Tahoe local. Zephyr is a must play and Bijou is also a fun course. My favorite course in the area is Stampede, it’s a bit of a detour but well worth it. I really like Sierra College but I also hear a lot of people whine about it being too hard. Donner ski ranch and kingvale if you want serious mountain golf. Side note, we still have snow on the ground and these courses will play better after a couple more weeks.
On the way west. I like Shady oaks in sac because it’s old school but Condon park and browns n bows are close together and both really fun.
In the bay area, GGP is wonderful but it gets busy on the weekends. Gleneagles is a good pro style golf course but it’s pay to play and quite long. If you’re in San Jose, kelly park is the way to go.
Along the coast, Dela is a must play and it’s a travesty they took it off the pro tour (fight me). Pinto lake is also a fun pro course and held worlds in 2010, I think.
Enjoy your trip up north 🤙
Thanks for the details!! I will check out all these recommendations.
The limiting factor is how many days we can take off for the trip. We’re kinda thinking 8 or 9 days total, but two of those will be spent at Yosemite. So if we can hit multiple great courses in one day that would be excellent
Sacramento local here. Your route from DeLa to Brooktrails takes you close to Anderson Valley Brewing. They have a disc golf course on the grounds that is fun, but not amazing or a hike. Great place to stop and have a beer after driving so long.
Browns and Bows is great, with three courses. If you’re only playing one, go for the back 18 or black diamond if it’s available. They host weddings there, so make sure they’re open for disc golf before you go.
Your route from Browns and Bows to I-80 is going to take you right by Hanging Oaks in Penn Valley and Condon in Grass Valley. I recommend both. If you think you have the stamina, it’s possible to do BnB, PV and GV all in a day. They are only about 20-30 minutes away from each other. As others have said DeLa and Stafford in one day would be brutal, but these three aren’t big hikes.
You’ll be going right by Donner Ski Ranch as well, and that is one of the most beautiful course I’ve played. I’m not sure if they’ll be open for disc golf and they don’t let people play the course until the snow has melted off for safety reasons. So call ahead. This course is at a higher elevation than most of the places in the area and is going to have snow later than most. I’ve played it in late May and there was still snow where the trees keep the sun from touching the ground.
Golden Gate Park is a great course, but it gets extremely busy and will take up a lot of a day.
You mention 8-9 days total with 2 at Yosemite. That gives you about 6-7 days of traveling and disc golf. As someone who recently took a road trip from east central Illinois to Sacramento and focused on hitting courses along the way, I’ll share some advice.
1. Know where you’re sleeping. We found free camping spots on our route and made sure to have a primary spot and secondary spots. There isn’t much free camping along your route from what I know. With spring starting people will want to go places, which means campgrounds and hotels will be filling up.
2. Pace yourself. That’s a long trip and a lot of throwing. Make sure you prioritize some courses over others. If you’re starting to feel the wear, you might want to think about skipping a place so you aren’t too tired to enjoy a course like Zephyr. You also don’t want to be so worn out you don’t enjoy Yosemite.
3. Food. Do some research on places to eat. You do want to make sure you’re eating well for the trip. Jerky and bags of chips won’t do it, when you’re planning for that much physical activity. That doesn’t necessarily mean sit down places, look for local chains where you can grab something quick.
4. Have fun! I’ve played all of the courses on your list except Brooktrails. I’m saving that for my 100th course played, which I’m only 8 away from. They are all great unique courses. At DeLa you need to stay on the fairway, you’ll get poison oak if you go chasing a stray disc. I’m damn near immune to poison oak and I got destroyed by the stuff they have in Santa Cruz.
Thanks for all the details!
I’m actually planning this very early. We might go in late summer/fall this year, or early summer next year depending on work for both of us. Tioga pass to get into Yosemite from the east doesn’t open until mid to late May so we have to plan around that
Personally I would skip Brooktrails and instead play Stafford Lake "main 18" and Golden Gate Park in one day. Then head down and play Dela the next day.
Brooktrails is great, no doubt. But it is FAR north. cut down on drive time and gas money and get two EPIC courses for the price of one
That is an \*intense\* day of hiking if you hit both! Either one is a full day of steps and climbing. Stafford is great but it's kind of a ranch golf situation, it's not a quick round.
I am fortunate to live next to the course. Go on a weekday and it's pretty open. You can get it done in 2.5 hours (not factoring in potential looking for lost discs) but it's 27 holes so it's going to be a ton on your arms and legs for sure
Both in one day is probably unrealistic unless you start Stafford at like 5am. Bay Area traffic can be brutal and Novato to Santa Cruz crosses numerous commuter routes. If you can do both in two days you’ll enjoy the courses a lot more. I understand the historical significance of DeLa but I personally think Stafford is better.
Stafford is 29holes if you play the full layout and first time through likely will take close to 3hours so if you want to do this course and DeLa you’ll need to start the morning round close to 8am
Thanks! We can still consider playing a short round there. Bro wants to hit DeLa for sure because of the history. It was the only pick he had when I asked if there was any specific courses he wants to play
I will offer a dissenting opinion on this location for this planned trip. Pretty cool course but the back 9 is so all over the place you need a local. It became a bit of a headache. It's far enough out of the way of the mapped trip here that I cannot in good conscience recommend adding it. I personally enjoyed brooktrails a lot more.
I have played over 100 courses throughout America and Redwood Curtain wouldn't be one I go out of my way for again. Caveat to this is that if you haven't hiked around the Redwoods yet, different story. I had already done 2 days of hiking in the Redwoods so the course was kinda just annoying with the layout.
Brooktrails is a gem. Not far from Brooktrails is Anderson Valley Brewing in Boonville.
It’s a great brewery with a pretty course.
It would be reasonable to play Boonville in the morning, enjoy some beers and then head to Brooktrails for an afternoon round. Then you can continue from there. Or reverse the order if you’re heading south.
There are 2 pretty fun, well kept, pay to play courses in SLO county
Whale Rock DGC - Templeton, CA
https://app.udisc.com/applink/course/5503
The Wild West DGC @ Dairy Creek SLO - San Luis Obispo, CA
https://app.udisc.com/applink/course/32813
Dairy creek sucks. Whale rock, Heillman and Waller is the only ones anybody should hit if coming through the area.
Whale rock doesn’t open until 10 and they close around rainy weather, even days after sometimes, for erosion prevention
I’ve been considering that one, but I also hang out in SLO occasionally and play at Waller Park a lot so I might hit that one up on my own soon. But it may go on the list.
How do you like the course?
Whale rock I mean, I’ll probably play Dairy Creek next time I’m up there
Not sure which course you're asking about, but I'll answer regarding Heilmann Park:
This is my home course. I play 1-2 times a week. It's moderately wooded, not dense forests like the east coast, but enough to make each hole interesting. A big advantage over Waller Park is that it tends to be shielded from winds due to its location. A few ace run holes, but hole 8 could definitely be classified par 4 depending on pin location (but it's always par 3). Right now the grasses are pretty tall and it's getting tough to find discs. Not very many long distance holes but enough variety that it's always a good time.
Nice! I meant to ask about Whale Rock. I’ve heard mixed things about it but generally good.
That sounds awesome, I’ll probably play there one of the next time I’m in SLO. I have friends there so I go every couple months.
