviews
3.50 star(s)

So good, yet.. 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 19, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

My perspective is one of a disc golfer coming up from Denver for a day in the mountains with some great disc golf. This trip delivered! This course forced me to pull out every shot and every disc in my bag. If your game has any hole in it, its going to show. Plenty of tight technical shots, long bombers of every type, tunnel shots, placement shots, and even a water hazard. The elevation and sheer length will challenge you physically. There were a lot of memorable holes, including 5, 8, 17, 18, You will not be short of challenges, views, and memories on this course.

Cons:

This course is frustrating for a few reasons. With a picture of the map, I was able to find one's tee area. Once there... where do I throw? The lack of signage is one thing, but the baskets were often times painted dark blue. Some baskets had the benefit of flags, but the majority did not. A lot of extra hiking to find the basket could have been avoided; something as simple as streamers could drastically help visibility. In mid to late June, there were some marshy areas that were tricky, but not impassable. Some holes had absolutely no discernible line through the trees, making them "throw and pray" affairs. Cell service was spotty here, which could be a plus too. Not beginner friendly, leave the casuals at the lodge, there's plenty for them to do too! Natural tees were ok when I played, but could be slogfests during spring melt off. No practice basket

Other Thoughts:

Though this was a very tough course, I had a great time playing it, and since it was sparsely populated, I often times threw multiple tee shots just for fun. Even the drive up from Denver was scenic. I thought it presented a great value for the money. I ended up starting on hole 16, and I recommend it. You get the heavy climbing out of the way early while your legs are still fresh, working up to the technical shots 2-6, peaking on the cliff bomber 8, from there working mostly downhill from there to a fine finishing hole in 15, right by the water. Anyway, this is a excellent course that, with a few improvements, could be right up there with the best of them!
Was this review helpful? Yes No
8 0
PaddyBudz
Experience: 3 played 3 reviews
4.50 star(s)

21 unique holes in the rocky mountains 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 4, 2017 Played the course:once

Pros:

Every type of shot you could ever hope for. Long bombers through open fields, top of the world shots (long and short), uphill shorty, uphill long. You get the idea. It has everything and it doesn't repeat itself. The first few holes play around trees and rocks, and are quite technical with varying in elevation and tight (but forgiving) lines. Then the course opens up for you to break out the wide rim drivers and rip some long shots (good long par 3 maybe 4) before getting a little technical in the trees. Before going back up into the hills for the last few holes you play a very long uphill hole so you get a chance to grip it and rip it before putting the drivers away until the last hole. The last holes in the hills are a long tight uphill hole and a shot top of the world bomber. Not a bad way to finish playing in the trees. The last two holes before the end are a dog leg right and left making you think "should I try and go over the trees for two or take the safe three". Lastly the last hole is an across the valley shot that you are going to want to throw a couple shots on.

There is a new liquor store on site so you can get beverages to take with you.

I saw maybe 2 other groups out there all day, so you can take your time and enjoy your round.

The course is $3/rd or $5/day which is also a great deal for such an amazing course.

Cons:

-Slash piles: When I played a few of the slash piles got in the way causing me to hunt for a disc, (#5, and #18) so you might want to put a spotter down range if you have one

-Lack of signage: There really isn't any signage to the next hole, and while the map at the front is accurate and the course flows pretty well there were a few times I got lost. Also some of the baskets are blind shots so it might be helpful to have an arrow pointing to it. There is an abundance of slash piles use some of the wood to make some signage.

-No marked distances: The holes aren't marked for distance so you don't really know what to throw on some of the in between holes.

-Some Baskets play close to each other: 3 times I found myself throwing into the wrong basket because of some of the proximity of the baskets to each other, this more than likely would've been rectified with looking at the map or just playing the course more

Other Thoughts:

I've played a lot of public, private, and seasonal courses in this state and this is by far and away one of the best. I don't think I stopped smiling the whole time.


This is a course on an active ranch, along with a disc golf bed and breakfast, so there are options for trail rides (with horses) where you can play a round and someone else in your family can go on a trail ride. The trail rides also came with vouchers for a round at a later date. There are also on site cabins that you can stay in so you can play this course, go on a trail ride, then come back later and play some more.

