Ask local players about their favorite disc golf courses, and they’ll likely mention layouts well outside of the Mile High City. Although the Denver metro area boasts many free, beginner-friendly disc golf courses, more experienced players often venture away from the city to find challenges like more trees, longer holes, and greater variety in terrain—and, of course, the gorgeous mountain scenery Colorado is known for. The following 10 courses (some public, some private) are destinations worth making the drive to play.

Snowmass
Many of the state’s ski resorts throw baskets up on their mountainsides in the summers, and while they aren’t always the most technically interesting courses, there’s nothing more Colorado than riding a gondola to a tee pad perched at 10,000-plus feet. Snowmass’ 18-hole Aerial Approach, added to the Lost Forest adventure area in 2018, is a snowcap-vista-filled paragon. (For more of a challenge, add on Aspen Mountain’s 18 holes; at 11,200 feet, the 27-year-old course is among the highest in the world.) Free to play; $33 for a single gondola ride

Bailey
This gorgeous, sprawling, 21-hole mountain course within the Bailey Outdoor Education and Recreation Area is a locals’ darling thanks to massive downhill tee shot opportunities and a balanced mix of woods and meadow. The property, owned by the Platte Canyon School District, hosted Colorado’s first Disc Golf Pro Tour event in June. $5 per round

Bailey
To get a tee time and gate code for Bear Mountain—which edged out Beaver Ranch and Bailey to be named UDisc’s best Colorado disc golf course of 2022—you’ll have to text a guy named Dan at 303-909-2614. Players rave about both the epic landscape and the proprietor’s hospitality. $10 per person

Conifer
With a 21-hole layout that has three basket positions (easy, intermediate, and hard) on most holes, a 20-basket putting course, and a pro shop that also sells snacks you can enjoy at shaded picnic tables, you can easily, and happily, spend an entire day at Beaver Ranch. $12 for a…