If you're looking for the best public golf courses near Denver, you're in luck — five standout options offer a mix of scenery, playability, and value within about 40 miles of the city.
The top picks are The Golf Club at Bear Dance, Fossil Trace, Red Hawk Ridge, Omni Interlocken, and Arrowhead.
Keep reading for a closer look at what makes each course worth your time.
The Golf Club at Bear Dance – Nature-Focused Precision South of the City
If you're after a golf experience that feels completely removed from the noise of city life, Bear Dance delivers.
Set in a secluded forested area just 40 miles south of Denver, this course offers pure, uninterrupted golf surrounded by mountain air and pine trees — no roads, no houses, just the game.
A Secluded Setting That Prioritizes the Game
One of the defining traits of Bear Dance is what’s not there — no residential development, no highway buzz, no visual clutter.
The course is carved into the foothills near Larkspur and takes full advantage of its mountain setting.
Elevation changes are natural and noticeable, offering scenic backdrops and engaging shot-making opportunities throughout the round.
It’s the kind of place where you can hear your ball land.
This isolation isn’t just aesthetic — it plays into the focus required to score well.
You’re immersed in nature the whole time, which helps you stay locked in.
Course Quality and Difficulty
Bear Dance isn’t just pretty — it’s rated the highest on this list at 94.5, and for good reason.
The fairways are consistently well-kept, with grass conditions that remain firm and fair even through heavy play.
Greens roll fast and true, offering a satisfying level of feedback on well-struck putts.
That said, this course isn’t forgiving.
Precision off the tee is a must, especially on holes with tight tree lines or elevation-shifted fairways.
Approach shots demand smart club selection, and the greens can challenge even experienced putters with subtle breaks and fast speeds.
But the layout never feels unfair — it rewards well-thought-out shots and punishes careless ones without being overly punishing.
On-Course Experience
Pace of play at Bear Dance tends to be smooth, even on busy weekends.
The routing naturally separates groups, and the challenging nature of the course seems to attract players who are there to actually play — not just ride around.
Elevation shifts give you plenty of memorable tee shots, and the scenery provides constant visual payoff throughout the round.
You’ll get views of the Rampart Range from multiple holes, and the quiet atmosphere adds to the focus and calm.
Many returning players cite this “mountain serenity” as one of the biggest reasons they come back.
Costs and Booking Tips
A weekend round will typically cost you around $135, though rates can shift based on demand and time of day.
Tee times go quickly during peak season, especially in late spring and early fall when conditions are ideal.
If you’re eyeing a weekend slot, booking well in advance is a smart move.
Arriving early is highly recommended, and not just to warm up.
The practice facility is one of the better ones in the region — expansive with a large range, chipping areas, and well-maintained putting greens.
You’ll also want to give yourself a moment to take in the views from the clubhouse deck before teeing off.
Fossil Trace Golf Club – Where Golf Meets Geology
Fossil Trace isn’t just a golf course — it’s a visual and historical experience that just happens to come with a full 18 holes.
Located in Golden, only about 15 miles west of Denver, this course blends dramatic terrain, geological wonder, and a layout that invites both risk and creativity.
A Course Built Into History
The most talked-about feature at Fossil Trace is on Hole 12, where you’ll find actual fossilized dinosaur footprints preserved in sandstone.
You can walk right up to them — they’re visible from the tee box and integrated into the hole’s natural surroundings without feeling gimmicky.
This kind of literal prehistoric tie-in is rare anywhere in the world, and it’s one reason Fossil Trace consistently lands on must-play lists.
But the fossils aren’t the only visual draw.
The course is framed by red rock outcroppings, remnants of old mining equipment, and sandstone cliffs that elevate the entire experience.
You feel like you're playing through a living museum — except it plays fast and requires smart shot-making.
Design That Rewards Bold Play
Designed by Jim Engh, Fossil Trace has a layout full of personality.
It uses Golden’s rugged terrain to its advantage, incorporating aggressive elevation shifts and several holes where positioning and decision-making are more important than raw distance.
Players who enjoy shaping shots and taking calculated risks will find plenty of opportunities to do so here.
The layout leans into the natural features — think uphill approaches, dramatic downhill par 3s, and greens that slope in unexpected directions.
Some fairways tighten near the landing zones, adding pressure to club selection, while others tempt you with reachable par 4s or shortcut carries over waste areas.
