The Collegiate Peaks Golf Course, located 1.3 miles west of downtown Buena Vista in the Arkansas River Valley, is a nine-hole semi-private course that offers spectacular mountain views. The no-frills course, lying along Cottonwood Creek, makes a relaxing round after a morning spent whitewater rafting or fishing on the Arkansas. The par-36 course plays at 3,059 yards from its longest tees, with a course rating of 33.8 and a slope rating of 115. You can also do 18 holes by playing it twice and using different tees. Collegiate Peaks, opening in 1978, is best from April 1 to October 31, but is open other months depending on weather. The clubhouse, next to the first hole, has food and drink. Nearby is a chipping and putting area.
Pro Tips
Collegiate Peaks Golf Course is one of Colorado’s best eye-candy golfing experiences. Every hole yields stunning views of the Collegiate Peaks to the west, as well as the Buffalo Peaks to the northeast. Hole 6, a 200-yard par-3 hole, gives one of the best views, with 14,197-foot Mount Princeton looming above the green.The Clubhouse restaurant also has a full bar with lots of tap beers, including some from Elevation Beer Company in Poncha Springs. The perfect end to a summer round is sitting on the outside patio and sipping a cold beer with great mountain views beyond the course.You can reserve a tee time by calling 719-395-8189 or showing up and grabbing what’s available. The course has affordable greens fees and also rents carts, pull carts, and clubs.Collegiate Peaks is mountain golf at its finest. The course has large undulating greens; fairways lined with cottonwood and pine trees; water hazards, including Cottonwood Creek, on most holes; and wildlife like mule deer and elk. The hardest thing about playing the course is keeping your eye on the ball rather than the mountain scenery!Recommended season(s): April to October, but open year-round.
—Stewart M. Green
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