Grand Lake Golf Course

Grand Lake Golf Course sits at an elevation of approximately 8,400 feet in the Rocky Mountains of north-central Colorado, making it one of the highest regulation courses in the United States. The town of Grand Lake serves as the western gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park, and the course occupies terrain that reflects this alpine setting. Dick Phelps designed the layout, which opened in the late 1960s and takes advantage of the natural mountain topography and forest character of the region. The routing works through stands of lodgepole pine and aspen, with fairways that follow the contours of the land rather than imposing dramatic earthwork on the site. Elevation changes are modest by mountain standards, but the thin air at this altitude affects ball flight noticeably—shots carry farther than at sea level, and players adjust club selection accordingly. Views extend toward the surrounding peaks and the lake itself, though the course does not play directly along the water. Grand Lake functions as a public facility serving both the small year-round community and the summer tourist population drawn to the area's outdoor recreation. The course operates seasonally, typically from late spring through early fall, with snow covering the ground much of the year. The layout offers a straightforward mountain golf experience without extensive modern conditioning or resort amenities, reflecting its role as a community course in a remote alpine setting.