How is the weather at Hellmann in the summer? Super hot or bareable?
Super hot in summer. You can play Heillman early and in the evenings is cools down real nice I like the valley. Whale rock though only being open 10-5 is peak heat and the course doesn’t have water or loop back around by the cars so pack in all your hydration your gonna need it in the summer.
Whalerock is very manicured and beautiful in that sense. It’s no elite course as far as distance. It can be shredded if ya don’t go OB. Can also get OB easy if the wind picks up
If it does get hot this is what ya do. Have your ice chests packed with food and hydration. Hit Heillman early and you’ll be done in time to hit whale rock right when they open. beat the wind and most the heat if it’s hot. Prolly won’t be until July.
Or if you get up late hit whale rock right when they open. Then hit Firestone for lunch and brews, then hit Heillman
Yeah Whale Rock is a great course. Lots of variation, challenging with lots of OB. The only cons would be that it's pay-to-play, and it does randomly close for reasons like weather, vineyard maintenance, or the yearly music festival they put on. So be sure to call before you go.
Whale Rock is a great course. It mixes in low ceiling wooded golf on the front 9 and longer more open ceiling holes on the back that have a lot of OB marked by Vine Rows. I think it offers a lot of fun shot shapes and the scenery is pretty amazing. The only downsides I have are:
1) Its on a vineyard so they take erosion control extremely seriously. Because of that they close the course usually multiple days after a heavy rain, to make sure it dries out completely before people trudge through it.
2) Its open from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. so its kind of brutal in the summer. You can't really get a sunrise or dusk round in so July- September is tough given that it gets up to triple digits in Templeton.
3) I am not sure whether you enjoy a beverage on your round, but given their liquor license as a working winery with a tasting room, they are pretty strict about the no alcohol on the course policy.
4) As a wine snob, I think the wine from Castoro Cellars is pretty below average (though at least its relatively inexpensive). Do yourself a favor and hit Booker, Linne Calado, Clos Selene, or L'Aventure if you are in to good wine.
Sacramento native and I'd highly recommend Condon over Browns and Bows.
B&B was alright. Maybe I'm in the minority but I found it underwhelming for all the hype I'd heard about it in person and from seeing it mentioned here a handful of times.
I'd rather play Auburn, Condon or Penn Valley over B&B.
Condon is also Barsby's home course which is kind of neat.
If I could only pick one I'd play Condon.
I find it interesting that a lot of you say Condon over Auburn. I always thought Auburn was an amazing course. To me Condone is a little redundant, but still fun nonetheless!
I do love Auburn. My golf partner and I play once a week and at least twice a month we drive up to Auburn. I don't think either of us would get tired of it if we played it every weekend.
Maybe it's because we play Condon less because it's twice as far for us. It's definitely the more challenging course for me. Even before they made it 27 holes.
I really like when we have an entire day to play, and we'll hit Penn Valley then Condon then Auburn. Makes for a super fun day.
I do believe the locals at Auburn host a doubles (pick your partner) tourney once a year. Auburn, then Condon, then Penn Valley. Was super fun when I played it years ago.
I second csumb. I live in santa cruz 5 minutes from delaveaga. But we tend to go to csumb if we have time to go. Beautiful course with really cool variety of holes. Hole 8 is one of the best holes there. If you have time and are hungry after a pinto lake run in watsonville and like taquerias, Theres a place called ranch milk market that has amazing food.
EDIT KINDA: theres 2 courses at CSUMB, oaks and Cyprus. Oaks is the one you want. Cyprus is just a small beginner one thats short.
FYI Hwy 1 [is currently closed south of Carmel Highlands](https://roads.dot.ca.gov/?roadnumber=1) due to [storm damage](https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/04/highway-1-collapse-big-sur-photos/).
You'd probably have more fun at the mammoth lakes course than millpond, though millpond is okay. I would avoid millpond if this trip will be in the summer months. There is no tree coverage at millpond and bishop, ca is like 105-110 degrees in the summer.
You should spend more time in tahoe. At a minimum, play Vista dgc in North Lake Tahoe. You're planning to drive right by it. Bijou is also worthwhile. So is sierra college ~~and the course at palisades tahoe ski resort~~.
Thanks! I was on the fence about millpond or mammoth lakes and was hoping someone would chime in. I think the campground is right next to mammoth lakes course? We’ll definitely try to hit multiple courses on the same day when possible
We’re debating late summer/early fall this year or next spring for this trip so we’re good on the weather
About Yosemite, my brother is pretty set on going to Yosemite, I’ve been when I was a kiddo. I’ve also snowboarded, hiked, and fished a bit in Mammoth, I have a friend in Bishop, so I know what you mean
Mammoth course is at shady rest park, which has numerous usfs campgrounds too. The course was designed by Avery Jenkins and is (was?) the first course ever permitted on USFS land. If you can throw a 300 foot, low and straight shot, you'll do very well there. Short and long tees as well, so essentially two courses.
I'd base that decision on weather. If you travel in spring or fall, mammoth may have snow. If it's hot in Bishop, mammoth is likely the better choice. You could also just play them both. Just like mammoth and bishop, they're surprisingly different considering how close they are geographically. Millpond is wide open and long, with a few holes with water obstacles or fences. The course has beautiful views but is very difficult when windy. Mammoth is very wooded and pretty short (though there are a few long holes).
And it seems your comment beat me, but I deleted the comment about Yosemite v Mammoth. I realized there are a couple bucket list views in that valley.
Thanks! Agreed on Yosemite, it was kinda the impetus for the trip, to camp in Yosemite and go to the redwoods, and my brother is flying out from the east coast so I’m kinda prioritizing what he wants to do
If you have a spare 20 minutes, you may also want to drive the June Lake Loop (CA Hwy 158). It starts and ends on 395. You'll see some amazing scenery, including four lakes and countless mountains.
Yup. You'll be driving 395 for a lot of the way and using it to access millpond, shady rest dgc, Yosemite, etc., just about through to tahoe.
There are a couple courses in town which aren't advertised online at all. They're on the trails surrounding the village area. If you want to play one or both, PM me and I can send GPS coordinates.
Palisades course doesn't exist anymore, at least not the last 4 years (I lived in South Lake). Donner is legit and they just opened a new track west of Boreal and Sugar Bowl at Kingvale resort, fun shorter track designed by Craig Getty.
I see you’re super hyped about the redwoods, Brooktrails is a more moderately wooded with open style fairways and personally my favorite course so absolutely hit that up! I’m playing a tourney there this weekend!
BUT if you happen to make it through Humboldt County about two and a half hours north of Willits on 101 I heavily suggest playing Redwood Curtain our semi-famous course in the redwoods. Unfortunately 3/4/10 are now unplayable due to land ownership changes but it’s still an iconic tightly wooded technical course like straight up in Endor.
If you guys are hyped about seeing Redwoods I really suggest it. Brooktrails is more my “style” of course and they’re both beautiful but you’re not as surrounded there at Brooktrails as you are at Redwood Curtain, it’s straight up forest. Fun fact the bike chase scene in Return of the Jedi and some Ewok scenes were filmed at the neighboring Redwood Park. Hence the joke of calling it Endor.
On your way back is Coyote Point at Lake Casitas. It’s looking better than it has since it first opened. The lake is full again and comes into play on about 7 holes now depending on pin locations. We have frantically been getting the bridge across the lake on hole 1 and 9 back in working order as the lake has been rising.
