Where the Rockies Meet the Greens: A Tale of Two Courses

By Jan Berge July 18, 2025

Colorado is well known for its world-class skiing and winter adventures in the Rocky Mountains. But if you ask most locals, they’ll tell you that while winters are great, summer is why we live here. The season brings stunning scenery, warm days, and generally pleasant weather—aside from the occasional afternoon thunderstorm that might disrupt your tee time.

Most of Colorado’s population lives along the Front Range, which includes vibrant cities like Denver, Aurora, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Boulder, and Fort Collins. While many golfers travel to the mountains for a unique experience, you don’t have to leave the metro area to find exceptional courses.

Two standout options on the Front Range are The Ridge at Castle Pines North and Bear Dance Golf Club.

I often get asked, “Which one should I play?”—by both locals and visitors. My answer is almost always the same: Why not play both?

Each course offers what makes golfing in Colorado so special—fairways lined with towering pines, breathtaking mountain views, and consistently excellent course conditions. Choosing between them is like picking a favorite child—it’s nearly impossible.

#18 The Ridge

The Ridge at Castle Pines North

Located just south of Denver in Castle Pines, The Ridge is a beautifully maintained course that offers a true Colorado golf experience. From the moment you arrive, the friendly staff sets the tone—getting you set up with a cart and pointing you toward the excellent practice facilities. Range balls are included with your tee time, and the short game area features a well-kept chipping green and a large putting green that mirrors the course’s actual greens.

The first tee sets the stage with a tight opening shot that demands accuracy. The front nine offers a nice mix of wide-open tee shots and tighter, tree-lined fairways. It’s a fair but challenging test of golf. One highlight is the ninth hole, which features a dramatic downhill approach into the green.

While the front nine is enjoyable, it’s the back nine that truly defines The Ridge. Hole 10 starts strong with a narrow fairway flanked by trees, and the rest of the back nine continues to reward straight hitters. If you're driving the ball well, you’ll find scoring opportunities. If not, it can be a grind. The final two holes are especially scenic and provide a memorable finish.

After your round, the clubhouse restaurant is a great place to relax. I’ve had the barbecue several times, and it never disappoints—perfect after a day on the course.

Bear Dance Golf Club

Home to the Colorado Section PGA, Bear Dance is a premier course located in Larkspur, between Denver and Colorado Springs. Like The Ridge, it’s nestled in the pines and offers the feel of a mountain course without the long drive.

From the moment you arrive, the staff makes you feel like a member. The practice facilities are top-notch, with complimentary range balls and a variety of short game areas to fine-tune your skills before your round.

#6 Bear Dance

The first hole tees off downhill into a longer par 4 that’s both scenic and slightly narrow. The front nine winds through the woods, offering a mix of beauty and challenge. There are plenty of scoring chances, but you’ll need solid shot-making to take advantage. The ninth hole, a long par 4, is a tough finish to the front side.

As with The Ridge, the back nine at Bear Dance is my favorite. It features several tight, tree-lined tee shots that reward accuracy. The final stretch is especially memorable. Hole 16 is my personal favorite: a dramatic downhill tee shot followed by an approach over water to a narrow green. The last two holes offer birdie chances and a chance to finish strong.

The restaurant here is also excellent. Whether you're grabbing a drink or enjoying a post-round meal, the food is consistently great. During scramble events, the buffet is always a highlight.

Final Thoughts

The Ridge and Bear Dance are two gems just outside Denver, each offering a unique but equally rewarding golf experience. Both courses deliver the challenge, beauty, and elevation changes that define Colorado golf. They both are well above 6000 feet in elevation so drink plenty of water and enjoy hitting the ball a long ways in the thin air! Choosing between them is tough—so don’t. Block off a couple of days and play both. You won’t be disappointed.

Go to www.playtheridge.com and www.beardancegolf.com for rates and more information about these two courses.

Fun with Friends at The Ridge