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4.8
34 Reviews (34)
5 Stars
21
4 Stars
7
3 Stars
3
2 Stars
1
1 Stars
2
Conditions
4.8
Value
4.7
Layout
4.8
Friendliness
4.1
Pace
4.0
Amenities
4.8
97.4%
Recommend this course
31 out of 34 reviews
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About

Holes 18
Type Public
Par 72
Length 7348 yards
Slope 136
Rating 73.7

Nestled at the base of Mt. Sopris, River Valley Ranch Golf Club has a diverse layout that stretches from the rolling valley floor to the banks of the Crystal River. The natural contours and wetlands were fully utilized to create a challenging and scenic golf course. Since opening in 1997, the course has received tremendous praise, including being called "the jewel of the Rockies" by Golf Magazine. Sagebrush and pinion pines line the lush, rolling fairways and strategically placed bunkers contrast beautifully with the verdant, lightning fast greens. The hilly terrain provides a challenging up and down nature and from the golf course's highest points, golfers can take in breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. In addition to the course, River Valley also has a driving range and a practice putting green where you can work on your putting and chipping.

Course Details

Year Built 1998
Fairways Winter Rye Grass
Greens Winter Rye Grass
Golf Season Open: 4/01 Closed: 11/01
Architect Jay Morrish

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Golf School Academy Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard, Amex, Discover Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Walking Allowed Yes
Dress code Proper golf attire required.

Food & Beverage

Snacks

Available Facilities

Clubhouse

Accolades

Reviews

4.8
34 Reviews (34)
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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 28
Handicap 0-4
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Walked

Great course

Played today and they have a great walking only hour from 2:00 - 3:00 and only $40. More courses should offer this for people that like to walk.....genius idea. This is just a great course and it was in perfect condition. Greens were fast and true and very few ball marks, Fairways were carpet and the bunkers are immaculate. Not to mention the layout is great. I wish this was my home course. It also has a great restaurant and bar and all of it looks at Mt Sopris and the Crystal River. Just go play it!!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 203
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
California Advisor
Top 50 Contributor
First Time Playing

Pleasantly Surprised

We discovered this course by accident. We were looking for a place to eat in Carbondale on Labor Day and everything was closed for the holiday. We found the restaurant here was open and stopped in for dinner. We had a view of the course from the patio and liked what we saw and decided to play a round the next day. Was well worth it! I really liked the ambience in character of this course. It winds through the community and mature stands of pine and broadleaf trees. The conditions overall were very good from tee to green. I like the variety of challenges and holes on this course. Water did come into play on a couple holes as well as forced carries. Elevation changes are mild at best here. The views of Mount Sopris were an added bonus. The restaurant was also very good and would recommend. The only real knock I have is my girlfriend's Margarita was not very good. But overall a great value and would absolutely recommend the restaurant and course.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Favorite Aspen Valley course

This course is scenic, well maintained and a lot of fun to play. The first tee box is a test of your nerves over the river; overall the course plays challenging but fair. I found the staff friendly and helpful. The place is run by a golfer, not a corporation, and it shows.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
1.0
First Time Playing

Golf course needs help

Upon arrival staff was not very friendly. Course conditions were not that great. Cartpath had potholes everywhere. Would not recommend Playing here. Not a very good value for your money.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Average
Friendliness Poor
Pace Average
Amenities Poor
Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/22/2020

In addition, this type of review is really harmful to any business if not based in fact. This same course was named one of the Colorado's top three public courses last year...can't be as bad as your review. In this time of Covid and small business struggles, please be honest and fair. There are enough challenges without this BS.

Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/22/2020

Thank you for your feedback. We apologize that you did not have a great experience. We'd be happy to discuss this further if you would like to reach out to management. I do disagree however with the condition of the course, and the greens and fairways are pristine at the moment, rolling at 11 on the surfaces. We are in the midst of a drought and do acknowledge that the native grasses and higher knolls can be dry....our maintenance crew is hand watering daily. Cart paths are rough for sure in spots. We are patching areas and take on big tree root extraction projects on the shoulder seasons as to not disrupt play. Our staff is generally friendly, however I will have our director of golf review your feedback with them. Perhaps if you visit the area, you will give us another chance.

Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 20-24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Prettiest and best valued course in the area

This course is located in a mountain valley within an attractive residential development. Some of the photos of the course on its website were taken about 20 years ago before the surrounding houses were built, but are otherwise indicative of the beautiful scenery there. The adjacent yards and houses are set back a sufficient distance from the fairways that only the most extreme errant shots will land outside of the course itself.

The tee boxes, fairways, and greens are very well maintained. That requires irrigation, and an unintended consequence of that is that the sand in the numerous bunkers is typically wet and heavy, making shots out of bunkers (especially, green side) very difficult for players who are less than expert. Also, the "native" grass that surrounds most fairways becomes so thick where it is irrigated that balls disappear into it. However, the fairways are generally somewhat wider than average and the grass in the rough is kept mowed sufficiently short that it is easy to find balls in it.

The course is moderately hilly and as such is more "walkable" than other courses in the area that are set among steep ravines. However, very few players walk there because (1) there is no price break, (2) the distances between holes add substantial walking length, and (3) there are no benches and few places with drinking water.

Other than the lack of a price break for walking, the cost of a round with a cart (which includes a basic quality GPS) is consistent with other public courses in the area, and is particularly a better value than the courses in the Aspen area about 30 miles away.

