Aspen may be known for its ski slopes and summer hiking trails, but when the snow melts and the days stretch longer, a different kind of outdoor experience takes over: golf. With high-elevation backdrops, well-maintained fairways, and layouts that highlight the region’s natural beauty, the courses near Aspen offer more than just a chance to play—they deliver a distinctly Colorado experience.
Whether you're looking to tee off minutes from downtown or venture a bit farther for a change of scenery, these five standout courses offer memorable rounds that blend playability with mountain charm.
1. Aspen Golf Club
Located just two miles from the heart of downtown, Aspen Golf Club is the most accessible option for those looking to play without leaving town. What makes this municipal course notable is the way the design brings in Aspen’s natural elements. With the Roaring Fork River nearby and mountain views framing nearly every hole, the setting feels remote even though it’s close to everything.
The course features a Parkland-style layout with gently undulating greens and strategic water features that come into play on 14 of the 18 holes. Four sets of tees make it approachable for beginners while still offering enough of a challenge for experienced players looking to refine their game. The course is well-maintained throughout the season, and the pace of play tends to remain steady, making it ideal for a midweek round or a weekend tee time.
Amenities include a pro shop, practice facilities, and the Red Mountain Grill—a comfortable spot to grab lunch or relax after a round. Aspen Golf Club delivers a rare blend of convenience and scenery, offering one of the most well-rounded golf experiences in the area.
The course features a Parkland-style layout with gently undulating greens and strategic water features that come into play on 14 of the 18 holes. Four sets of tees make it approachable for beginners while still offering enough of a challenge for experienced players looking to refine their game. The course is well-maintained throughout the season, and the pace of play tends to remain steady, making it ideal for a midweek round or a weekend tee time.
Amenities include a pro shop, practice facilities, and the Red Mountain Grill—a comfortable spot to grab lunch or relax after a round. Aspen Golf Club delivers a rare blend of convenience and scenery, offering one of the most well-rounded golf experiences in the area.
2. Maroon Creek Club
For its members, the Maroon Creek Club offers a private golf experience unlike any other in the region. This exclusive club features an 18-hole course designed by renowned architect Tom Fazio. Known for his ability to work with natural contours, Fazio created a course that moves seamlessly with the landscape.
Each hole offers a different perspective on the surrounding peaks, and the strategic layout rewards precision over brute strength. Narrow fairways, fast greens, and dramatic elevation changes make for a round that’s as mentally engaging as it is visually striking.
In addition to the course itself, Maroon Creek Club offers members access to a full suite of amenities, including tennis courts, a fitness center, and fine dining options. The club is also well-known for its commitment to preservation, with carefully maintained grounds that respect the surrounding ecosystem.
Each hole offers a different perspective on the surrounding peaks, and the strategic layout rewards precision over brute strength. Narrow fairways, fast greens, and dramatic elevation changes make for a round that’s as mentally engaging as it is visually striking.
In addition to the course itself, Maroon Creek Club offers members access to a full suite of amenities, including tennis courts, a fitness center, and fine dining options. The club is also well-known for its commitment to preservation, with carefully maintained grounds that respect the surrounding ecosystem.
3. Roaring Fork Club
Located about 30 minutes from Aspen in Basalt, the Roaring Fork Club features an 18-hole Signature course by Jack Nicklaus. This members-only club is set along the Roaring Fork River, with the fairways weaving through aspen groves, rolling terrain, and meadows. The result is a course that feels integrated with the environment while still offering the strategic complexity expected from a Nicklaus design.
Elevation changes, well-placed bunkers, and water hazards create a thoughtful rhythm throughout the round. Each hole presents options, rewarding careful shot planning and accuracy off the tee. For seasoned players, it’s a welcome test; for newer golfers, the beauty of the setting alone makes each round enjoyable.
Roaring Fork Club also stands out for its attention to detail. From the practice facilities to the on-course service, everything is designed with the player’s experience in mind. The club’s relaxed atmosphere and pristine course conditions make it a top pick among those who value a quiet, immersive day on the course.
Elevation changes, well-placed bunkers, and water hazards create a thoughtful rhythm throughout the round. Each hole presents options, rewarding careful shot planning and accuracy off the tee. For seasoned players, it’s a welcome test; for newer golfers, the beauty of the setting alone makes each round enjoyable.
Roaring Fork Club also stands out for its attention to detail. From the practice facilities to the on-course service, everything is designed with the player’s experience in mind. The club’s relaxed atmosphere and pristine course conditions make it a top pick among those who value a quiet, immersive day on the course.
4. River Valley Ranch Golf Club
Just 45 minutes from Aspen in the town of Carbondale, River Valley Ranch Golf Club offers a semi-private experience that’s worth the short drive. Designed by Hall of Fame architect Jay Morrish, this 18-hole course is defined by sweeping views of Mt. Sopris and thoughtful holes that challenge without overwhelming.
One of the biggest draws here is the variety. The course includes river carries, elevated tees, and a mix of long and short holes that keep players thinking throughout the round. Bunkers are strategically placed, and fairways reward accuracy over distance. The back nine, in particular, showcases some of the best scenery, with holes that run along the Crystal River and through groves of cottonwood trees.
Open to both members and the public, River Valley Ranch balances high-quality design with accessibility. It’s also a favorite for casual golfers looking for a more laid-back day on the links. The on-site Homestead Bar & Grill offers post-round dining, and the driving range and putting greens are available for warm-ups or extended practice sessions. For those seeking memorable golf courses near Aspen that deliver on both views and playability, River Valley Ranch fits the bill.
One of the biggest draws here is the variety. The course includes river carries, elevated tees, and a mix of long and short holes that keep players thinking throughout the round. Bunkers are strategically placed, and fairways reward accuracy over distance. The back nine, in particular, showcases some of the best scenery, with holes that run along the Crystal River and through groves of cottonwood trees.
Open to both members and the public, River Valley Ranch balances high-quality design with accessibility. It’s also a favorite for casual golfers looking for a more laid-back day on the links. The on-site Homestead Bar & Grill offers post-round dining, and the driving range and putting greens are available for warm-ups or extended practice sessions. For those seeking memorable golf courses near Aspen that deliver on both views and playability, River Valley Ranch fits the bill.
Make Every Day Feel Like Tee Time With the Right Property
Living near a world-class golf course can become part of your everyday rhythm in Aspen. Whether you’re searching for a home within a golf community or simply want easy access to the best courses in Aspen, having a knowledgeable local guide is key.
Aspen Luxury Brokers understands the unique lifestyle that comes with living near the region’s best golf destinations. Their expertise can help you navigate the local market, explore communities that fit your vision, and find a home that brings you closer to the fairways you love. With a deep understanding of Aspen’s real estate and recreational offerings, their team ensures you’ll find the perfect setting to match your lifestyle.
Let your next round start right outside your door, with guidance that makes every step of the buying process straightforward and tailored to your goals. Contact Aspen Luxury Brokers today!
*Header image courtesy of Unsplash
Aspen Luxury Brokers understands the unique lifestyle that comes with living near the region’s best golf destinations. Their expertise can help you navigate the local market, explore communities that fit your vision, and find a home that brings you closer to the fairways you love. With a deep understanding of Aspen’s real estate and recreational offerings, their team ensures you’ll find the perfect setting to match your lifestyle.
Let your next round start right outside your door, with guidance that makes every step of the buying process straightforward and tailored to your goals. Contact Aspen Luxury Brokers today!
*Header image courtesy of Unsplash
