Forty minutes east of Scottsdale, the Superstition Mountains rise 3,000 feet straight out of the desert floor. At their base sits some of the most dramatic golf scenery in Arizona -- and arguably the best value for the views you get anywhere in the greater Phoenix area.
Gold Canyon and Apache Junction won't show up on most Scottsdale golf trip itineraries, and that's exactly why you should put them on yours. While everyone fights for morning tee times at TPC and Troon North, the courses out here deliver jaw-dropping mountain backdrops, serious elevation changes, and green fees that leave room in your budget for a second round.
The drive east on US-60 through Mesa is worth it the moment Superstition Mountain fills your windshield. This isn't manufactured desert golf -- it's the real thing, played in the shadow of mountains where prospectors once searched for the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine.
Quick Reference
| Course | Type | Green Fees | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resort / Public | $110-$270 | Best scenery in Arizona, serious challenge | |
| Resort / Public | $90-$200 | Value play, more forgiving layout | |
| Apache Creek Golf Club | Public | $45-$72 | Budget-friendly, solid muni experience |
| Superstition Mountain (Prospector & Lost Gold) | Private | Members only | Jack Nicklaus design, exclusive community |
Gold Canyon Golf Resort: The Main Event
-- Arizona's Most Scenic Public Course
If you only play one course during your Scottsdale trip that isn't actually in Scottsdale, make it Dinosaur Mountain. Golf Digest gave it 4.5 stars for good reason -- the par-70 layout climbs and drops through the Superstition foothills with elevation changes that make every hole feel like a postcard.
The numbers: 6,711 yards from the Gold tees, rating 71.9, slope 145. Designed by Ken Kavanaugh and opened in 1997.
The signature hole is #5, a downhill par 3 that reads 144 yards on the scorecard but plays closer to 200 with the elevation drop. The green sits against a wall of Superstition Mountain granite, and the tee shot is one of the most photographed in Arizona golf. Bring your camera -- and grab an extra club.
What makes Dinosaur Mountain special is how the course interacts with the terrain rather than fighting it. The holes follow natural ridgelines and arroyos, the saguaro cacti frame fairways instead of being decorations, and the mountain views change with every tee box. On holes 4 through 7, you gain and lose enough elevation to feel it in your legs.
Insider tip: Gold Canyon uses dynamic pricing, and rates can swing $100+ depending on when you book. The 90-day advance booking window is your best friend here -- the further out you book, the better the price. Weekday afternoon rounds in shoulder season (October-November, April-May) can dip under $130.
-- The Smart Value Play
Sidewinder lives in Dinosaur Mountain's shadow, but don't sleep on it. This par-71, 6,561-yard layout earns a solid 4-star Golf Digest rating on its own merits. It's a different kind of test -- less vertical drama but more strategic with natural arroyos, dry creek beds, and undulating greens that reward good course management.
The vibe is more relaxed than Dinosaur Mountain, and the pricing reflects it. Expect to pay $20-$70 less than Dinosaur Mountain on the same day, making Sidewinder one of the better values in the East Valley for the quality you get.
Play both: If you're staying at the resort, the 36-hole day is the move. Play Dinosaur Mountain in the morning when the light hits the mountains just right, then Sidewinder in the afternoon at twilight rates. The resort offers stay-and-play packages that bundle both courses with casita lodging.
Apache Creek Golf Club -- The Budget Pick
About 10 minutes west of Gold Canyon in Apache Junction proper, Apache Creek Golf Club is a straightforward public course that won't drain your wallet. Green fees run $45-$72 depending on the day and time, making it the cheapest quality option in the East Valley.
The layout: 18 holes, par 71, stretching to 6,785 yards from the tips. Joe Alsip designed the course, which opened in 1994. The terrain is flatter than Gold Canyon's mountain courses but still offers decent Superstition Mountain views from several holes.
Apache Creek won't win any design awards, but it fills an important gap -- not every round needs to be a $200 experience. This is where you play when you want to get 18 in without overthinking it. The conditioning is respectable, the pace of play is reasonable, and the price is right.
Best for: Casual rounds, warming up for a Gold Canyon splurge the next day, or stretching a golf trip budget so you can play an extra day.
Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club -- The Private Option
You can't play here without a member invitation, but it's worth knowing about because visitors sometimes get access through resort partnerships or charity tournaments.
Jack Nicklaus designed both the Prospector Course (1998) and Lost Gold Course (1999) within this exclusive 870-acre gated community. The two layouts offer 36 holes of elite private golf with the same Superstition Mountain backdrop that makes Gold Canyon special -- just with Nicklaus pedigree, impeccable conditioning, and significantly fewer golfers on the course.
The 50,000-square-foot Tuscan-style clubhouse anchors the community. If you're ever house-hunting in the East Valley and want golf-course living with serious mountain views, Superstition Mountain is the gold standard.
Why Gold Canyon Is Worth the Drive
The Scenery Factor
Let's be direct: no public course in the Scottsdale area matches the raw visual impact of Dinosaur Mountain. and are excellent desert courses, but the Superstition Mountains create a scale and drama that flat desert terrain can't replicate. The jagged peaks tower above you on nearly every hole, and during golden hour the rock walls glow red and orange in a way that stops you mid-backswing.