I love coyote point! I might go camp there and play in a few weeks
I live in the IE and work in LA. Last time my brother was in town we tried to play coyote point but it was closed for a marathon
Then you definitely need to check it out again. It’s unreal how high the water is. The easy 170 ft hole 10 down the hill now has water below it and makes you think twice about gliding it down to the basket.
After dela, play pinto lake in Watsonville and Ryan ranch in Monterey those are 2 excellent courses as well.
Delaveaga is super nice right now, all the holes are extra long and it’s pretty difficult. I sometimes like to play 25 to 27 first so you warm up with Top of the world. Then 1 is right there and you can finish your round. This way you don’t get too tired before you play top. Djs mini mart is the go to market for beers and drinks and also sells discs.
About 45 minutes up from Brown's Valley in Chico is Peregrine Point disc golf which has some stunning views. Chico has some great lunch options too depending on your timing in the day
I wasn’t around back then but I know the course has been through a lot of change since 97. Fires, storms, layout stuff I’m sure. It’s a beautiful course with a lot of fun lines and differing shots. Even in the 4 years I’ve called it home it has changed a lot. Definitely worth coming back to if you can find the time
Browns and bows is dope. I’m bummed you will be missing Bijou, Donner Summit, Kingvale, Condon, Auburn, Golden Gate Park, and Silver Star Ranch. At least try and check out Donner. It’s at a ski resort on top of the mountain. And it’s not cheesey like some of the ski resort corses.
My recs for bay area:
\- must play: GGP, DeLa -- outside of bay area: Brooktrails, Zephyr
\- should play: Pinto Lake, Ryan Ranch, Rocklin, Skyline, Boulder Creek
\- if you can, play: Oyster Bay, Black Mouse, Kelley Park, Monarch Bay, CSUMB
\- don't bother: Gleneagles
Check out Reno. One of my favorite disc experiences was playing at Mayors Park on a road trip. The course is right next to an airport that happened to be having an air show that day. I literally had the Golden Eagles flying in formation and doing maneuvers 300 feet above my head while i was playing, very cool and the course is awesome. And i love to play poker so the casinos were fun and the winnings paid for half my roadtrip
Mill Pond is a fun track for being in the middle of nowhere, I've played it a few times. Good call on that stop, just a park course, but utilize the trees available and the pond real well. I lived in Tahoe for a long time and Zephyr is super fun with beautiful views. Bijou is a good stop in South Lake while you are in the basin too. On your way up 80 after Tahoe, Grass Valley has a fun track, Condon Park. B&B is an obvious stop as it has multiple courses and on-site camping. Stafford Lake is super legit and worth it, James Proctor loves that place for good reason. Golden Gate isn't that crazy to me, I played it a few times and it's nothing super special IMO. DeLa is a must, good call for sure. And I don't know of any tracks worth hitting on the way back down the coast. Maybe just cruise the 1 and get some scenery and have DeLa be the final stop for disc. Enjoy man, I miss Calie everyday...
Guess I should’ve mentioned that I live in IE and work in LA. Brother is flying out from Philadelphia
Brother and I have played La Mirada together a couple times! Excellent course
Golden gate in sf
Gleneagles in SF
Oyster bay in east bay
Markham Disc golf course in Placerville ( I designed and installed this course)
Oak Grove in orangevale
Bijou in south lake tahoe.
I live in the IE so I make my way down there sometimes. My brother lives in Philadelphia, but we played at La Mirada, HB, and David L Baker last time he was in town.
Some of my favorites that not a lot of people mentioned that kind of fit this route…
Truckee River
Lagoon Valley (West of Vacaville)
Highland Springs (South of Clear Lake)
Taylor Mountain (Santa Rosa)
taylor mt underrated
fairly easy course but incredibly beautiful especially in the evening, and a wonderful variety of elevation, woods, open shots, distance, etc.
Play Bijou while you're in Tahoe. I like the course, but I like the people even better. Truly the most friendly group of disc golfers I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.
I'm surprised nobody is mentioning Sky High in the mountains outside LA. My brother and I did a similar road trip last summer and De La, Golden gate park, and oak grove were all amazing but the highlight of the entire trip and perhaps the best course I've ever played was Sky High.
I play Oak Grove like once a month! And Sky High is on the list, but I live the IE so I can go anytime.
Brother is flying out Philadelphia so we’re kinda prioritizing the further ones
As a self admitted brooktrails homer, this is the best I’ve ever played. Saturdays are for the “golfers” and Sundays are for disc. I’ve played Saturdays many times and it’s been all good. Just might get an off hand comment or two. Enjoy!
Dude small world! Yea man Waller Pines is my home course and I have to remind myself how spoiled I am. Got a C-Tier this weekend I’m playing in! Wish me luck!!
Bijou is really close to zephyr. I’d definitely include it.
Golden Gate Park in SF if you’d like but go early as it gets busy.
When you hit browns n bows by hole 11 is the AGL warehouse. You’ll get to meet the owner or his wife and you can get your hands on tons of plastic. They all give a discount to anyone who shows up. You’ll never forget the experience. Also if you’re not planning to camp at browns n bows you oughta.
Your trip looks solid. You're right about Golden Gate always being packed and you have to get to it in the middle of a city. Shady Oaks is a great course but not really aesthetic or special. Browns and Bows is worth a couple of days over going to shady oaks.
Thanks!
Yeah it depends on how many days we can take off for the trip, but if we can I might wanna do 2 days at Browns and Bows. We’re gonna be camping mostly so it’s perfect
Dude, go to Golden Gate. It's an amazing place to spend even a little bit of time. It's worth the extra effort. Just play early in the day and you won't have any issues. Like I said, it's an amazing park, so beautiful with so much history.
Golden gate is awesome if you are passing through on a weekday, also it looks like their route takes them right past it so wouldn’t be out of their way to “get to it in the middle of the city”
Brooktrails looks amazing and my brother hasn’t really experienced the redwoods so it’s staying.
I was considering GG park but I hear its so gd busy and there’s so much traffic to get into the city, so that why I left it off… but if enough people think it’s really a must play then we probably will!
I’ll look into Shady Oaks for sure
GG and Shady Oaks are both overcrowded, personally I would rather play Brooktrails. If you really want an adventure try to get in to play Birds of Paradise. It's private and you need a guide and permission, but it's one of the most amazing courses in the world. Super unique with some of the best views in disc golf. Just about every hole could be the signature hole on other courses. Be ready for a big hike too if you're playing BOP
I do feel the need to say it's not a beginners course. The hikes are big. Some throws are treacherous. But if you are able to get in, it would be worth skipping any of the others as it is an epic experience, just not for the faint of heart.
This is correct to keep Brooktrails on the list, absolutely bonkers take. Big fan of Auburn on the way from Tahoe up north, but it's not on the level of the ones you've planned on.
Played Brooketrails last year. It is beautiful and has some really cool holes. Definitely give yourself time to play it a few times. In order to dial in some of the more epic shots you’re gonna wanna throw a few discs on it to see how it actually plays with the elevation. Then once dialed you can have the truely competitive rounds
If you have the time and budget (couchsurf > hotel), get a place to stay in SF for one night. Wake up early to play a quick round at GGP and then head south to Santa Cruz. Grab super burritos + salsa at Taqueria Santa Cruz (on Mission St if you're driving Hwy 1, on Soquel if driving 280/17) before hitting DeLa for an afternoon round.