The driving range and practice greens are quite good, except at times when the tees on the range are moved up so far that only irons are allowed to be used. (I think that I am typical in needing a warm-up with my driver the most, especially at this course where the first hole is very challenging.)

The restaurant and bar in the building with the pro shop are attractive, with a spectacular view from the patio. It is very good for a full lunch or dinner, but is lacking in the type of basic, inexpensive items like hot dogs or cold sandwiches that I am more interested in having after a round of golf.

Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Default User Avatar
Commented on 01/01/2020

Thanks for your review! I do want to clarify that the restaurant does offer grab and go turn food for golfers including hot dogs, breakfast burritos, sandwiches and more. We have a text menu on the 8th tee for ordering food. Hope to see you out on the course again!

Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Surrounded by Views!

This course is one of my favorites to play! Elevated tee boxes, river carries and fast, undulating greens offer just the right amount of challenge. The rates vary based on time of play. We played after 3:00 which was $49. That's a great value! The staff was friendly and welcoming.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 6
2.0

Not inspiring

Fairly vanilla compared to what else in in the area. Lots of mountain views but it's not a mountain course at all. Flat routing, very playable but not worth $75.

Conditions Good
Value Poor
Layout Poor
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 01/01/2020

I guess we all define mountain courses differently. It is located in a River Valley...hence the name. It's located at over 6000 ft, and surround by peaks as high as 12,000 ft. If you literally want to golf on a mountain or looking for extreme elevation changes this course doesn't have that. If you like fair and playable golf in a beautiful setting this is a great option.

Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Incredibly Beautiful Course

Below the majestic Mt. Sopris, lies this jewel of a course...incredibly friendly Cours and Staff with challenges for all types of golfers....also an Excellent restaurant on site with the finest views of the Crystal River and Valleys.......the course is in excellent condition as well!!.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Beautiful golf course, outstanding service!

Beautifully maintained golf course with stunning views of Mt. Sopris. Great layout, fun for all abilities. Everyone was friendly and helpful, from the starter, to the golf shop staff, to the golf professionals. Homestead Bar & Grill was outstanding. Great food, great service, and unbelievable setting.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Best course public within 50 miles

The course is in great shape. It is clear that the new management knows what needs to be done to keep the course in great shape and the golfers happy.. Everything runs very smooth and I feel like my business is appreciated. The restaurant is great. Food is good and the service i excellent.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Mountain beautiful

If you want a pristine course with beautiful Mountain View’s you want to play this one.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

River Valley Ranch Golf Course

My experience at River Valley Ranch Golf exceeded my expectations in every way. The new management has definitely taken RVR to the next level. The staff is welcoming, friendly, and helpful. The golf course, set in one of the most beautiful locations in the Roaring Fork Valley, is both fun and challenging, and it is in immaculate condition. The same can be said about the new Homestead Bar & Grill. The service and food are excellent, and the setting is breathtaking. I would recommend RVR to all who love golf in a beautiful mountain setting. You won’t be disappointed.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 25+
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Great staff, pros and restaurant. Course is beautiful.

RVR is an easy course to navigate, challenging but fun. There are 2 experienced pros who are always glad to help. There are clinics for different levels and a great driving range. The restaurant is wonderful, serving breakfast on the go, lunch at the turn and full menu for lunch and dinner. The views from this course are fabulous! You will not be disappointed playing here!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Great layout, with the best views around.

This was my first time playing RVR in years. I was very impressed with the friendliness of the new staff and management. The course has always been one of my favorites in Colorado, but the condition this Spring is better than I have ever seen it. I look forward to coming back and bringing my friends any family to show them the NEW River Valley Ranch!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 19
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

This course has awesome views

This course is awesome to play very fair and straight forward. The staff and amenities were outstanding and very helpful. We had a afternoon tee time and didn't see another person until the 14 the hole. Beautiful views of Mt Sopris and the Crystal river. The greens were in perfect condition and rolled very true.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 26
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing

4-star,especially for women

Nice layout and conditioning. Not much elevation change. Not many forced carries, good for women.
Big gripe with amenities. Waited for rental clubs which needed to be arranged and cleaned. Then discovered that not all clubs were cleaned, had two p-wedges and hybrid was broken. Lousy putter. Driver had scratches on top. Had to wait ten minutes for hot dog at turn and it was cold. Did not lose place on course because of slow play behind us. When I made tee time, was not told that I was in middle of Men's team play. We were twosome and could have played at another time. Again, nice course, sub-par management.

Conditions Good
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Average
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 3
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played
Good weather
Used cart

Best public course in the area

This is really a nice course in great condition. The layout is very cool and every hole is unique. I have played all the public courses sin that area and it is by far the best. Great setting with Mt Sopris in your view on every hole.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 26
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Excellent weather
Used cart

GoodCourse, Great Views

Excellent course conditions with great scenery. The course has a river that runs through it. It is relativly flat with some elevation changes. No blind shots. Staff was friendly. Seemed like a members course.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Beautiful place especially for the price

Beautiful mountain course with amazing views. Well worth the price and it was actually a great deal using golf now. Only a 45 minute drive from Aspen. We are going back again today.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Fair
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 3
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

great course lots of fun

great condition greens run true great views lot of different, interesting holes

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Difficulty Moderate
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