
Dinosaur Mountain Course
Gold Canyon Golf Resort

About this course
Dinosaur Mountain isn’t just a course, it's a geological statement carved into the Superstition Mountain foothills east of Phoenix. This Denis Griffiths design, opened in 1986, aggressively utilizes the staggering elevation changes of the Sonoran Desert landscape. Expect dramatic tee shots over yawning ravines and approaches to greens perched precariously on hillsides. The course generally favors players who can manage their ball flight and accurately judge distances in the thin desert air. Errant shots are penalized severely by the unforgiving terrain. While never having hosted a major professional event, Dinosaur Mountain's demanding layout and spectacular vistas have earned it a reputation as a local favorite and a test of skill for amateur players. The course offers a different experience than the typical resort layout, challenging golfers to embrace risk and reward on nearly every hole. Beyond the golf, Gold Canyon Golf Resort is known for its southwestern hospitality and strong sense of community. The resort offers a relaxed atmosphere away from the hustle of the city, attracting golfers who appreciate a challenging course and a more laid-back vibe. Locals whisper stories of post-round gatherings on the patio, where the sunsets paint the Superstition Mountains in fiery hues, the perfect backdrop for recounting the day's triumphs and tribulations on the course.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in AZ
Quick facts
- Location
- Gold Canyon, AZ, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1982
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Ken Kavanaugh
- Par
- 70
- Length
- 6,652 yards
- Difficulty
- 71.5/119
- Course Vaults score
- 8.2
Getting there
Gold Canyon Golf Resort is most readily accessed via Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), approximately 45 minutes to the southeast through the gradual transition from urban sprawl into the Sonoran Desert landscape. The drive itself becomes the prelude to arrival - a steady descent along US-60 as the terrain opens and the iconic saguaro cacti begin to punctuate the horizon, with the distinctive ridgeline of the Superstition Mountains drawing ever closer on the eastern flank. For those with private aircraft, Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) lies considerably nearer, shaving precious minutes from the journey. The final miles wind through Gold Canyon proper, where the resort emerges against the raw, sculpted backdrop of its namesake mountains - a dramatic desert setting that announces itself long before you reach the gates.

FAQ
Common questions about Dinosaur Mountain at Gold Canyon Golf Resort
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Dinosaur Mountain at Gold Canyon Golf Resort has a Course Vaults score of 8.2 out of 10 based on 82 logged golfers.
Dinosaur Mountain was designed by Ken Kavanaugh.
Yes. Dinosaur Mountain at Gold Canyon Golf Resort is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Dinosaur Mountain is 70.
Dinosaur Mountain plays 6,652 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Dinosaur Mountain is 119.