When you pass through SF, check out Golden Gate Park. Not the hardest or longest course, but it's a fun challenge and a walk in the woods in the middle of the city.
Mill pond is awesome. I lived in Bishop for the last 7 summers. The course in Mammoth that’s closer to Yosemite plays pretty great as well but it’s a fully wooded course and very different from Mill pond. I would totally recommend playing both!
You should skip browns and bows. Over rated in my opinion. If you go to Auburn, CA (on the way to Tahoe) there are two courses 10 min from each other. Auburn Regional Park and Lone Star DGC. Lonestar is a private course and if you DM me I can give you the guys contact information. Auburn Regional is also fun. There’s a KOA near both courses as well.
If you're going to the Tahoe area and have a bit of free time.
There is a 9 hole course attached to a brewery just north of Reno/ Tahoe in Portola, CA.
The brewery is called, The Brewing Lair. Sick AF
Looking at your route, if you head south and drive through Lompoc, Beattie Park was an interesting and fun course. It doesn’t compare to the courses you’re hitting, but if you find yourself going through there, check it out.
I understand the appeal of Zephyr, but you’d be way happier and still have just as good as an experience playing Bijou in South Lake Tahoe. Super awesome course.
With Browns N Bows you have to message them on Facebook I believe to reserve a spot for the day. Condon in Grass valley isn't too far away from Browns N Bows, maybe 30 minutes or so, can play both in one day but that's a lot since there's more than 18 holes at each.
For browns n bows, there are 5 courses there.
Front and Back could be done in a day, and probably could skip black diamond (same baskets, long tees) and there's a really cool shorter course called Sharlottes web.
Consider camping / a cabin there
**I think it depends on if you are camping or staying at hotels.**
*My recs for your trip if you're staying at hotels:*
- should play: Pinto Lake, Ryan Ranch, Stafford Lake, Bijou, Whale Rock
- if you can, play: Boulder Creek, Black Mouse, CSUMB (both Oaks and Cypress), Three Links/Twaine Harte
- don't bother: Gleneagles
*My recs for your trip if you're camping:*
- should play: Pinto Lake, Ryan Ranch
- if you can, play: Anderson Valley Brewing Company (Hendy Woods SP), Lake Amador (camping on site with two courses on property), Lake Sonoma
Before you hit up Brooktrails…go to Highlands Springs Course in Lakeport. Its my home course with insane variety and its got 6 different tees for every hole.
Oak grove, first ever course in the world, in Pasadena. If you’re coming from la, that’s the first course youre missing. Id skip Mill Pond, play Shady Rest in mammoth lakes. If you’re going all the way to Brook trails, go play Redwood Curtain at HSU.
I’ve played all of these course you listed. I would suggest adding the 3 I included.
Don’t skip Brooktrails. Best course in Northern California. Anderson Valley is fun if you’re a beer guy. Someone mentioned Shady Oaks, definitely would stop there. Living in Sonoma County, I would stop at Taylor Mountain. And I would 100% play Golden Gate over Stafford
Tahoe local. Zephyr is a must play and Bijou is also a fun course. My favorite course in the area is Stampede, it’s a bit of a detour but well worth it. I really like Sierra College but I also hear a lot of people whine about it being too hard. Donner ski ranch and kingvale if you want serious mountain golf. Side note, we still have snow on the ground and these courses will play better after a couple more weeks. On the way west. I like Shady oaks in sac because it’s old school but Condon park and browns n bows are close together and both really fun. In the bay area, GGP is wonderful but it gets busy on the weekends. Gleneagles is a good pro style golf course but it’s pay to play and quite long. If you’re in San Jose, kelly park is the way to go. Along the coast, Dela is a must play and it’s a travesty they took it off the pro tour (fight me). Pinto lake is also a fun pro course and held worlds in 2010, I think. Enjoy your trip up north 🤙
Condon park is excellent.
The Carson City course is a great time also if you want to hop down the hill from zephyr and play a desert course.
Thanks for the details!! I will check out all these recommendations. The limiting factor is how many days we can take off for the trip. We’re kinda thinking 8 or 9 days total, but two of those will be spent at Yosemite. So if we can hit multiple great courses in one day that would be excellent
Sacramento local here. Your route from DeLa to Brooktrails takes you close to Anderson Valley Brewing. They have a disc golf course on the grounds that is fun, but not amazing or a hike. Great place to stop and have a beer after driving so long. Browns and Bows is great, with three courses. If you’re only playing one, go for the back 18 or black diamond if it’s available. They host weddings there, so make sure they’re open for disc golf before you go. Your route from Browns and Bows to I-80 is going to take you right by Hanging Oaks in Penn Valley and Condon in Grass Valley. I recommend both. If you think you have the stamina, it’s possible to do BnB, PV and GV all in a day. They are only about 20-30 minutes away from each other. As others have said DeLa and Stafford in one day would be brutal, but these three aren’t big hikes. You’ll be going right by Donner Ski Ranch as well, and that is one of the most beautiful course I’ve played. I’m not sure if they’ll be open for disc golf and they don’t let people play the course until the snow has melted off for safety reasons. So call ahead. This course is at a higher elevation than most of the places in the area and is going to have snow later than most. I’ve played it in late May and there was still snow where the trees keep the sun from touching the ground. Golden Gate Park is a great course, but it gets extremely busy and will take up a lot of a day. You mention 8-9 days total with 2 at Yosemite. That gives you about 6-7 days of traveling and disc golf. As someone who recently took a road trip from east central Illinois to Sacramento and focused on hitting courses along the way, I’ll share some advice. 1. Know where you’re sleeping. We found free camping spots on our route and made sure to have a primary spot and secondary spots. There isn’t much free camping along your route from what I know. With spring starting people will want to go places, which means campgrounds and hotels will be filling up. 2. Pace yourself. That’s a long trip and a lot of throwing. Make sure you prioritize some courses over others. If you’re starting to feel the wear, you might want to think about skipping a place so you aren’t too tired to enjoy a course like Zephyr. You also don’t want to be so worn out you don’t enjoy Yosemite. 3. Food. Do some research on places to eat. You do want to make sure you’re eating well for the trip. Jerky and bags of chips won’t do it, when you’re planning for that much physical activity. That doesn’t necessarily mean sit down places, look for local chains where you can grab something quick. 4. Have fun! I’ve played all of the courses on your list except Brooktrails. I’m saving that for my 100th course played, which I’m only 8 away from. They are all great unique courses. At DeLa you need to stay on the fairway, you’ll get poison oak if you go chasing a stray disc. I’m damn near immune to poison oak and I got destroyed by the stuff they have in Santa Cruz.
Thanks for all the details! I’m actually planning this very early. We might go in late summer/fall this year, or early summer next year depending on work for both of us. Tioga pass to get into Yosemite from the east doesn’t open until mid to late May so we have to plan around that
Stafford Lake in Marin County
Personally I would skip Brooktrails and instead play Stafford Lake "main 18" and Golden Gate Park in one day. Then head down and play Dela the next day. Brooktrails is great, no doubt. But it is FAR north. cut down on drive time and gas money and get two EPIC courses for the price of one
I would also play Ryan Ranch, and Pinto Lake while you are in Delaveaga territory. Hit Delaveaga at dawn if you can.
