Lake Estes Executive 9

Lake Estes Executive 9 sits in Estes Park, Colorado, at the eastern gateway to Rocky Mountain National Park. Designed by Henry Hughes and opened in 1959, the course occupies terrain near Lake Estes, the reservoir created by Olympus Dam on the Big Thompson River. The setting places golfers at approximately 7,500 feet elevation, where the high-altitude air affects ball flight and the surrounding mountain landscape defines the visual character of the round. As an executive nine-hole layout, the course features a mix of par threes and short par fours suited to players seeking a quick round or working on their short game. The routing takes advantage of the natural contours and vegetation typical of Colorado's Front Range, with ponderosa pine and scrub oak framing many holes. The elevation and mountain environment mean conditions can shift quickly, with afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months and a playing season that typically runs from late spring through early fall. The course serves both visitors to Estes Park and local residents, functioning as an accessible option in a resort town where outdoor recreation centers on hiking, wildlife viewing, and access to the national park. Its executive length and mountain setting make it a practical choice for golfers adjusting to altitude or looking for a shorter format amid a vacation itinerary. The proximity to downtown Estes Park and the park entrance integrates the golf experience with the broader recreational character of the area.