If you like courses that keep you guessing, this one delivers.
Why It’s So Popular — and How to Get a Tee Time
With a rating of 93.7, Fossil Trace is a clear favorite among Denver-area golfers.
Part of that popularity comes from its uniqueness, but the course conditions and consistent challenge are equally respected.
Fairways are usually in solid shape, and the greens tend to roll true, though they can firm up in summer.
Because it’s so close to downtown and well-known for its setting, tee times can be tough to come by — especially between late May and September.
If you're looking to play during peak hours or weekends, booking a couple of weeks in advance is smart.
Shoulder seasons (early spring and late fall) offer more flexibility, and pricing tends to dip during those times.
Rates generally fall between $90–$120, depending on the season and time of day.
Twilight rounds often bring significant savings, and the softer evening light only adds to the visual appeal — especially if you're hoping to grab some photos.
Play Tips and Added Perks
If you’ve never played here, be prepared to use every club in your bag.
The elevation shifts and angular tee shots require more than just standard yardage play. Bringing a rangefinder that accounts for slope can help.
Also, don’t leave your camera in the car.
Even seasoned locals often pause to snap a photo or two during the round.
The view from behind the green on Hole 1 and the sandstone formations near Hole 15 are especially worth capturing.
Lastly, keep in mind that Fossil Trace is designed to be walkable, but it’s a workout — especially with the uphill stretches.
If you’re not up for the elevation changes on foot, a cart is worth the extra fee.
Red Hawk Ridge – High Value in Castle Rock
For golfers who want scenic mountain golf without the premium price tag, Red Hawk Ridge in Castle Rock strikes an excellent balance.
About 30 miles south of Denver, it offers dramatic terrain, quality conditions, and a layout that rewards strategy — all at one of the best values in the region.
Thoughtful Design Without the High Cost
Designed by Jim Engh, Red Hawk Ridge shares some design DNA with Fossil Trace but comes in at a more approachable price point.
Elevation changes are still a central part of the experience, and the routing makes good use of the natural ridgelines and valleys around Castle Rock.
Long views of the Front Range give several holes a dramatic feel, especially on clear days.
Despite the lower green fee, the quality of play doesn’t drop.
The course feels polished and complete, with visually interesting hole designs that test your decision-making without being overly punishing.
It’s a course you can walk off feeling challenged but not beaten up.
Strong Ratings Backed by Playability
Red Hawk Ridge carries a 92.0 rating — a strong score that reflects its ability to deliver a full golf experience at a more modest cost.
The fairways are generally firm, allowing for extra rollout on well-struck tee shots.
Greens are quick but fair, offering reliable speeds throughout the round.
The layout also encourages creativity.
Players who can shape shots left or right will find opportunities to take better lines and cut corners, while those who struggle with uneven lies will get a healthy dose of practice — the natural slopes don’t always offer a flat stance.
That said, the course is fair to mid-handicap players as long as you stay realistic with club selection and avoid chasing high-risk lines.
When to Play and How to Book
Peak-season rounds usually run $80 to $95, making Red Hawk Ridge one of the top-performing courses under $100 near Denver.
The club uses dynamic pricing, so early morning and late afternoon tee times can sometimes be grabbed at a discount, especially if you’re booking outside of weekends.
Afternoon rounds come with a bonus: less crowded conditions and better light.
The way the sun drops across the ridgelines in the later hours makes for some beautiful visuals, especially on back-nine holes that run westward.
If your schedule’s flexible, those late-day rounds can feel like a hidden gem.
Omni Interlocken Resort Golf Club – Versatility Meets Resort Comfort
If you're looking for a public golf course that combines quality play with resort-level perks, Omni Interlocken is one of the few in the Denver area that checks every box.
Just 20 miles northwest in Broomfield, it’s close enough for a day trip but offers enough amenities to justify a weekend stay.
A Layout That Keeps Things Fresh
What sets Omni Interlocken apart from others on this list is its 27-hole configuration, split across three distinct 9-hole tracks.
This setup gives you flexibility to mix and match combinations, which is ideal for players who enjoy variety or are staying multiple days.
The routing changes the character of each round, whether you're playing the Vista, Sunshine, or Eldorado loops.
Each nine offers a different challenge — one might emphasize length and elevation, while another focuses more on approach angles and short-game finesse.