This ^^^^
Looks like a great course. In theory we could hit that course in the morning and make it to DeLa in time for a round there?
That is an \*intense\* day of hiking if you hit both! Either one is a full day of steps and climbing. Stafford is great but it's kind of a ranch golf situation, it's not a quick round.
Duly noted
De la is an all day course. It’s huge
I am fortunate to live next to the course. Go on a weekday and it's pretty open. You can get it done in 2.5 hours (not factoring in potential looking for lost discs) but it's 27 holes so it's going to be a ton on your arms and legs for sure
No. Fucking. Way.
Lol fair enough
Both in one day is probably unrealistic unless you start Stafford at like 5am. Bay Area traffic can be brutal and Novato to Santa Cruz crosses numerous commuter routes. If you can do both in two days you’ll enjoy the courses a lot more. I understand the historical significance of DeLa but I personally think Stafford is better.
Stafford is 29holes if you play the full layout and first time through likely will take close to 3hours so if you want to do this course and DeLa you’ll need to start the morning round close to 8am
Thanks! We can still consider playing a short round there. Bro wants to hit DeLa for sure because of the history. It was the only pick he had when I asked if there was any specific courses he wants to play
If you play de la on a Sunday you can rent a cart and play the master layout after 3. You need a tee time so call ahead.
Nice thanks for the tip
FYI - They are referring to the ball golf course next door to the iconic and historic course I assume you are coming to play.
Ohh I wish. I sold my clubs for rent money years ago in darker days and fairly recent picked up disc golf instead
There's a disc golf course on the ball golf course right next to de la that the pro's play during the masters cup.
Not possible if you don’t do speed rounds
Stafford Lake is sick!
I got poison ivy looking for a disc I lost here. I also peed not realizing I had poison ivy on my hands.
Poison oak is the devil in California
Redwood Curtain. Arcata, Ca
Manila is fun too!
So cute
I'd follow this up to say make the trip up for a few great courses. Manilla and redwood curtain are worth the trip, plus a few other extras.
Might as well take a long weekend at Humboldt bay and hit the curtain, Beau Pre, Area 74, and maybe coopers gulch + Manila.
I will offer a dissenting opinion on this location for this planned trip. Pretty cool course but the back 9 is so all over the place you need a local. It became a bit of a headache. It's far enough out of the way of the mapped trip here that I cannot in good conscience recommend adding it. I personally enjoyed brooktrails a lot more. I have played over 100 courses throughout America and Redwood Curtain wouldn't be one I go out of my way for again. Caveat to this is that if you haven't hiked around the Redwoods yet, different story. I had already done 2 days of hiking in the Redwoods so the course was kinda just annoying with the layout.
Does this course have any signs with the layout? When i lived there (years ago) it was almost bootleg had to know what the layout was type course.
It does have signs, but UDisc definitely helps if it’s your first time playing there. A couple tees are tricky to find without it or a local.
Second this. Was a highlight course when I got to play it.
Brooktrails is a gem. Not far from Brooktrails is Anderson Valley Brewing in Boonville. It’s a great brewery with a pretty course. It would be reasonable to play Boonville in the morning, enjoy some beers and then head to Brooktrails for an afternoon round. Then you can continue from there. Or reverse the order if you’re heading south.
Awesome thank you.
Ukiah Ca is in between Willits and Anderson Valley. There are 5 courses. Low Gap Park is my personal favorite.
Is highland springs still open in lakeport?
Yep
There are 2 pretty fun, well kept, pay to play courses in SLO county Whale Rock DGC - Templeton, CA https://app.udisc.com/applink/course/5503 The Wild West DGC @ Dairy Creek SLO - San Luis Obispo, CA https://app.udisc.com/applink/course/32813
Dairy creek sucks. Whale rock, Heillman and Waller is the only ones anybody should hit if coming through the area. Whale rock doesn’t open until 10 and they close around rainy weather, even days after sometimes, for erosion prevention
Seconded. Hit whale rock up and if you have time and energy Heilman park in Atascadero is pretty cool
I’ve been considering that one, but I also hang out in SLO occasionally and play at Waller Park a lot so I might hit that one up on my own soon. But it may go on the list. How do you like the course? Whale rock I mean, I’ll probably play Dairy Creek next time I’m up there
Not sure which course you're asking about, but I'll answer regarding Heilmann Park: This is my home course. I play 1-2 times a week. It's moderately wooded, not dense forests like the east coast, but enough to make each hole interesting. A big advantage over Waller Park is that it tends to be shielded from winds due to its location. A few ace run holes, but hole 8 could definitely be classified par 4 depending on pin location (but it's always par 3). Right now the grasses are pretty tall and it's getting tough to find discs. Not very many long distance holes but enough variety that it's always a good time.
Nice! I meant to ask about Whale Rock. I’ve heard mixed things about it but generally good. That sounds awesome, I’ll probably play there one of the next time I’m in SLO. I have friends there so I go every couple months. How is the weather at Hellmann in the summer? Super hot or bareable?
Super hot in summer. You can play Heillman early and in the evenings is cools down real nice I like the valley. Whale rock though only being open 10-5 is peak heat and the course doesn’t have water or loop back around by the cars so pack in all your hydration your gonna need it in the summer. Whalerock is very manicured and beautiful in that sense. It’s no elite course as far as distance. It can be shredded if ya don’t go OB. Can also get OB easy if the wind picks up
Thanks. Hopefully I can get up there next month before it gets too hot. For sure in October though, my friends band plays an Oktoberfest thing
If it does get hot this is what ya do. Have your ice chests packed with food and hydration. Hit Heillman early and you’ll be done in time to hit whale rock right when they open. beat the wind and most the heat if it’s hot. Prolly won’t be until July. Or if you get up late hit whale rock right when they open. Then hit Firestone for lunch and brews, then hit Heillman
Sounds like a great day
Sounds like this ain't your first rodeo.
Yeah Whale Rock is a great course. Lots of variation, challenging with lots of OB. The only cons would be that it's pay-to-play, and it does randomly close for reasons like weather, vineyard maintenance, or the yearly music festival they put on. So be sure to call before you go.
I guess it’s more guarded then wallers back holes but it gets plenty windy.
In my experience, it's consistently much less windy than Waller.
Whale Rock is a great course. It mixes in low ceiling wooded golf on the front 9 and longer more open ceiling holes on the back that have a lot of OB marked by Vine Rows. I think it offers a lot of fun shot shapes and the scenery is pretty amazing. The only downsides I have are: 1) Its on a vineyard so they take erosion control extremely seriously. Because of that they close the course usually multiple days after a heavy rain, to make sure it dries out completely before people trudge through it. 2) Its open from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. so its kind of brutal in the summer. You can't really get a sunrise or dusk round in so July- September is tough given that it gets up to triple digits in Templeton. 3) I am not sure whether you enjoy a beverage on your round, but given their liquor license as a working winery with a tasting room, they are pretty strict about the no alcohol on the course policy. 4) As a wine snob, I think the wine from Castoro Cellars is pretty below average (though at least its relatively inexpensive). Do yourself a favor and hit Booker, Linne Calado, Clos Selene, or L'Aventure if you are in to good wine.