I'm sure someone is going to compain about dirt teepads, however this is the Rockies not a flat park where you can bring in a cement truck. It is costly, not environmentally friendly, and a overall pain to pour pads in the mountains, so while some may see this as a con I just see it as it is part of playing in the mountains.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
1 2
SpearfishDGA
Experience: 11.8 years 2 played 2 reviews
3.50 star(s)

High Altitude Attitude 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 30, 2015 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Good mix of shots, scenery, site of the grateful disc tournament.

Cons:

Few places to sit, can be very muddy/wet in certain seasons.

Other Thoughts:

Very fun course, very nice people that run the dude ranch. I had a very good time although I certainly was feeling the altitude. There were small streams running all through the course this was due to the fact that I was there when the snow melt was at it height. I definitely recommend this course over beaver meadows for shot variety ease of navigation and overall maintenance of the course.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
3 3
bcos4life
Experience: 11.9 years 77 played 23 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Decent, but not great 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 7, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

Has good tunnel shots. The level change is phenomenal... rarely does the elevation stay the same. Good mix of long and short shots. And when you have a short shot, you have a tiny alley to nail for a good run. The guy running it couldn't be nicer. Good people up there.

Cons:

Terrain is pretty rough, and the hike between holes doesn't help much. The map isn't very accurate, and signage is pointless now. The temp baskets are solid, but not as nice as the pictures here. The measurements are super inaccurate. I calculated that each hole is at least 50-100 feet off of it's listed length.

Other Thoughts:

I try to find the positive about every course, and this one had some... but when I drive that far and pay to play, I expect a lot more than what I got.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 0
mndiscg
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15.8 years 480 played 478 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Better of Two RFL Courses 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 29, 2014 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

-Like Beaver Meadows, this course is based in the foothills/mountains of the Northern Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. The land is absolutely gorgeous and there are plenty of views.
-Much better signage and navigation than BM. I would still recommend printing the map at home because they might be out when you get there. Most holes had signs with numbers and the baskets were numbered. The scorecard/map has more info. There are also a lot less blind tee shots than BM so that helps navigation as well as a better basket to next tee flow.
-There are a few ace runs here, nothing super easy but many holes within striking distance for most players.
-Great use of the abundant elevation. Hills just make courses more fun.
-A solid mix of hole distance and shot variety. There are some holes in the mid-100s and a few in the 500s and even 600 I think. There were some sweet bomber holes with cool views and some fairly tight lines through the conifers. The course didn't seem to favor a certain throwing style over another and was overall very fair. There was one water hole but I didn't feel like the carry was as precarious as a few of the throws at BM. You can also work your way around the edge of the water.
-Some cool and unique pin positions among rocks and on slopes. Can make for some fun and interesting putts.

Cons:

-Natural tees. They were kind of muddy at this time of the year (late March) and look like they could be uneven and rutted when they dry out later in the season.
-Not a beginner course. There are some short holes but the few that are 400+ and feature elevation are pretty difficult. There is one water hazard to be wary of that could eat a disc.
-Pay to play. This is a course that isn't going to see a lot of traffic regardless of its fees due to its remote location. I think the pay to play just makes the ranch a few more bucks but isn't put back into the course often. A few more dollars spent on this course could definitely up the quality.
-This is a ranch so you have to be aware of other users and be ok with possibly landing in horse poo a time or two. Most of it is pretty dry and it isn't a big deal but it is there.
-Be careful with the weather up in the mountains.

Other Thoughts:

-This is a course that I would return to. I think it would be even more fun if I had waited to play it in warmer weather when all of the snow was gone. I am moving a lot farther away from this course soon and had to play it at this time.
-There is a lot to do here including just relaxing at this awesome, peaceful and serene ranch. If you bring others here and they just want to relax or explore the property, that would give you time to get in a round.
-There is food on site as well as lodging if you want to make a vacation out of this destination. The disc golf is pretty good but I wouldn't make it the only reason to come out here.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
1 1
fantomhockey
Experience: 18.1 years 69 played 4 reviews
4.00 star(s)

One Hard Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 4, 2013 Played the course:once

Pros:

This course really does have it all. Technical short shots, technical long shots, open raw power shots...and hole 10. Hole 10 is absolutely in my top 3 favorite holes of all time. 10 is a shorter hole played up the side of a rocky hill. The basket leaves no margin for error, play too long or too far left and you're down a 20' vertical drop. The views from the basket, looking over the entire ranch, make the whole trip worth it.

