The Ultimate Colorado Mountain Golf Trip: 4 Courses, 5 Days, One Basecamp

There's nothing quite like mountain golf. The ball flies farther at altitude, the air is crisp even in July, and every hole comes with views that would be a destination anywhere else.

Grand County, Colorado has quietly become one of the best mountain golf destinations in the West. Within 40 minutes of our basecamp, you have four distinct courses—from the championship test of Pole Creek to the sweeping Craig Stadler design at Grand Elk.

This guide covers everything you need to plan the ultimate mountain golf trip.

Why Grand County for Golf?

Most people think of Colorado ski towns for winter. But the same mountains that deliver world-class powder also create world-class summer golf conditions:

• Altitude advantage: At 8,500+ feet, the ball flies 10-15% farther
• Perfect weather: Dry air, 70s temperatures, minimal humidity
• Stunning scenery: Every hole has mountain backdrops
• No crowds: Fraction of the traffic you'd find at resort courses

Plus, you get four quality courses within a 40-minute radius—enough variety for a week without repeating.

The Courses

Pole Creek Golf Club

Our home course—literally steps from Chateau Relaxo. This is the crown jewel of Grand County golf.

The setup: 27 holes divided into three distinct 9s (Ridge, Ranch, Meadow), each with its own character. The Ridge 9 has the most dramatic elevation changes. Ranch is more forgiving. Meadow offers the best mountain views.

What to know: Play all 27 if you can—mixing the 9s gives you six different 18-hole combinations. The practice facility is solid, and the pro shop staff actually knows the courses.

Book early: Weekend morning tee times go fast in summer.

Grand Elk Golf Club

Craig Stadler's design about 15 minutes away. This is the most "resort-style" of the four courses.

The setup: 18 holes with wide fairways that reward big hitters. The back nine has better views. Excellent practice facility—best driving range in the area.

What to know: More forgiving off the tee than Pole Creek, but the greens are tricky. Club selection around the greens matters here.

Granby Ranch Golf Course

The most relaxed of the four—perfect for warm-up rounds or mixed-ability groups.

The setup: 18 holes in a scenic valley setting. Less dramatic elevation change than the others. Well-maintained but not as challenging.

What to know: Great for getting your altitude legs before tackling Pole Creek or Grand Elk. Also the most affordable option.

Grand Lake Golf Course

The farthest option (about 40 minutes) but worth it for a Grand Lake day trip combo.

The setup: 18 holes with tree-lined fairways and views of the Never Summer Range. Different feel from the other three—more mountain forest than open meadow.

What to know: Pair this with a Grand Lake afternoon. Play 18, have lunch on the boardwalk, rent a boat. Full day sorted.

Golf at Altitude: What Changes

If you've never played at 8,500+ feet, expect some adjustments:

Ball flight: The thin air reduces drag. Most players see 10-15% more carry distance on every club. A 150-yard 7-iron at sea level might fly 165-170 here.

Club selection: Club down accordingly. You'll hit a lot more 8-irons and 9-irons than you're used to.

Putting: Surprisingly, putts break less at altitude than you'd expect. Play less break than you read.

Hydration: This is the big one. You'll dehydrate faster at altitude without realizing it. Drink twice what you normally would on the course. Start hydrating the day before.

Sun protection: UV is significantly stronger. Wear sunscreen even on cool mornings.

Sample 5-Day Itinerary

Here's how we'd structure the ideal mountain golf trip:

Day 1: Arrival + Warm-Up

• Arrive by early afternoon
• Settle into Chateau Relaxo
• Late afternoon 9 holes at Granby Ranch (warm-up, shake off travel)
• Dinner at Tabernash Tavern (5 min away, excellent steaks)
• Hot tub under the stars

Day 2: Pole Creek Day

• Morning: 18 holes at Pole Creek (Ridge + Ranch)
• Lunch at the clubhouse
• Afternoon: Another 9 if you're feeling it, or recovery at the house
• Evening: Fire up the grill, hit the sauna

Day 3: Grand Elk + Rest

• Morning: 18 at Grand Elk
• Afternoon: True rest day—hot tub, game room, naps
• Evening: Poker night (game room has great setup)

Day 4: Grand Lake Combo

• Morning: 18 at Grand Lake Golf Course
• Lunch: Sagebrush BBQ on the boardwalk
• Afternoon: Rent a pontoon boat on Grand Lake (optional but recommended)
• Evening: Return to Chateau Relaxo, relax

Day 5: Pole Creek Revenge + Departure

• Morning: One more round at Pole Creek (play the Meadow 9 this time)
• Pack up and depart

Where to Stay

This guide assumes you're staying at Chateau Relaxo—and not just because we're writing it. The location genuinely makes sense for a golf trip:

• On the course: We overlook Pole Creek's 1st fairway. Walk to the clubhouse.
• Central location: All four courses are within 40 minutes.
• Group-friendly: 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, sleeps 14. No sharing bathrooms.
• Recovery amenities: Hot tub, sauna, cold plunge—your legs will thank you.
• Hang space: Game room for poker night, theater for movie nights, deck for evening drinks.

A golf trip is about more than golf. It's the time between rounds—the meals, the conversations, the decompression. The house makes that part great.

Final Tips

1. Book tee times early—especially Pole Creek on weekends
2. Bring your own clubs—you'll want familiar equipment at altitude
3. Pack layers—mornings are cool, afternoons warm, evenings cool again
4. Stock the kitchen—Fraser Safeway is 10 minutes away
5. Plan one rest afternoon—you'll appreciate it by day 3

Any questions about planning your mountain golf trip? Drop us a line.

See you on the first tee.