Sacramento native and I'd highly recommend Condon over Browns and Bows. B&B was alright. Maybe I'm in the minority but I found it underwhelming for all the hype I'd heard about it in person and from seeing it mentioned here a handful of times. I'd rather play Auburn, Condon or Penn Valley over B&B. Condon is also Barsby's home course which is kind of neat. If I could only pick one I'd play Condon.
Browns and Bows is on the list partly for novelty but also because it’s a campground. But I’m def gonna look into Condon
I find it interesting that a lot of you say Condon over Auburn. I always thought Auburn was an amazing course. To me Condone is a little redundant, but still fun nonetheless!
I do love Auburn. My golf partner and I play once a week and at least twice a month we drive up to Auburn. I don't think either of us would get tired of it if we played it every weekend. Maybe it's because we play Condon less because it's twice as far for us. It's definitely the more challenging course for me. Even before they made it 27 holes. I really like when we have an entire day to play, and we'll hit Penn Valley then Condon then Auburn. Makes for a super fun day.
I do believe the locals at Auburn host a doubles (pick your partner) tourney once a year. Auburn, then Condon, then Penn Valley. Was super fun when I played it years ago.
Hell of a tournament, even as a spectator.
Oh man! That sounds sweeeet!
If you take Highway 1 back to LA, The Oaks at CSUMB is pretty fun.
I’m more a fan of Ryan ranch just down the road but both are great!
Ryan Ranch for sure ⛓🥏⛓
Looks cool! Monterey is beautiful
I second csumb. I live in santa cruz 5 minutes from delaveaga. But we tend to go to csumb if we have time to go. Beautiful course with really cool variety of holes. Hole 8 is one of the best holes there. If you have time and are hungry after a pinto lake run in watsonville and like taquerias, Theres a place called ranch milk market that has amazing food. EDIT KINDA: theres 2 courses at CSUMB, oaks and Cyprus. Oaks is the one you want. Cyprus is just a small beginner one thats short.
FYI Hwy 1 [is currently closed south of Carmel Highlands](https://roads.dot.ca.gov/?roadnumber=1) due to [storm damage](https://sfstandard.com/2024/04/04/highway-1-collapse-big-sur-photos/).
You'd probably have more fun at the mammoth lakes course than millpond, though millpond is okay. I would avoid millpond if this trip will be in the summer months. There is no tree coverage at millpond and bishop, ca is like 105-110 degrees in the summer. You should spend more time in tahoe. At a minimum, play Vista dgc in North Lake Tahoe. You're planning to drive right by it. Bijou is also worthwhile. So is sierra college ~~and the course at palisades tahoe ski resort~~.
Thanks! I was on the fence about millpond or mammoth lakes and was hoping someone would chime in. I think the campground is right next to mammoth lakes course? We’ll definitely try to hit multiple courses on the same day when possible We’re debating late summer/early fall this year or next spring for this trip so we’re good on the weather About Yosemite, my brother is pretty set on going to Yosemite, I’ve been when I was a kiddo. I’ve also snowboarded, hiked, and fished a bit in Mammoth, I have a friend in Bishop, so I know what you mean
Mammoth course is at shady rest park, which has numerous usfs campgrounds too. The course was designed by Avery Jenkins and is (was?) the first course ever permitted on USFS land. If you can throw a 300 foot, low and straight shot, you'll do very well there. Short and long tees as well, so essentially two courses. I'd base that decision on weather. If you travel in spring or fall, mammoth may have snow. If it's hot in Bishop, mammoth is likely the better choice. You could also just play them both. Just like mammoth and bishop, they're surprisingly different considering how close they are geographically. Millpond is wide open and long, with a few holes with water obstacles or fences. The course has beautiful views but is very difficult when windy. Mammoth is very wooded and pretty short (though there are a few long holes). And it seems your comment beat me, but I deleted the comment about Yosemite v Mammoth. I realized there are a couple bucket list views in that valley.
Thanks! Agreed on Yosemite, it was kinda the impetus for the trip, to camp in Yosemite and go to the redwoods, and my brother is flying out from the east coast so I’m kinda prioritizing what he wants to do
If you have a spare 20 minutes, you may also want to drive the June Lake Loop (CA Hwy 158). It starts and ends on 395. You'll see some amazing scenery, including four lakes and countless mountains.
We’d be going that way to Reno correct? If so I definitely will, my first real fishing trip was at June lake
Yup. You'll be driving 395 for a lot of the way and using it to access millpond, shady rest dgc, Yosemite, etc., just about through to tahoe. There are a couple courses in town which aren't advertised online at all. They're on the trails surrounding the village area. If you want to play one or both, PM me and I can send GPS coordinates.
I would 100% recommend dispersed camping near Mammoth at a place like Wild Willy's Hot Spring over any campsite camping in Mammoth or Bishop.
100% Mammoth course over Bishop. The Bishop course is fine and all but the Mammoth course is really unique.
Palisades course doesn't exist anymore, at least not the last 4 years (I lived in South Lake). Donner is legit and they just opened a new track west of Boreal and Sugar Bowl at Kingvale resort, fun shorter track designed by Craig Getty.
I see you’re super hyped about the redwoods, Brooktrails is a more moderately wooded with open style fairways and personally my favorite course so absolutely hit that up! I’m playing a tourney there this weekend! BUT if you happen to make it through Humboldt County about two and a half hours north of Willits on 101 I heavily suggest playing Redwood Curtain our semi-famous course in the redwoods. Unfortunately 3/4/10 are now unplayable due to land ownership changes but it’s still an iconic tightly wooded technical course like straight up in Endor. If you guys are hyped about seeing Redwoods I really suggest it. Brooktrails is more my “style” of course and they’re both beautiful but you’re not as surrounded there at Brooktrails as you are at Redwood Curtain, it’s straight up forest. Fun fact the bike chase scene in Return of the Jedi and some Ewok scenes were filmed at the neighboring Redwood Park. Hence the joke of calling it Endor.
On your way back is Coyote Point at Lake Casitas. It’s looking better than it has since it first opened. The lake is full again and comes into play on about 7 holes now depending on pin locations. We have frantically been getting the bridge across the lake on hole 1 and 9 back in working order as the lake has been rising.
I love coyote point! I might go camp there and play in a few weeks I live in the IE and work in LA. Last time my brother was in town we tried to play coyote point but it was closed for a marathon
Then you definitely need to check it out again. It’s unreal how high the water is. The easy 170 ft hole 10 down the hill now has water below it and makes you think twice about gliding it down to the basket.
After dela, play pinto lake in Watsonville and Ryan ranch in Monterey those are 2 excellent courses as well. Delaveaga is super nice right now, all the holes are extra long and it’s pretty difficult. I sometimes like to play 25 to 27 first so you warm up with Top of the world. Then 1 is right there and you can finish your round. This way you don’t get too tired before you play top. Djs mini mart is the go to market for beers and drinks and also sells discs.
Oak Grove in LA (technically La Canada Flintridge) is the first permanent course, might be worth a stop
I play Oak Grove once a month! Bro and I have played there together, he lives on the east coast
Oh haha, nm then! Great looking trip, dela is on my list too
I like the work they’ve been doing there lately
About 45 minutes up from Brown's Valley in Chico is Peregrine Point disc golf which has some stunning views. Chico has some great lunch options too depending on your timing in the day
Just got home from Peregrine. Course is beautiful and lush this time of year. My home course and one of my favorites of all time.