As for scheduling the round; they're pretty relaxed and don't seem to require scheduling a tee time. Your 3 dollars for the round (or 5 for the day) also include juice and some cookies! The ranch seems like a great place for a mini stay-cation as well, tons of other activities available.

Cons:

The drive is long, even from north FoCo. It is a very pretty drive though, counts for something.

Being a ranch, the many horses seem to either be ridden or wander over the entire grounds. Poo is everywhere but that's not really the problem. Sure, there is some smell, but the real problem is the horse and deer flies it attracts. They can get very annoying and don't seem to mind DEET at all.

My biggest grievance was the walk back to the lodge (and car) from 18. Next time I may try to leave the car near the end of the course and make the walk at the beginning when I'm fresh.

Other Thoughts:

This is a long, fairly difficult course. If you're playing with beginners or someone who doesn't have a long arm offer plenty of moral support, they'll most likely need it. They had also run out of score cards (which have the course map on the back) when we played and although we played without it, a map would have been very useful and appreciated. Worth the time to print one off before heading to the course just to ensure you have one in hand.

Visit the Cache La Poudre course in Laporte if your headed south after finishing the course. CLP is a great confidence booster after a difficult 18 at Sundance Trail Ranch.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
1 5
NoahPeterson
Experience: 12.3 years 58 played 7 reviews
4.50 star(s)

9/6/12 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 5, 2012 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

This is the epitome of what a course should be. Superb layout (although on 9 you can confuse that with basket 13, just go UP the hill), baskets are covered in obstacles (trapped by rocks on hole 3). A few long shots (it could use a few more more), some fun short shots, lots of woods, some open spaces, up and down the hill and fun! Primitive tees, baskets have flags on them, This course is too much fun. Easy? No, Very difficult? No. Playable and fun for all levels: absolutely.

Cons:

I shot very, very badly. Both games.

Other Thoughts:

more course reviews posted in the Active Players social group.

Was this review helpful? Yes No
2 0
tbsox
Experience: 17.8 years 40 played 17 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Lots of Fun 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 6, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

The Course offers a lot of variety. The first 7 holes are tight and wooded with a more technical approach. 8 plays over the lake (its the only water hole). 10 through 14 are up and down mountain holes. 10 has a fantastic view on its summit. One of the most visually fantastic holes I've ever played. The final few holes are back to the more wooded variety. There are a few shorter holes and a few epic throws.

I am also a fan of the local hole sponsors. The signs were great (a few were damaged by the elements). It made the course more clear to play. The people at the lodge were also very nice and offered a nice map with a scorecard on it. They were also dog friendly for well mannered dogs.

The WOW factor for the course is definitely hole 10. Great view.

Cons:

Hole 9. Its a big massive hole that is designed to get the players across the valley to the hill where the second section of the course is. It is so far away that It feels like its the next holes pin. My feeling on the hole is that getting a 19th hole in that space would be preferable. It has a few obstacles to use for 2 holes and easily enough space. Holes 16 through 18 are a bit redundant. They are a collection of more technical shots that largely use the same space.

Other Thoughts:

I am definitely going to be playing this course again. It was a great time and a good play. The 3 dollars to play was well worth it. Red Feather is a fun area in general and if nothing else was a fun day trip. It is by no means a quick drive up here even from Fort Collins but it was a good very pretty drive.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
1 10
StimpiSteve
Experience: 165 played 11 reviews
1.00 star(s)

Pay to be frustrated. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 7, 2012 Played the course:once

Pros:

Beautiful area for disc golf. You can tell it's a work in progress, and they seem to be improving things with tee signs that give you a picture of the hole, and a yellow line demonstrating where you should throw. Unfortunately, many signs were missing.

