Golfing Among Dinosaurs and Waterfalls

Explore four unexpected and unconventional golf courses located throughout Utah.

Written By Nicole Gaddie

Hideout Golf Course, Monticello | San Juan County

Set amongst world-class national parks, urban hubs, small rural communities and high-country mountainsides, Utah is home to more than 120 golf courses. Put more simply, wherever you travel in the state, expect to find a golf course nearby.

However, beyond the well-known courses, the state boasts a special selection of unique golfing experiences. From fairways carved along waterfalls to greens set among prehistoric relics, there’s plenty of fun to be had.

Join us as we explore some of Utah's most unexpected golfing destinations.

"These courses remind us that sometimes the most memorable rounds are found off the beaten path. So, pack your clubs and get ready to discover a side of Utah golf that will surprise and delight you at every turn."

Dinaland Golf Course

675 S 2000 E, Vernal

Three hours east of Salt Lake City you’ll find Dinaland Golf Course, featuring 18 holes nestled against the backdrop of Split Mountain in Dinosaur National Monument.

The town of Vernal is steeped in natural history, boasting dinosaur fossil beds unearthed in the early 20th century. Since then, thousands of fossils have been excavated, and the town proudly showcases its prehistoric heritage. At the town's entrance, a 40-foot-tall pink dinosaur named Dinah welcomes visitors with a sign proclaiming, "Utah's Dinosaur Land." Local establishments, such as the Dinosaur Brew Haus, further celebrate this legacy by offering locally brewed beer in a dinosaur-themed setting. (Read: Vernal Equinox)

Dinaland Golf Course is a welcoming experience for golfers of all abilities, thanks to its generous fairways and relatively flat terrain. However, the holes adjacent to Ashley Creek introduce narrower fairways, providing a more of a challenge. The course is meticulously maintained, with well-kept greens and tee boxes ensuring a fair and enjoyable round. Playing as a par-72, Dinaland stretches to 6,814 yards from the back tees and 5,071 yards from the front, accommodating various skill levels.

Amenities include a practice green, driving range and a charming clubhouse cafe. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the pro shop, where you can purchase a dinosaur-stamped golf ball as a unique keepsake from your visit.

Travel back in time to explore the wonders of the past in Vernal — also known as “Dinosaurland."

Photo: Sara Hobbs

The Dinaland Golf Course presents a fun 18-hole challenge suitable for all golf experience levels.

Photo: Uintah County Tourism

Hideout Golf Course

648 S Hideout Way, Monticello

In the southeastern town of Monticello, the Hideout Golf Club is an 18-hole course that springs up along the long stretch of serene open landscape surrounding U.S. Route 191.

The course stands as one of the region's hidden gems. Situated approximately an hour from both Canyonlands National Park and Moab, and just 30 minutes from Bears Ears National Monument, it offers a unique blend of challenging play and breathtaking scenery.

Golfing here might feel more like taking a hike as you make your way up and down drastic elevation changes surrounded by the scenic Abajo Mountains. Be prepared to test your balance and course management on severe sloping lies.

Notably, the 15th hole presents a steep uphill challenge, requiring players to select clubs two to three numbers higher than usual. In contrast, the 8th hole features a dramatic 100-foot descent from tee to green, adding a unique twist to the round.

Being the only 18-hole course in south-eastern Utah, Hideout Golf Course is an oasis on the edge of canyon country.

Photo: San Juan County

The southeastern Utah town of Monticello lies on the sheltered eastern slope of the Abajo Mountains, overlooking a maze of sandstone canyons and plateaus.

Nibley Park Golf Course

2780 S 700 E, Salt Lake City

Established in May 1922, Nibley Park Golf Course in Salt Lake City holds the title of Utah's oldest public golf course. Its central location makes it a favorite among both locals and visitors, offering impressive views of the Wasatch Mountains.

The course is adorned with mature trees – many of which predate the early pioneers – lining the fairways and greens, creating a serene atmosphere that belies its urban surroundings (Read: Insider's Guide to Salt Lake City Neighborhoods). Although the course can feel scrappy at times, there’s no denying each of the nine holes presents a unique and fun challenge. The opening hole, a par-4 dogleg left, wraps around the driving range, prompting longer hitters to opt for an iron off the tee. Those with errant tee shots might find the driving range's high net coming into play or even get a lucky bounce off it.

The par-34 course offers a dynamic mix of hole lengths, ensuring an engaging experience. Success here hinges more on precision than power. For example, the 5th hole, the course's sole par-5, is reachable in two shots. However, accuracy is crucial, as the fairway narrows approaching the green, and a small creek lies about 50 yards in front.

The final hole, a par-3, demands a tee shot over a large pond, offering a nerve-wracking opportunity to conclude your round on a high note.

Millsite Golf Course

3000 W Canyon Road, Ferron

Nicknamed “Utah’s best kept secret gem,” Millsite Golf Course is an 18-hole, par-71 layout just north of the Manti-La Sal National Forest in Ferron.

Its reputation certainly holds up – every hole offers scenic views of the mountains with dramatic overlooks and inspiring desert landscape. You’ll feel completely secluded as you tee off over canyons to small postage-stamp-like greens and walk near the blue waters of the bordering Millsite Reservoir.

The 7th hole is one to remember, and arguably the most incredible par-3 in the state. While large rock walls flank the left side of the green, just steps away on the opposite side is a raging waterfall pouring water from the reservoir into the river below. It’s truly a sight to behold and might serve as a small distraction as you attempt to close out your birdie putt.

Like Millsite, Utah's diverse golf scene is full of unexpected hidden gems. These courses remind us that sometimes the most memorable rounds are found off the beaten path. So, pack your clubs and get ready to discover a side of Utah golf that will surprise and delight you at every turn.

Millsite Golf Course is a geographical and engineering spectacle, with the course built into the nearby reservoir and dam.

Photo: Courtesy fo Emery County

5 Days

Golf Between The Mighty 5®

While Southern Utah is home to five of the most mesmerizing and beautiful national parks in the country, known collectively as The Mighty 5®, it’s also the nexus of incredible golf courses.

Highlights

Golfing
National Parks

See Itinerary

About the Author – Nicole Gaddie

Nicole Gaddie is a senior associate producer at NBC Sports and retired college golfer at Seattle University. Her writing has been featured on NBC Sports, Golf Channel, The Seattle Times, PBS member station KCTS 9, The Orlando Sentinel, Yahoo! and more.

Where to Play

Northern Utah/Wasatch Front

The Wasatch Front, the state's urban core, is home to dozens of courses — all framed by the majestic Wasatch Mountains and paired with Salt Lake City amenities. The entire area from north to south, from Brigham City and Ogden to Payson, is dotted with inviting courses. Utah Valley, 45 minutes from the SLC airport and served by a regional airport in Provo, is home to eleven courses, including the Johnny Miller-designed golf course at Thanksgiving Point.
Southern Utah

Southwestern Utah is gaining recognition as a premier golf destination in the West, combining spectacular red rock scenery with top-rated courses. Many of the golf courses in St. George are bucket-list courses. Rural areas of Southern Utah are all about hidden gems. Moab's golf courses are the perfect complement to a vacation spent hiking, backpacking or biking. If you are into beating the crowds, quality greens and inspirational scenery, maybe Monticello's Hideout Golf Course is for you.
Wasatch Back

Heber Valley has several clubs, including two fantastic public courses in Wasatch Mountain State Park and Soldier Hollow. Park City is about skiing in the winter, but after the snow melts you can catch visitors at the Park City Golf Club, adjacent to Historic Main Street. And further north in Eden, Utah, is the Wolf Creek golf course and resort.