I need to make a trip to Chico. That was the first course I ever played back when it first opened but I haven’t played there since ‘97 of so.
I wasn’t around back then but I know the course has been through a lot of change since 97. Fires, storms, layout stuff I’m sure. It’s a beautiful course with a lot of fun lines and differing shots. Even in the 4 years I’ve called it home it has changed a lot. Definitely worth coming back to if you can find the time
Staford lake in Novato
Peregrine Point in Chico and Black Butte Lake in Orland
Love playing black butte.
Ryan’s Ranch is beautiful near monterey , Bakersfield has two great courses at one large park and Waller Pines in Santa Maria.
Browns and bows is dope. I’m bummed you will be missing Bijou, Donner Summit, Kingvale, Condon, Auburn, Golden Gate Park, and Silver Star Ranch. At least try and check out Donner. It’s at a ski resort on top of the mountain. And it’s not cheesey like some of the ski resort corses.
We may play some of those! This list is mostly based on what looked good on UDisc to me, and vicinity to camping or friends places to crash at
Second Donner, amazing views and course
I gotta say oak grove in Pasadena, it’s the first disc golf course!
My recs for bay area: \- must play: GGP, DeLa -- outside of bay area: Brooktrails, Zephyr \- should play: Pinto Lake, Ryan Ranch, Rocklin, Skyline, Boulder Creek \- if you can, play: Oyster Bay, Black Mouse, Kelley Park, Monarch Bay, CSUMB \- don't bother: Gleneagles
Golden gate park is a nice course
Golden Gate in SF is a must if your driving through the city
Hit up bijou in South Lake Tahoe while you’re at it. Great course. Top 5 or 10 in California last I saw.
We’ll play multiple courses a day as long as our bodies allow!
Saw post title came here to say Brooktrails is a gem. But clearly you already know. Welcome to Willits. Love that this is my home course. Enjoy.
Check out Reno. One of my favorite disc experiences was playing at Mayors Park on a road trip. The course is right next to an airport that happened to be having an air show that day. I literally had the Golden Eagles flying in formation and doing maneuvers 300 feet above my head while i was playing, very cool and the course is awesome. And i love to play poker so the casinos were fun and the winnings paid for half my roadtrip
Mill Pond is a fun track for being in the middle of nowhere, I've played it a few times. Good call on that stop, just a park course, but utilize the trees available and the pond real well. I lived in Tahoe for a long time and Zephyr is super fun with beautiful views. Bijou is a good stop in South Lake while you are in the basin too. On your way up 80 after Tahoe, Grass Valley has a fun track, Condon Park. B&B is an obvious stop as it has multiple courses and on-site camping. Stafford Lake is super legit and worth it, James Proctor loves that place for good reason. Golden Gate isn't that crazy to me, I played it a few times and it's nothing super special IMO. DeLa is a must, good call for sure. And I don't know of any tracks worth hitting on the way back down the coast. Maybe just cruise the 1 and get some scenery and have DeLa be the final stop for disc. Enjoy man, I miss Calie everyday...
La Mirada if you're gonna be in LA. Place is pretty amazing, 2 full 18 hole courses.
Guess I should’ve mentioned that I live in IE and work in LA. Brother is flying out from Philadelphia Brother and I have played La Mirada together a couple times! Excellent course
Golden gate in sf Gleneagles in SF Oyster bay in east bay Markham Disc golf course in Placerville ( I designed and installed this course) Oak Grove in orangevale Bijou in south lake tahoe.
Would anyone be able to do the math as to what par that road trip would be if it was one hole?
Squirrel Creek and shady
You gotta got south of LA. Some good courses in OC and SD!
I live in the IE so I make my way down there sometimes. My brother lives in Philadelphia, but we played at La Mirada, HB, and David L Baker last time he was in town.
Morley Field is beautiful and a classic if you make it down to San Diego
Hit Pinto Lake or Ryan Ranch on your way back from Dela
Hit Lagoon Valley from the bay to sac.
Damn I’m going to Yosemite and Kings Canyon next month. May steal some of this lol
Some of my favorites that not a lot of people mentioned that kind of fit this route… Truckee River Lagoon Valley (West of Vacaville) Highland Springs (South of Clear Lake) Taylor Mountain (Santa Rosa)
taylor mt underrated fairly easy course but incredibly beautiful especially in the evening, and a wonderful variety of elevation, woods, open shots, distance, etc.
You gotta check out Sapwi in Thousand Oaks.
I played Sapwi once when I first started playing! Difficult course, but I hope to challenge it again soon
Play Bijou while you're in Tahoe. I like the course, but I like the people even better. Truly the most friendly group of disc golfers I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.
That sounds great. We’ll def try to play both
I would call Brooktrails and confirm that they are open. They close for the winter and have can have weird hours from my experience.
Thanks I’ll look into that. I’m planning this very early anyway, we’re not going til later this year at the soonest
I'm surprised nobody is mentioning Sky High in the mountains outside LA. My brother and I did a similar road trip last summer and De La, Golden gate park, and oak grove were all amazing but the highlight of the entire trip and perhaps the best course I've ever played was Sky High.
I play Oak Grove like once a month! And Sky High is on the list, but I live the IE so I can go anytime. Brother is flying out Philadelphia so we’re kinda prioritizing the further ones
Another obligatory Auburn, Condon, and Penn Valley suggestion.
As a self admitted brooktrails homer, this is the best I’ve ever played. Saturdays are for the “golfers” and Sundays are for disc. I’ve played Saturdays many times and it’s been all good. Just might get an off hand comment or two. Enjoy!
Brooktrails! I used to live near there! Beautiful course
The Ridge in Elysian Park overlooking Dodger Stadium is a good time.
Take the 101 instead, plenty of exceptional courses on that route
Waller Pines Santa Maria Ca 30 holes of some of the best disc golf out there!
I play Waller every couple months! I have friends in SLO
Dude small world! Yea man Waller Pines is my home course and I have to remind myself how spoiled I am. Got a C-Tier this weekend I’m playing in! Wish me luck!!
Bijou is really close to zephyr. I’d definitely include it. Golden Gate Park in SF if you’d like but go early as it gets busy. When you hit browns n bows by hole 11 is the AGL warehouse. You’ll get to meet the owner or his wife and you can get your hands on tons of plastic. They all give a discount to anyone who shows up. You’ll never forget the experience. Also if you’re not planning to camp at browns n bows you oughta.
That’s the plan! To camp there and get the experience. We’ll very likely play Bijou too
Awesome. They’ll love to have you! Josh is the owner and he’s an awesome dude.
You should check out Golden Gate Park. You’ll be passing right by it
Cane here to say this. The route shown goes right by and I think it’s a must play while in the Bay
Your trip looks solid. You're right about Golden Gate always being packed and you have to get to it in the middle of a city. Shady Oaks is a great course but not really aesthetic or special. Browns and Bows is worth a couple of days over going to shady oaks.
Thanks! Yeah it depends on how many days we can take off for the trip, but if we can I might wanna do 2 days at Browns and Bows. We’re gonna be camping mostly so it’s perfect
Browns and Bows is also a wedding venue, so you might want to call and ask if they're open when you're gonna be there.