Cons:

Tee signs aside, you had to walk many fairways to get a look at the basket. Many holes seemed "dumb". Next tees were sometimes hard to find. For a "pay to play" course it isn't worth the money for someone that doesn't already know the course. I prefer to play a course as intended, but that involves accurate maps and signage. Courses where you wander around to find tees and baskets are very frustrating.

Other Thoughts:

A course that takes money in should spend some on making the course playable for first-timers, not just depend on the locals to be the only players. I won't be back.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
0 5
Kuiky
Experience: 13.9 years 15 played 5 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Dude Ranch 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 28, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

Beautiful setting in the mountains. Very technical course and a wide variety of holes! Short throws, long throws, uphill, downhill, across water, holes for forearm and sideshot throwers. A great course to hike and enjoy the scenery and excercise. The people at the Ranch are very friendly and hospitable.

Cons:

This is on a Ranch so I know this is part of the experience, however there was almost too much manure. Bring a dirty towel to clean ur discs off!

Other Thoughts:

Beautiful course! I would definately play again. We drove 2 hrs to play this course, well worth the experience. I will be back!
Was this review helpful? Yes No
8 1
14erDisc
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 14.1 years 40 played 40 reviews
3.50 star(s)

A different style mountain course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 28, 2011 Played the course:once

Pros:

This is a beautiful Colorado Mountain course. However, it is not your typical Colorado mountain course in the fact that there are many open fairways & pastures which you encounter. Having said that, this course still ranks up with the toughness of CO mountain courses. Expect to throw most (but perhaps not every) throws in your bag. There are some short and very tight holes weaving through the trees(2, 15, 17), and there are 600 foot bombers starting in a pasture and ending up in the woods(8,9). Hole 8 is a 550 foot bomber that finds a large body of water fairly unavoidable. The pins are all well marked and most have a 4 foot tall flag on top so they can be seen from almost all of the tees. There are still a few blind shots... I did not scout them out and I certainly paid the price for that. The signs at all of the holes do a decent job of showing you the style of throw you want... but these seem to never match up with my view of where the basket actually is. That being said, every hole has a sign. Hole 11 is one of my favorite holes of all time, and I have played many a mountain course. 11 is a downhill hyzer that hooks through an extremely tight corridor. It is an awesomely hard shot... but the perfect throw could easily yield an ace. I couldn't help but tee off 4 or 5 times on this hole. The course is certainly a good mixture of various aspects of your game. Short and long uphills, long bombs, all requiring a fair amount of precision and accuracy.
Here you get a scorecard and a map... the map will end up being necessary. The map is certainly a nice feature to have. While this is not an essential feature, the baskets are all painted a cool blue around the rim and have the Colorado flag on them. This adds to the character of the course... I certainly enjoyed it.

Cons:

The course was not all that inspirational and a few holes looked like they took little thought to design. This is a pay to play course. Normally, I do not mind a pay to play environment because you can tell the money goes back into the course. Here this is not the case. The course looks like it does not get tons of maintenance. While amazing and beautiful, the course is not up to par with every other pay-to-play course I have been to in terms of overall shot layout, thought, and maintenance. This being a "ranch" for vacationers to stay at, it seems like my pay-to-play is going to something else. Another issue is that while you do have a map, it is possible to get a tad lost. For the most part the map keeps you in check, but make sure to always look at it before you wander to "the next hole". You also end up a decent amount away from hole 1 and your car, which is not a big deal to me, but some view this as a hassle.

Other Thoughts:

This is a very unique Colorado Mountain course. If you're into the hiking style courses it is certainly worth checking out, and will test a good amount of your disc repertoire. Be prepared for a few blind shots, some awesome tight corridors, some cool Colorado baskets, and maybe a bit of getting lost. Hard course, and was certainly loads of fun. Benches at many of the holes as well.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
4 1
GDisc
Experience: 15.9 years 61 played 34 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Top 3 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 7, 2009 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Absolute Beautiful course. This course has a great mix of Long, Mid and short Holes with Open and Wooded shots. Rock Formations are beautiful and play into course. Basket 3 sits back behind a few large Boulders with a thick grove of trees that divides the fairway and there is a fence marking OB off to left. Scenery here is unbeatable especially on Hole 10. Plenty of Holes have Benches.