The variety prevents the layout from feeling repetitive and adds more interest for groups looking to play more than once during a visit.
Premium Ambiance Without the Exclusivity
Omni Interlocken leans into the resort experience, but it remains fully open to the public.
Expect elevated tee boxes, sweeping views, and high-end service from bag drop to clubhouse.
While not overly flashy, the ambiance is polished — clean carts, attentive staff, and a well-stocked pro shop all contribute to a smooth experience from start to finish.
That polished feel extends onto the course. Greens are fast and usually roll true, but they can get slick in dry weather, so you’ll want to dial in speed control early.
The rough is no afterthought — it can get thick enough to make recovery shots difficult, especially if you’re off the fairway by more than a few yards.
Precision off the tee can save you strokes quickly.
What to Expect for Pricing and Access
Standard rates typically start around $120 and up, depending on time of day, season, and how many holes you're playing.
While that puts it in the higher range of public options near Denver, the added comfort and course variety help justify the price.
Practice facilities are among the best in the area — great for warming up thoroughly or just spending time between rounds if you’re staying on site.
One of the smartest ways to get value here is through a stay-and-play package.
These deals usually include preferred tee time access, discounted rates on lodging, and sometimes extras like range balls or food credits.
For groups or weekend golf getaways, these packages can actually make Omni Interlocken more cost-effective than playing multiple rounds elsewhere.
Arrowhead Golf Course – Red Rocks and Wildlife Just Outside Denver
If jaw-dropping scenery is part of what you look for in a round of golf, Arrowhead Golf Course in Littleton should be high on your list.
About 25 miles southwest of Denver, this course winds through dramatic red rock formations that create a setting unlike any other in the area — or even the country.
A Visual Experience You’ll Remember
The defining feature of Arrowhead is the towering sandstone formations that rise alongside and often into the fairways.
These red rock spires frame nearly every hole, creating a cinematic quality that makes the course feel more like a national park than a public facility.
While the layout is shorter compared to others on this list, the scenery alone makes each round feel substantial.
Photographers and casual golfers alike tend to pause mid-round just to take in the views.
The morning light in particular casts a soft glow over the rock faces — a detail that’s not just aesthetic, but useful if you’re hoping for clear visuals and better depth perception on approach shots.
It’s one of the rare courses where you’ll want to have your phone (or camera) out almost as much as your clubs.
Control Over Power
While Arrowhead’s yardage may not intimidate long hitters, its layout demands precision.
Narrow corridors between rock walls, strategically placed bunkers, and elevation changes require a steady hand and smart club selection.
This isn’t a grip-it-and-rip-it course — you’ll need to work the ball into position, especially on the tighter par 4s where the penalty for being offline can be steep.
The course favors players who are comfortable dialing back their driver and playing for position.
Sloping fairways and small targets around the greens put pressure on your short game, so having touch from 100 yards in will go a long way.
Playing Conditions and On-Course Experience
Arrowhead is consistently well maintained.
Fairways are clean and firm, and the greens tend to run quick but true.
You’ll encounter a few tricky pin placements due to the contours created by the natural terrain, but overall, it’s a fair test.
That said, conditions shift slightly depending on time of day.
Mornings are typically calm and cool, while afternoons bring stronger winds that can dramatically change club selection — particularly on elevated holes.
One charming bonus: wildlife sightings are common.
Deer, foxes, and the occasional wild turkey often share the landscape, adding to the sense of isolation and natural beauty.
It’s not uncommon to see a group of deer lounging near the fairway or watching from the edges of the red rock outcrops.
Cost, Timing, and How to Make the Most of It
Green fees range from $110 to $135, depending on time of year and time of day.
Summer weekends hit the high end of that range, so if you're hoping to save a little or avoid crowds, consider a weekday morning or late-season round.
Early tee times not only come with lower wind but also provide the best lighting for photography — something worth planning for if you're visiting for the first time.
Reservations should be made well ahead of your preferred date, especially during peak summer months when tee sheets fill quickly.
Conclusion
Each of these five courses near Denver offers a unique blend of scenery, layout, and overall experience.
Whether you're after mountain seclusion, geological wonders, or resort-level comfort, there's a course on this list that fits.
Choose based on what kind of round you want — and book early to get the best tee times.
