Fossil Trace Golf Club in Golden, Colorado is one of the most unusual public golf courses in America. Actual dinosaur fossils— tracks, bones, and impressions — are embedded throughout the fairways and greens, preserved in place during course construction. It's also a genuinely excellent golf course, earning Golf Digest's "Best New Public Course" award.
Fossil Trace Green Fees: 2026 Pricing
| Rate Type | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday 18 | $110 | Cart included |
| Weekend 18 | $130 | Cart included |
| Twilight | ~$75 | After 2pm, seasonal |
Denver Area Courses with Published Pricing
| Course | Weekday 18 | Weekend 18 | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald Greens Golf Course | $10 | $10 | 4.4 ★ |
| Riverdale Golf Courses | $36 | $42 | 4.1 ★ |
| Foothills Golf Course | $51 | $61 | 4.2 ★ |
| Green Valley Ranch Golf Club | $62 | $86 | 4.1 ★ |
| Fossil Trace Golf Club | $110 | $130 | 4.5 ★ |
Verified from course websites · Showing 5 courses with published pricing · Verify before booking
The Fossils: What You'll Actually See
Fossil Trace sits on former clay mining land in the Dakota Hogback geological formation. During construction, workers discovered hundreds of dinosaur fossils from the late Jurassic and early Cretaceous periods (roughly 150–100 million years ago). Rather than remove them, course designers incorporated them into the layout.
You'll see fossil tracks embedded in cart paths and rock outcroppings throughout the round. The paleontological features are well-marked with interpretive signs — it's genuinely educational in addition to being great golf.
The Golf Course Itself
Beyond the fossils, Fossil Trace plays through dramatic Dakota Hogback terrain with significant elevation changes, exposed rock formations, and views of the Front Range. The layout is challenging enough to earn its Golf Digest accolades while remaining playable for a range of skill levels. At 6,857 yards from the back tees, it's not a pushover.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Fossil Trace Golf Club green fees in 2026?
Fossil Trace green fees are $110 on weekdays and $130 on weekends, with cart included. Twilight rates (after 2pm) drop to approximately $75 seasonally.
Are there real dinosaur fossils at Fossil Trace Golf Club?
Yes — actual dinosaur fossils are preserved throughout the course, embedded in rock outcroppings and cart paths. They date from the late Jurassic and early Cretaceous periods, approximately 100–150 million years ago.
Where is Fossil Trace Golf Club?
Fossil Trace is located in Golden, Colorado — about 15 miles west of Denver and just east of Red Rocks Amphitheatre. It's an easy day trip from Denver or a natural stop on a Red Rocks visit.
Is Fossil Trace Golf Club worth the price?
Yes — it's one of Colorado's most distinctive public courses, combining a legitimate golf challenge with a genuinely unique setting. Golf Digest named it best new public course when it opened. The $110 weekday rate is strong value for what you get.