Cons:

Tee pads are all natural and not in the best shape but this is a mountain course and I have yet to see anything other than natural tee pads,at a mountain course, so it's not like I was expecting anything better. Course could have a little better signage but map is good so not to much of an issue. I really don't have any true complaints about this one.

Other Thoughts:

I highly recommend this course to anyone and everyone in the area. It is absolutely beautiful. You will need your whole bag here due to the technicallity and length of Holes. There is lunch provided for anyone interested at a very reasonalbe price. Can't beat a little Home Cooking! There is a $3 charge to play but you get a ScoreCard with a map and it is well worth it.This course is in my Top 3 courses played and Hole 10 is my favorite Hole on any Course that I have ever played! If you get a chance to check this one out I'd jump at the opportunity. Awesome Course!
Was this review helpful? Yes No
5 1
TalbotTrojan
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15.6 years 112 played 104 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Watch Your Lines 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 13, 2009 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

This is a great mountain course that provides a great deal of challenge. There is a great variety of length and a good mix of open and tight holes. Despite what some in the past of said every hole offers a good challenge both physically and mentally, and yes there is a line to take on every hole and often multiple lines on the holes that seem to have none. This sits in a little valley that is part of a ranch in the Colorado high country and is just a beautiful piece of land. The folks that run the ranch are extremely friendly. They will call you in you loose a disc there that is later found so be sure to have your name on your disc. Many land features that are unique in the area are used well and it seems as though the layout was designed to really maximize a few of these great features. The baskets had some of the stickiest chains that I have yet seen and were all well marked with flags.

Cons:

One of my biggest cons in everything is the cost of playing and this is a pay to play course, but one that is well worth it if you are in the area. Otherwise I would say that the tee pads, though they have recently been improved left some to be desired. The tee signs are nothing more than stumps with numbers on them (that is unless they leave the signs from the CSDGC's). I think that the layout might be a little confusing as it is not always clear where the next hole might be, though there usually are worn paths. The baskets all have portable bases though I do not think they move them all that often if at all.

Other Thoughts:

I really enjoyed my expereince at this course but realize that it is not a course for just anyone. There are some nice long holes that some may take bunches of strokes to even get to the basket. The shorter holes are usually very technical and you will take several shots to get to the basket if you do not hit the right line. Because of this I would not reccomend this course for newbies. It really is a wonderful hike though the mountains but that also means it is at some elevation so play accordingly with water and for the low landers out there bring even more water. Make sure that you do call in advance for a tee time as the people here were very accomodating to me while I was there. Respect their land and pack out what you bring in. With some minor improvements this could be one of the best courses out there but at the same time I do not think that is a priority.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
3 5
ddevine
Experience: 45 years 133 played 39 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Nice High Country Setting 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 29, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Great setting, with some cute pin positions amongst the rocks. Technically challenging, requiring power and finesse. Holes 8,9,10 are a great combination of smart play, raw power and high country terrain. Hole 11 is a cute downhiller. Plenty of trees that require well executed shots.

Cons:

Technical, but not particularly inspiring. The pond only comes into play on one hole. The layout does not loop around, with hole 18 finishing a good ways away from the start.

Other Thoughts:

This is a personal matter, but I look for the "Wow" factor when I walk up to a tee, especially in the beautiful high country of Colorado. Most of the holes did not measure up to the setting.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
5 0
colodiscgolfer
Experience: 28.8 years 21 played 7 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Great Mountain Course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 15, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Great atmosphere with very friendly people. Loved the Experience as a whole, and will be returning to play again. The owners, Dan and Ellen, are very friendly folks who want nothing more than to show you a good time. We had lunch there before our round, and had some delicious tacos that Ellen made. $20 for lunch and a round for 2 people, this is a heck of a bargain. Many very tricky holes, with creative pin placements. Holes 3, 10, and 12 are all nestled in intricate rock formations, and were just a joy to play. Three world class holes! Good mix of long and short holes, with enough open space on the long holes to really let 'er rip. The map given at the ranch house was very accurate, and made the course easy to follow. If you get the joy of seeing Jack (the dog) and Spot (the cat) play together, you'll know just the kind of place you've come to... fun for all.

