Disc Golf at 8,500 ft – Beaver Ranch, CO

My buddies and I played at Beaver Ranch in Conifer, CO, this last weekend.  It was a blast!  In 2021, they were ranked the 11th best course on the planet and is rated at 4.8 on Udisc.  They actually weed-whack and mow parts of the course!

Conifer reminds us of South Lake Tahoe for it’s breath-taking views and pine forest. We used DiscDrifters for travel arrangements.  At 8,500 ft however, there was a lot to learn about playing high altitude disc golf:

• Bring under-stable discs – with thin air, your trusty discs will turn into meat hooks; there’s less glide up here.  Also, make sure to putt with more force!
• Hiking boots – Get ready to do lots of climbing and be careful with bad footing.  I’m glad I wore wool socks for reducing blisters.
• Push-through those first three holes – My buddies flew that morning from sea-level.  They’re in good shape but it was a struggle the first few holes based on thin air.  Keep pushing-through because it gets better!
• Prepare for rain and sun – it was beautiful, sunny weather in the morning but thunderstorms were coming in the afternoon.  Also, at this altitude, ultraviolet intensity will be 80% greater!
• High-energy snacks and lots of water – you’re gonna need more energy and extra electrolytes.  As a rule, people need to drink 1.5 litters more water at elevation.  We brought powdered electrolytes.
• Roll aways – keep you eyes on your discs!  My buddy threw the best shot of his life on hole 10 and it somehow got on edge and rolled down the hill to never be seen again.
• Udisc for navigation – cell phones get signal up there.  There’s good signage but it can be confusing,