Fossil Trace Golf Club

Fossil Trace would be one of the places I would take someone coming from out of town if they insisted on staying in Denver. The first hole and the back nine are unique as you play through rocks. The other holes offer nothing bad, but not a local experience.
Fossil Trace has some of the best amenities in the area. Golf-wise, they have a driving range, putting green (most fun one in the state-gamble here) and short game area. Non-Golf, they have a bar, restaurant, beverage carts, etc. that has some of the best food on a golf course in the area.
The course, once again, has some very unique holes on the back nine. The par 3s vary from a wedge to a hybrid, the par 5s can be reachable in two (except for maybe the ninth unless you are a monster off the tee), but leave you a dangerous second guarded by bunkers and/or water. The 10th hole is a driveable par 4 with risk/reward.
I find the back nine of Fossil Trace to be one of the best nines in the State and truly unique. It is the reason why locals love to play here. You play through rock outcroppings and excavation areas. There is even a place where you can learn about the fossils off the cart path. This is the reason to come here or to avoid coming here. The uniqueness might be found to be too much if you love your standard golf layouts, so check out their website first. If you need to warm-up or a day of practice after a flight, their practice facilities are second to none. This place is popular for golf outings, so check ahead so pace of play isn't an issue; the only negative of being so popular. They have deals everyday so if you are flexible on tee off time, it is a good value. If in the Denver area, play here, it is local flavor that is done well.

Looking for a something different this is the course to play. The back nine is really cool, with all the features it offers with the stone cliffs. I enjoyed the course, not your tradition golf course but its good to experience something different.

I've played FT multiple times over the years and used to hold it in pretty high esteem. Over time what I realized though is that compared to most of the Jim Engh designs around the state (Redlands,Lakota,4 Mile and Red Hawk Ridge..) you don't get anywhere near the value you do at those other courses. I still find Fossil enjoyable, but would never play there at peak season when there are that many better options that won't kill your wallet and are more fun to play.

this is one of my favorite course town. its a must play for anyone that enjoys a good quality course.

I have played Fossil Trace a bunch of time and it is one of my favorite Jim Engh courses. It is a really fun layout and it can play as easy or as difficult as you want it to based upon what tees you play. The group I was with played it from the blue tees and it had a few par fours that you could drive and all of the par 5's could be reached in two. The course was in great shape and while it is a muni it is one of the best muni's there is. But, as a muni you do get muni golf service. No bag drop. No towels. No water bucket. No nothing. Just golf.

Dinosaur fossils, old quarry remnants and a terrific design by Jim Engh combine for one of the best municipal courses in the west. The holes on the back nine through the boulders and fossil remains is really unique. Terrific clubhouse and practice facilities, too. A can't miss experience if you're going to play a public golf course in the Denver area.

Great course. All you could ask for when playing at place that is advertised as one of Denver areas top courses. Great views & excellent course. Will definitely be back if in the area again!

On the first hole, I saw a fox... how cool was that?

Loved the short par 3's. Had some trouble with the longer par 5 holes as large CO rocks in the fairway make it a challenge. Narrow hitting area's on some holes.

Great fun course though.. beautiful mountain views.

I was lucky enough to play this course when it wasn't too busy. The boulders throughout the course and views made made the round really enjoyable. I will definitely play here again

It's been a few years since I played it, but it was very well maintained at the time. The course has some good, slight elevation changes. I like how a course designer will include those instead of simply flattening out an area. There's a fair amount of water hazards on the course. I'm not complaining -- just mentioning it in case you want to bring an extra sleeve of balls. Some of their well placed bunkers have higher sloping walls. They also incorporate more unusual snaking and/or puzzle piece patterns on some of the bunkers. I really like that from a visual standpoint because it's not just another oval or peanut shaped cutout. The greens were nicely size with just the right amount of breaks and undulation. And the rock out-croppings and the occasional mid-fairway obstacle add a little extra visual that you just don't get on other courses. All in all, I'm a fan.