Sky Mountain Golf Course: Complete Guide for 2026

Sky Mountain Golf Course

Sky Mountain Golf Course might be the most scenic round you play in southern Utah. Picture red rock cliffs, lava plateaus, and views of Zion in the distance on nearly every hole.

Golfers keep calling it a hidden gem, and the reviews back that up. You get big desert views, a friendly welcome, and a price that will not wreck your trip budget.

If you came here to plan a great round, this guide gives you the real details. We cover the layout, the 2026 rates, the amenities, and the tips that help you score.

By the end, you will know exactly what to expect before you tee off. Let us get to it.

What Is Sky Mountain Golf Course?

Sky Mountain Golf Course is a public course with 18 holes in Hurricane, Utah. The City of Hurricane owns and operates it, so anyone can book and play without joining a club.

You will find it in the heart of southern Utah, close to St. George and the south entrance of Zion National Park. The course sits among sandstone hills, red sand, and lava rock.

Zion National Park rises in the distance, with the Pine Valley Mountain range to the west. Many golfers call it one of the prettiest settings in the Southwest, and it is hard to argue.

The scorecard reads short at 6,383 yards, but the course plays tougher than the number suggests. Wind, elevation, and desert terrain keep you honest on every shot. Think of it as a mountain desert course built for fun rather than punishment. You can post a good number here, then take home a camera roll full of red rock photos.

Did You Know? The course opened in 1994 and still ranks among the favorites on the Red Rock Golf Trail, a group of nine courses within a 20 minute radius of each other.

Course at a Glance:

DetailInformation
TypePublic, city owned
Holes18
Par72
Yardage (Blue tees)6,383 yards
Year opened1994
ArchitectJeff Hardin
OwnerCity of Hurricane, Utah
LocationHurricane, Utah, near St. George

History of the Course

The course opened in 1994. The City of Hurricane built it as a public course for residents and visitors alike. Decades later, it remains a city owned facility with open access for everyone.

That public root matters. While many desert courses sit behind resort gates, this one stays open and affordable. Locals play it weekly, and travelers fold it into Zion and St. George trips.

Over time it joined the Red Rock Golf Trail, the regional group of nine courses that share stay and play packages. That tie in helped put it on the map for visiting golfers across the Southwest.

Who Designed Sky Mountain Golf Course?

Golf architect Jeff Hardin designed the course back in 1994. He routed the holes to follow the natural desert terrain rather than fight it.

His layout uses the rolling land, elevated tees, and lava rock features as part of the strategy. The result feels natural and clever at the same time.

You get wide landing areas off many tees, then tabletop greens that ask for precise approach shots. That contrast defines the round. Drive it freely, then dial in your irons.

Course Layout and Features

The layout balances beauty and challenge across all 18 holes. You play through desert scrub, past red sand, and along a lava plateau on the closing stretch. 

Here is how the course breaks down across yardage, holes, and scenery:

Scorecard and Yardage

The course plays to a par of 72 from three sets of tees. The Blue tees stretch to 6,383 yards, the White tees to 6,014 yards, and the Gold tees to 5,044 yards. That range lets you pick a comfortable distance for your game.

TeeFront 9Back 9Total
Blue3,1703,2136,383
White3,0182,9966,014
Gold2,5472,4975,044

All three tee sets play to the same par of 72. The course rating sits in the low 70s with a slope in the mid 120s from the back tees, depending on the rating source. Translation? It plays fair, but a few holes bite back if you miss in the wrong spot.

Most mid handicap players enjoy the White tees, which keep the round honest at just over 6,000 yards. Newer players and juniors do well from the Gold tees. Low handicap golfers chasing a real test go straight to the Blue.

Signature Holes Worth Knowing

A few holes stick with you long after the round. The closing stretch plays along a lava plateau with canyon and desert views.

  • Hole 16 is a par 3 that runs along the edge of a cliff. The tee gives you a panoramic view, and the wind makes club choice tricky.
  • Hole 7 is the number one handicap hole, a long par 4 that demands a solid drive and a confident approach.
  • Hole 9 is a reachable par 5 that tempts longer hitters to go for the green in two.
  • Hole 18 is a par 5 finisher that rewards two good shots and sends you back to the clubhouse on a high.