Cons:

Signage non-existent, but the map gives you all the info you need. I don't get the logic behind hole 17 which is through VERY tight trees, there's no fairway whatsoever, and you really just have to throw and pray (got par here with a roller upshot, but will be the first to say it was luck and not skill). The only other hole I didn't like was 5 which is basically a boring 411ft hole in a big flat open field, almost hit an ace clanging off both top and bottom metal, but still it was jut rather bland. I guess it is a hole that just is intended to cover the distance between the more interesting areas. The tee pads could use some more attention and an upgrade, but were adequate.

Other Thoughts:

Really looking forward to playing this course again. Got to see a bunch of different lines once at the pin that weren't really visible from the tee pad, so I know I can improve greatly on my score (hole 3 has a big anhyzer line over the trees I didn't even realize was there from tee, but that's the only tip you're getting from me). Put my drive into the drink on hole 8, about 2 ft from the shore of pond closest to the pin. I am sure it would have made it if I didn't catch a big headwind gust in midflight. Water was too murky for a recovery. Cool pin placement to tempt those with big arms to try the shot over the pond, and punish them if they don't succeed. Still going to go for it next time, even though it has already claimed one of my go-to drivers. Really enjoyed this course, and will be making the trip back out there sometime within the next month. Can't really list this as a pro or con, but the catching area of the baskets are a bit smaller than most because the bottom basket is deeper than most. Baskets are more sensitive than most to being off left or right, and can spit your disc out if you don't hit it perfectly in the center. I didn't have problems in round, because I noticed this while warming up prior to my round. Something good to know ahead of time though...
Was this review helpful? Yes No
5 0
superberry
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 25.9 years 336 played 95 reviews
4.00 star(s)

It has it, but just not all of it 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 31, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

The setting, terrain, and scenery are amazing. There are discatchers here. The course offers water, elevation, woods, open fields, bombers and technical wooded cooridors. The dude ranch now sells ice cold 6 packs and will give you a bucket and ice for your bevs, along with a bottle opener. It was 930am when we played it, but we had to partake. The owner is VERY friendly, accomodating, and talkative. Some really amazing rock formations are used to create memorable and tricky putts or upshots. Hole 14 is very beautiful and an amazing throw if you can pull it off, it plays across a valley from an elevated tee to an elevated pin, still hidden behind trees. Hole 10 is an awesome uphill throw to a basket on the edge of a rock face. I took quite a few pictures here I plan to upload later.

Cons:

While this course was really great, I still had the feeling the entire time that something was lacking. I think it suffers from being privately owned, and taking a backseat to the main attraction which is the horseback riding dude ranch. When you get a bunch or dude ranch city slickers playing your course all the time, you'll never get any constructive feedback on how to improve, maintain, and upkeep your course. I personally like groomed courses and I think if the meadow holes were mowed and better maintained, the experience would be even more amazing. If little extras like nicely laid out pathways, wood chipped greens, more stone for longer more level tees, and a little more manicuring would easily push this course to a 4.5 or 5. But of course it would, then it would be a disc golf ranch, and not just disc golfing at a dude ranch. The course map is pretty poor, and more than a few directions and distances seem to be off. Tee signs are nonexistent and would be that final excellent touch which could take this course over the edge!

Other Thoughts:

I struggled and wanted to rate this a 3 or 3.5 when I first played it. I get this impression from my colorado discin vacation that disc golf courses are afterthoughts. While the extreme and beautiful terrain is more than appealing to a disc golfer and designer, it seems as though the designs are crammed into an area not primarily for disc golf, and disc golf is underutilized so all the upkeep and maintenance suffers. This design was very well done, although I would have changed many things, I can't really complain. A little more upkeep and dedication and this course would be amazing, no doubt at all. While it is remotely located, it was worth it, I wish I would have played Beaver Meadows also because that combination would probably made my experience better. So, even after driving overnight 18 hours and being dead tired while playing this course, I liked it. I wish I would have brought ligther more understable discs on the trip. My WI course is 650' above sea level, this one is 8000'. Disc do NOT turn like they should, and they all fade REAL hard. It was TOUGH throwing in the lighter air and I had to hugely overcompensate my throws which deadened my scores.