The Value Equation
Compare Dinosaur Mountain's $110-$270 range to similar-caliber courses closer to Scottsdale:
- : $100-$400
- : $115-$325
- : $160-$385
You're getting Golf Digest 4.5-star quality at 20-30% less than comparable Scottsdale courses, with mountain scenery that arguably surpasses all of them.
Beyond the Golf
Gold Canyon and Apache Junction aren't just golf -- the area is loaded with outdoor attractions:
- Lost Dutchman State Park -- Hiking and camping at the base of the Superstitions. The Treasure Loop Trail (2.4 miles) offers a quick post-round stretch with valley views. The Siphon Draw Trail to Flatiron is one of Phoenix's best advanced hikes.
- Apache Trail (SR-88) -- Once called the most treacherous highway in America, this scenic drive winds past Canyon Lake, Tortilla Flat, and dramatic cliff formations. Allow 2-3 hours for the full loop.
- Goldfield Ghost Town -- A rebuilt 1890s mining town with mine tours, a narrow-gauge railroad, and weekend gunfight reenactments. Touristy, but genuinely fun for families.
- Canyon Lake Steamboat Cruises -- Old-fashioned steamboat rides through the canyon waterways of Canyon Lake, about 20 minutes past Gold Canyon on the Apache Trail.
Getting There
From Scottsdale (Old Town): 45-50 minutes via US-60 East through Mesa and past Superstition Springs. The drive is easy freeway until the last 10 minutes on Kings Ranch Road.
From Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport: 40-45 minutes via US-60 East. Slightly faster than from Scottsdale because you skip the surface-street stretch.
From Mesa: 20-25 minutes. If you're playing Superstition Springs or another East Valley course, Gold Canyon makes a natural same-trip addition.
Pro tip: If you're driving from Scottsdale and want the scenic approach, take the Bush Highway (AZ-87 to AZ-188) through the Tonto National Forest. It adds 20 minutes but the drive through the Salt River canyon is spectacular.
Best Time to Play Gold Canyon
Peak Season (January-March): Perfect weather with highs in the low 70s. This is prime time, and pricing reflects it. Book the full 90 days out for the best rates on Dinosaur Mountain.
Sweet Spot (October-November): The desert cools down, overseeding wraps up by late October, and course conditions hit their peak. Rates drop noticeably from the winter high, making this the best value window for quality play.
Shoulder Season (April-May): Still comfortable weather and moderate pricing. Late April can push into the 90s but mornings stay pleasant.
Summer (June-September): Extreme heat (105-115F) but rock-bottom rates. If you tee off before 7 AM, it's survivable and you'll have the course nearly to yourself. Expect to pay 50-60% less than peak season.
Plan Your Gold Canyon Golf Trip
The Day Trip: Drive out from Scottsdale, play Dinosaur Mountain in the morning, grab lunch at Kokopelli's on the resort patio with mountain views, then explore the Apache Trail or Lost Dutchman State Park in the afternoon.
The Overnight: Book a casita at Gold Canyon Resort and play both Dinosaur Mountain and Sidewinder on consecutive days. The stay-and-play packages bundle lodging with golf and typically save 15-20% versus booking separately. The casitas have fireplaces, spa tubs, and mountain-view patios.
The Budget Trip: Play Apache Creek in the morning ($45-$72), hit Sidewinder for a twilight round ($90-$150), and save Dinosaur Mountain for your next trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Gold Canyon from Scottsdale?
Gold Canyon is about 45-50 minutes east of Old Town Scottsdale via US-60 through Mesa. From Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, the drive is roughly 40-45 minutes. The route is straightforward freeway driving with easy signage.
Is Dinosaur Mountain at Gold Canyon worth the drive from Scottsdale?
Absolutely. Dinosaur Mountain is the most visually dramatic public course in the greater Phoenix area, with 4.5-star Golf Digest ratings and Superstition Mountain views on nearly every hole. The green fees ($110-$270) typically run 20-30% less than comparable courses in Scottsdale, making the 45-minute drive a great deal for the quality.
What is the best course in Gold Canyon, AZ?
is the marquee course, rated 4.5 stars by Golf Digest with dramatic elevation changes and Superstition Mountain scenery. Sidewinder (4 stars) at the same resort offers a more forgiving layout at lower prices. Superstition Mountain Golf & Country Club has two Jack Nicklaus courses but is private and requires a member invitation.
Can I play golf in Gold Canyon in summer?
Yes, but plan accordingly. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 110F, so booking the earliest available tee time (6:30-7:00 AM) is essential. The upside is significantly reduced pricing -- expect to pay 50-60% less than peak winter rates. Bring extra water and sunscreen.
Are there other things to do near Gold Canyon besides golf?
The area is rich with outdoor activities. Lost Dutchman State Park offers excellent hiking at the base of the Superstition Mountains. The historic Apache Trail scenic drive passes Canyon Lake and Tortilla Flat. Goldfield Ghost Town has mine tours and a narrow-gauge railroad. Canyon Lake offers steamboat cruises through dramatic canyon scenery.
What should I know before playing Dinosaur Mountain?
Bring extra golf balls -- the desert terrain and elevation changes are unforgiving for errant shots. Add 1-2 clubs on uphill and downhill holes to account for elevation. Book 90 days in advance for the best dynamic pricing rates. Late morning tee times after the course dries from overnight watering tend to play best. The course is a par 70 at 6,711 yards from the tips with a slope of 145, so consider moving up a tee box if your handicap is above 15.
