Grand Valley

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — The digital team at WesternSlopeNow.com have been working diligently to bring you lists of the important things around the Grand Valley. For example, we’ve brought you the imperative information included in top-rated pizza on the Western Slope and, the equally vital, top-rated wineries on the Western Slope. Now we’re bringing you something very close to our hearts: disc golf courses.

With our past articles, we’ve used Google to bring you the reviews and ratings of the local establishments. Surprisingly, it’s not that easy when it comes to venues for Colorado’s favorite flying disc sport. With that in mind, we turned to Nigel Bibler and the over 1,600 members of the Grand Valley Disc Golf Club to help us rank the courses.

We had 112 total votes on the Western Slope’s fantasical frisbee fields. Here’s what the experts had to say:

Best of the Best

🥏 Riverbend Park (Palisade) – 63 of 112 votes

“Very techincal wooded holes combined with long bomber holes makes for the most challenging course in the valley. Requires a wide variety of shots for a great score. Course follows the river, but water only comes into play on a handful of holes.” – Nigel Bibler

“Riverbend is the only course in the valley where you can actually throw full power shots. Lots of trees to add difficulty. One of the best courses in the state.” – J.C. Kester

“I picked Riverbend is because it presents the biggest challenge, longest holes and best views cons I would say is the amount of people walking since it is a dog park as well and if you do have a bad shot it’s easier to loose a disc and harder to find.” – Scott McCullah Jr.

🥏 Watson Island (Grand Junction) – 31 of 112 votes

“The most centrally located course and arguably the most popular/busy course. Lots of ace runs with some technical holes mixed in, which makes it my personal favorite course. There’s a few bonus holes including a “clowns mouth” hole that plays under the 5th street bridge and one that plays under the railroad tracks. Hole #1 is found after crossing a bridge behind the botanical gardens and spans from past the 5th street bridge to the Los Colonias Bridge. You’re likely to see families and groups of people with a wide variety of skill levels here.” – Nigel Bibler

“Watson offers a full 22 hole course that is still very challenging to par. It also requires less control as most of the holes have fewer obstacles and a lower ceiling than Riverbend. However, Riverbend is a close second in my book!” – Josh Waalkes

🥏 Snooks Bottom (Fruita) – 10 of 112 votes

“Course has an upper and lower part to it. If you park in the upper parking lot you play through a few open holes and then throw the signature hole off a cliff down towards the lower area. Some people park off of Broadway and only play the lower loop. Never super busy and definitely a course for any skill level.” – Nigel Bibler

🥏 Matchett Park (Grand Junction) – 6 of 112 votes

“Hiking + disc golf. I don’t think there’s another course quite like Matchett in the world. Lots of elevation change and variety holes. Not recommended for beginners because of how punishing it can be if your shots are off target. Some of the most unique holes from throwing over valleys and streams to the signature hole that is a “top of the world” shot with some amazing views. Bring plenty of water and not recommend playing in the dead of summer because of the lack of shade.” – Nigel Bibler

Honorable Mentions

🥏 CMU (Grand Junction)

“Great beginner putter only course that plays through the campus of CMU. Have to be pretty careful of people walking.” – Nigel Bibler

🥏 Little Salt Wash (Fruita)

“Shorter course with a little bit of elevation change. Great for beginners testing out different shot varieties without a whole lot of consequences for bad shots. Can get muddy and flood during certain times of the year. Not usually very busy and you can play a round quickly.” – Nigel Bibler

🥏 Westlake (Grand Junction)

“Best place to play for anyone new to the sport. Putters and mid range discs only. Great course for a quick lunch round. Many people get their first aces here!” – Nigel Bibler

“Tons of fun to go out with friends new to the sport and have them learn the excitement of throwing a shot that might go in. Always a blast and there will almost always be others from the community out there to help you out!” – Kyle Couper

Not local, but worth the drive

🥏 Confluence Disc Golf (Delta)

“Fantastic course that plays along the Gunnison River. Some long par 4s mixed with wooded technical shots that can challenge anyone’s game.” – Nigel Bibler

🥏 Cross Creek Disc Golf (Gypsum)

“Seasonal private mountain course. One of the best in all of Colorado. Well thought out with gorgeous views and a variety holes and elevation. Pay to play before you start and it’s worth every penny.” – Nigel Bibler