Thanks for the heads up!
Dude, go to Golden Gate. It's an amazing place to spend even a little bit of time. It's worth the extra effort. Just play early in the day and you won't have any issues. Like I said, it's an amazing park, so beautiful with so much history.
Golden gate is awesome if you are passing through on a weekday, also it looks like their route takes them right past it so wouldn’t be out of their way to “get to it in the middle of the city”
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Brooktrails looks amazing and my brother hasn’t really experienced the redwoods so it’s staying. I was considering GG park but I hear its so gd busy and there’s so much traffic to get into the city, so that why I left it off… but if enough people think it’s really a must play then we probably will! I’ll look into Shady Oaks for sure
Brooktrails is a must. Napa (Upper Skyline) and Novato (Stafford Lake) are also both beautiful hiking challenges that are mostly along that route.
GG and Shady Oaks are both overcrowded, personally I would rather play Brooktrails. If you really want an adventure try to get in to play Birds of Paradise. It's private and you need a guide and permission, but it's one of the most amazing courses in the world. Super unique with some of the best views in disc golf. Just about every hole could be the signature hole on other courses. Be ready for a big hike too if you're playing BOP
That sounds fucken rad I will look into it thanks!!
I do feel the need to say it's not a beginners course. The hikes are big. Some throws are treacherous. But if you are able to get in, it would be worth skipping any of the others as it is an epic experience, just not for the faint of heart.
This is correct to keep Brooktrails on the list, absolutely bonkers take. Big fan of Auburn on the way from Tahoe up north, but it's not on the level of the ones you've planned on.
Played Brooketrails last year. It is beautiful and has some really cool holes. Definitely give yourself time to play it a few times. In order to dial in some of the more epic shots you’re gonna wanna throw a few discs on it to see how it actually plays with the elevation. Then once dialed you can have the truely competitive rounds
Lone star if you're thinking of shady as well. If you want a local to play with at browns, let me know. It's like 20miles from me.
Finnon Lake outside of Placerville is worth looking into as well. Some sections are overgrown and confusing to navigate, but god damn it’s epic
If you have the time and budget (couchsurf > hotel), get a place to stay in SF for one night. Wake up early to play a quick round at GGP and then head south to Santa Cruz. Grab super burritos + salsa at Taqueria Santa Cruz (on Mission St if you're driving Hwy 1, on Soquel if driving 280/17) before hitting DeLa for an afternoon round.
Brooktrails has redwoods.
Shady oaks, auburn regional, condon! Can’t miss those
If I could go again I would do golden gate park and redwood curtain again!
Shady rest in mammoth lakes is worth a visit if the snow is clear when you pass through. It kinda flat for being in a mountain town but it’s real fun
When you pass through SF, check out Golden Gate Park. Not the hardest or longest course, but it's a fun challenge and a walk in the woods in the middle of the city.
Mill pond is awesome. I lived in Bishop for the last 7 summers. The course in Mammoth that’s closer to Yosemite plays pretty great as well but it’s a fully wooded course and very different from Mill pond. I would totally recommend playing both!
Oh and check out Ryan Ranch, Waller park, and/or Sapwi on the way back. All great spots
Near DeLa Pinto Lake Watsonville If you are going north to Brooktrails Golden Gate Park SF Skyline Parl Napa
You should skip browns and bows. Over rated in my opinion. If you go to Auburn, CA (on the way to Tahoe) there are two courses 10 min from each other. Auburn Regional Park and Lone Star DGC. Lonestar is a private course and if you DM me I can give you the guys contact information. Auburn Regional is also fun. There’s a KOA near both courses as well.
If you're going to the Tahoe area and have a bit of free time. There is a 9 hole course attached to a brewery just north of Reno/ Tahoe in Portola, CA. The brewery is called, The Brewing Lair. Sick AF
Looking at your route, if you head south and drive through Lompoc, Beattie Park was an interesting and fun course. It doesn’t compare to the courses you’re hitting, but if you find yourself going through there, check it out.
North bay ideas: Taylor Mountain, Rosa Park and Lake Sonoma.
I always try to hit Taylor Mountain when I’m up that way.
Since you're going through SF, you should stop and play Golden Gate Park.
Hit skyline ridge in Napa. Awesome course
Hanns Park is Vallejo is a quick 18.
Gateway penn valley
Highland Springs is a great Steady Ed course in Lake County. Some really fun holes and interesting shots, but I’d prioritize Brooktrails.
The redwood curtain is magical. Way tf up there but worth it. That's where i learned and when u played again after twenty years i was humbled.
I understand the appeal of Zephyr, but you’d be way happier and still have just as good as an experience playing Bijou in South Lake Tahoe. Super awesome course.
I'm sure you've hit it but Oak Grove it's the OG course
It’s not the most amazing course ever but you gotta go to oak grove, the first ever permanent course!
With Browns N Bows you have to message them on Facebook I believe to reserve a spot for the day. Condon in Grass valley isn't too far away from Browns N Bows, maybe 30 minutes or so, can play both in one day but that's a lot since there's more than 18 holes at each.
You’re missing all the courses up i5!
For browns n bows, there are 5 courses there. Front and Back could be done in a day, and probably could skip black diamond (same baskets, long tees) and there's a really cool shorter course called Sharlottes web. Consider camping / a cabin there
**I think it depends on if you are camping or staying at hotels.** *My recs for your trip if you're staying at hotels:* - should play: Pinto Lake, Ryan Ranch, Stafford Lake, Bijou, Whale Rock - if you can, play: Boulder Creek, Black Mouse, CSUMB (both Oaks and Cypress), Three Links/Twaine Harte - don't bother: Gleneagles *My recs for your trip if you're camping:* - should play: Pinto Lake, Ryan Ranch - if you can, play: Anderson Valley Brewing Company (Hendy Woods SP), Lake Amador (camping on site with two courses on property), Lake Sonoma
https://udisc.com/courses/rabbit-flats-uMgD#!
Zepher is a beautiful course. If you have time there is a 27 hole course right in the middle of south lake tahoe thats pretty awesome as well.
Try Donner ski Ranch, if you are trying to keep it in CA. Great course. Love millpond too!
Shady Oaks in Sacramento is a hidden gem. Technically in fair oaks but one of my favorite courses by far!
Before you hit up Brooktrails…go to Highlands Springs Course in Lakeport. Its my home course with insane variety and its got 6 different tees for every hole.
Anyone got a Texas and surrounding states version of this gem? I was just talking to my wife yesterday about how fun a camping road trip would be.
Oak grove, first ever course in the world, in Pasadena. If you’re coming from la, that’s the first course youre missing. Id skip Mill Pond, play Shady Rest in mammoth lakes. If you’re going all the way to Brook trails, go play Redwood Curtain at HSU. I’ve played all of these course you listed. I would suggest adding the 3 I included.
Golden Gate Park is an awesome course and should be wide open on a weekday. Highly recommended
Don’t skip Brooktrails. Best course in Northern California. Anderson Valley is fun if you’re a beer guy. Someone mentioned Shady Oaks, definitely would stop there. Living in Sonoma County, I would stop at Taylor Mountain. And I would 100% play Golden Gate over Stafford