The Surprising Scarcity of Urban Disc Golf in Denver: A Reflection on Community and Space
Denver, a city celebrated for its outdoor culture and sprawling parks, seems like the perfect playground for disc golf enthusiasts. Yet, here’s the irony: despite boasting over 280 urban parks, the Mile High City offers a mere two disc golf courses within its limits. Personally, I find this disparity fascinating. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about what they reveal about urban planning, community priorities, and the evolving relationship between cities and recreational spaces.
Why So Few Courses?
One thing that immediately stands out is the disconnect between Denver’s reputation as an outdoor haven and its limited disc golf offerings. Todd Jacko, manager of Another Round Disc Golf and Tap Room in Arvada, aptly sums it up: “It does kind of suck.” But what’s behind this scarcity? Is it a lack of demand, or are there deeper systemic issues at play?
From my perspective, the issue isn’t just about space—it’s about perception. Disc golf, often seen as a niche sport, hasn’t historically been a priority for city planners. Yet, its growing popularity, as evidenced by courses like Johnny Roberts in Arvada, suggests a shifting landscape. What many people don’t realize is that disc golf is more than just a game; it’s a community builder, a low-cost recreational option, and a way to connect with nature in an urban setting.
Johnny Roberts: A Case Study in Popularity
Speaking of Johnny Roberts, this course is a phenomenon. Nestled in a wooded park in Arvada, it’s the most-played disc golf course in the U.S., with nearly 46,000 rounds logged in 2025. What makes this particularly fascinating is how it defies the stereotype of disc golf as a fringe activity. Its popularity isn’t just about the sport—it’s about the experience. The course’s condensed layout, beginner-friendly design, and nearby amenities like Another Round create a sense of community that’s hard to replicate.
But here’s the kicker: Johnny Roberts isn’t even in Denver. It’s a short drive away, but the fact that it’s outside city limits raises a deeper question: Why can’t Denver replicate this success within its own parks?
The Owl’s Den and the Badlands: Variety as a Draw
If you take a step back and think about it, variety is what keeps disc golf interesting. The Owl’s Den in Thornton, with its 27 holes, offers a mix of open fairways and wooded technical challenges. Similarly, the Upper and Lower Badlands in Federal Heights provide a rugged, elevation-heavy experience. These courses aren’t just about throwing a disc—they’re about adapting to the terrain, strategizing, and embracing the unpredictability of the game.
What this really suggests is that disc golf thrives when it’s integrated into diverse landscapes. Yet, Denver’s urban parks, with their uniformity and lack of disc golf infrastructure, miss out on this potential. It’s not just about adding courses; it’s about designing spaces that enhance the experience.
Fehringer Ranch: The Allure of Open Spaces
Fehringer Ranch in Morrison is a perfect example of how location can elevate a disc golf course. With its mountain vistas and wide-open fairways, it offers a sense of escape that’s hard to find in urban settings. But here’s the irony: while Fehringer Ranch is stunning, it’s also a reminder of what Denver could be missing. Why can’t the city’s parks incorporate similar elements—natural beauty, varied terrain, and accessibility—to create courses that feel like a destination?
The Future of Disc Golf in Denver
The $70 million renovation of the former Park Hill Golf Course offers a glimmer of hope. If disc golf is included in the plans, it could be a game-changer for urban players. But it’s still unclear whether this will happen. In my opinion, this is where the community needs to step in. Disc golf isn’t just a sport; it’s a movement. Players, advocates, and local businesses like Another Round need to push for more courses within city limits.
What many people don’t realize is that disc golf is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. It’s affordable, inclusive, and environmentally friendly. If Denver wants to stay ahead of the curve, it needs to embrace this trend.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on Denver’s disc golf landscape, I’m struck by the missed opportunities. The city has the space, the community, and the culture to become a disc golf hub. Yet, it’s held back by a lack of vision and investment. Personally, I think this is a story about more than just a sport—it’s about how cities prioritize recreation, community, and connection to nature.
If you take a step back and think about it, disc golf isn’t just about throwing a disc into a basket. It’s about creating spaces where people can come together, challenge themselves, and enjoy the outdoors. Denver has the potential to lead the way—if only it’s willing to take the shot.