You'll have a BEAUTY of a course if you put a little more upkeep into the course, add some crushed stone for larger and more level tees, and make up some nice tee signs (I did mine for Winter Park in Kewaunee WI simply with MS Paint, printed them out, and laminated them).
Was this review helpful? Yes No
2 4
CBass
Experience: 19.2 years 142 played 27 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Love it! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 19, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Very scenic and challenging course that will test all of your skills. The staff is very welcoming and helpful. This course is on a dude ranch and casual traffic is almost none but you will need to yield to the horses. Maps are provided and lead you along your way through the woods and meadows. This course makes for an excellent weekend of disc getaway with camping nearby. Many holes have a definite line you would want to hit with many obstacles to avoid in the process. My favorite hole is #14 where you must carry over a ravine at least 350-375 to be sitting decently on the other side. In the middle is a marshy, muddy, bushy mess.

Cons:

A little bit out of the way, just below Red Feather Lakes but the drive is very scenic. Tee pads are natural and a little rough, but I have seen much worse. Watch out for hikers and horseback riders, not a real big deal since they move through swiftly. Hard to find a lot of cons. If you don't like hiking or shooting through the woods this may not be your cup of tea. Cell phones don't work too well here, but this is actually a positive in my book. Wildlife must always be considered when playing in their backyard. There were reports of bears, as there always are in Red Feather, but I've never seen one there.

Other Thoughts:

An absolute blast! Stay for a day, or a weekend, it will never be long enough.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
10 0
srm_520
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 20 years 156 played 142 reviews
4.50 star(s)

A Must Experience for any Golfer 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jun 26, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Obviously the biggest pro of a mountain course is the elevation and terrain. Sundance Trail hole #10 is the ultimate example of this: a short hole that plays up as far as it plays long, with the pin nestled in the rock face at the crest giving the player stunning views overlooking the ranch and mountainous peaks. It's simply beautiful.

Holes are diverse in their length, foliage levels, elevation changes, and layouts. Latter holes play extremely tight through the thin lodge pole pine; while other holes like #9 and #14 let long players air it out in a wide expanse of land.

One other major pro of this course is the people. They were friendly ranch folk who took the time to make sure we were set and ready to play. My friend asked for some water, and they simply gave him a thermos and said keep it. "Need to borrow a disc? No problem, the selection is limited but there are some along the wall you're more than welcome to use for the day. Don't forget the color map and scorecard before you go out, and if you need anything else, we'll be out watering the horses." I love it.

BEST HOLE/S: #10; #11

Cons:

Being a privately owned course, there are the typical issues that I take with a grain of salt. First, some holes are bit thick. Even with that authentic mountain feel, technical holes like 15 and 17 are more luck than skill which can be bothersome to some people.

The course is pay to play, but you can play a round for three dollars or decide to stay all day for five.

Another issue are the tee boxes. I understand gravel and dirt tee boxes in the mountains - they make sense and seem right in the environment, but many are very unlevel and awkward. Again, being privately owned, tree clearing and tee maintenance can fall by the wayside, but is a small knock on the overall course quality.

One final issue may be that it's located so far away, so that may turn off some people, but I think many would agree that a good escape to the mountains is always worth a good drive.

WORST HOLE/S: #6

Other Thoughts:

Sundance Meadows was a serene and inspiring disc golf experience for me. Being able to play here with the friend who first took me out disc golfing over a decade ago was icing of the cake. Heck, even writing this review has been unusually difficult since courses like these sometimes can't ever be adequately reviewed - they just need to be experienced.

Even though I believe this course rates slightly higher than Beaver Meadows DGC just a few miles up the road, the combo still makes a solid one-two punch and a must destination for any avid disc golfer. Sure, each course has some technical issues that can drop a rating a bit, but that's been typical in every private course I have played. What may set these mountain courses apart is the fact that you can travel up here, play a round, and find a peace which is rarely be attained in everyday life. Experience it, enjoy it, and hope others can come and do the same.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Top