Canyons, arroyos and stunning desert views highlight Conestoga Golf Club in Mesquite, Nevada

MESQUITE, Nev. -- Conestoga Golf Club sprawls across a stunning desert landscape of canyons and arroyos. The golf course carefully mimics the natural contours of the land as it weaves through rocky outcroppings and desert washes, providing scenic views along the way.

Gary Panks designed the course, making sure to carefully preserve the natural beauty of the landscape. The ultimate goal in his design was to give the appearance that nature had crafted the course over time.

Water comes into play on only two holes but there are over 50 bunkers strategically placed throughout.

The front nine features more dramatic elevation changes while the back nine has a flatter, more traditional layout.

The golf course finishes with a seemingly easy par-4 but it is actually quite a formidable challenge. The hole opens with a pair of bunkers, one on each side, that require a nearly perfect tee shot. The long second shot is to a green protected by a large bunker to the front and desert outcroppings to the left and right.

Conestoga Golf Club is a fair challenge but it also has a versatile playability that is aided by five different sets of tees.

Conestoga Golf Club - hole 2

The most dramatic elevation changes at Conestoga Golf Club are on the front nine.

Courtesy of Conestoga G.C.

Conestoga Golf Club - hole 10

Conestoga Golf Club weaves through rocky outcroppings and desert washes.

Courtesy of Conestoga G.C.

Conestoga Golf Club - 17th green

The 17th green at Conestoga Golf Club, a Gary Panks design in Mesquite, Nev.

Courtesy of Conestoga G.C.

Conestoga Golf Club - holes 9 and 10

Water comes into play on only two holes at Conestoga Golf Club.

Courtesy of Conestoga G.C.

Conestoga G.C. - hole 6

A view of the sixth hole at Conestoga G.C. in Mesquite, Nevada.

Courtesy of Conestoga G.C.

Conestoga golf course - 4th hole

For golfers at Conestoga Golf Club, the elevation change and factoring in the wind can produce a few anxious moments.

Courtesy of Conestoga G.C.

Conestoga golf course - 2nd hole

Conestoga Golf Club's second green is as visually enticing as it is challenging.

Courtesy of Rob Krieger/Conestoga G.C.

Conestoga Golf Club in Mesquite - 10th hole

Conestoga Golf Club is a fair challenge but it also has a versatile playability that is aided by five different sets of tees.

Courtesy of Conestoga G.C.