Golfers have a choice of spectacular courses

If you want to play some golf right in town, Hillcrest Golf Course fits the bill. The mature landscaping and spectacular views of the La Plata Mountains and Animas Valley skyline make for a memorable round on this 18-hole, municipal course. It sits on the Fort Lewis College mesa overlooking Durango and is open from daylight to dark during the season. There are putting greens, a driving range and a practice sand trap. The clubhouse overlooks a lot of the course and there is a snack bar and plenty of seating. Cart rentals and club rentals are available. For costs, more information or tee time, call 970-247-1499. (Tee times are not available more than 7 days in advance.)

Playing a round in the Rockies

Dalton Ranch, in the Animas Valley offers fantastic vistas of the Animas Valley and surrounding mountains. Just head north on Highway 550 from Durango for about 6 miles, turn right on to County Road 252 then watch for the sign to the course on the left. Green fees include your cart, and the pro shop is fully stocked. Expect to find a restaurant, lounge, driving range, practice green, sand trap and chipping green. Need more info or a tee time? Call 970-247-8774. (Tee times are not available more than 7 days in advance.)

Even further north on Highway 550, there is another beautiful course at Tamarron Resort. The Glacier Club at Tamarron is in the majestic San Juan Mountains. Lush forests and rugged cliffs surround the course. Owing to construction, different parts of the course will be open at different times during the season. For information about tee times and what part of the course is open, call the pro shop at 970-382-6700.

Just for fun, try Hunter's Run. It's a 9-hole course located 14 miles southeast of Durango on Highway 172 as you're headed for Ignacio and the headquarters of the Southern Ute Tribe. Open 7 days a week and you generally won't need to call for a tee time. There is a snack bar and a practice area. You will enjoy seeing some lovely vistas en route. For more information call 970-884-9785.