Holes 1, 5, 17, and 18 also stand out for their views. Save a little focus for the scenery.

What Makes the Setting Special

The scenery does a lot of the heavy lifting here. The red and white cliffs of Zion sit on the horizon. Pine Valley Mountain rises to the west, and Red Cliffs State Park sits nearby.

The terrain mixes wide rolling fairways with tabletop greens framed by red sand and lava. Bring your camera. Golfers say the views alone are worth the green fee.

The two nines have slightly different personalities. The front nine leans into the open desert feel, with red sandstone and scrub lining the holes. A few back nine holes run past homes, then the closing stretch returns to raw desert drama.

By the time you reach 16, 17, and 18, the course delivers its best views. Those final holes along the lava plateau are the ones people talk about afterward.

The Playing Experience

Playing here feels relaxed and dramatic at the same time. The pace is friendly, the staff is helpful, and the views pull your eyes off the ball more than once.

The round opens strong. The first hole sets the tone with desert color and a clear look at what is ahead. From there the front nine flows through open ground that rewards a confident swing.

Wind is the wild card. On a calm day the course plays gentle. When the breeze picks up, especially on the cliffside par 3s, every club choice matters.

Is the Course Hard to Play?

The course is moderately hard, and friendlier than its dramatic setting suggests. Wide fairways give you room off the tee, so you can swing freely on many holes.

The challenge shows up on the greens and in the wind. Tabletop greens shed misjudged approach shots. Hold the right spots and you can score well. Miss them and you scramble for par.

Advice for Beginners

New golfers can enjoy this course without feeling buried. Play the Gold or White tees to shorten the carries, then aim for the center of every green.

The wide fairways forgive a crooked drive better than most desert courses. Keep the ball in play, avoid the lava rock, and you will have fun. Here are four simple ways to keep your score in check.

  1. Tee it forward to keep your approach shots manageable.
  2. Favor the wide side of the fairway on your tee shots.
  3. Lay up short of trouble on the par 5s instead of forcing it.
  4. Warm up on the range and practice green before your round.

Notes for Experienced Players

Stronger players get plenty to think about. The number one handicap hole, the par 4 seventh, asks for distance and accuracy together. The cliffside 16th tests your nerve in the wind.

Pick your spots on the par 5s. Hole 9 and hole 18 reward two clean shots with real birdie looks. Stay below the hole on the greens for the best putts.

Course Conditions and What Golfers Say

Most reviews praise the conditions. Players describe lush fairways, receptive greens, and a layout that stays fun without beating you up. The staff earns regular shout outs for being friendly and helpful.

Two honest notes show up too. Greens get aerated on a schedule, usually in spring, so they can roll slow for a short window. Pace of play can drag on busy days, so an early tee time helps.

None of that dents the overall verdict. Golfers call it a strong value and one of the better designs in the St. George rotation. Many add it straight to their return list.

Rates and Booking

Green fees stay reasonable, which is part of why locals and travelers keep coming back. Prices shift by season, and Washington County residents pay less with a valid ID. All fees include Utah state sales tax.

How Much Does It Cost to Play?

A round with a cart runs from 68 dollars to 88 dollars for 18 holes, depending on the season. 

Summer brings the lowest rates, while spring sits at the top. Twilight play after 1 PM trims the price further.

Season18 w/ Cart18 Walking9 w/ CartTwilight 18
Peak (Feb to May)$88$68$45$78
Mid (Sep to Jan)$78$58$40$68
Summer (Jun to Aug)$68$48$35$58

Cart fees per rider run 10 dollars for 9 holes and 20 dollars for 18 holes. Junior golfers pay half off green fees after 12.30 PM. Walking is welcome too, and it saves you money.

Compared with the resort courses nearby, the value here stands out. You get desert scenery on par with pricier tracks, then pay a fraction of the rate. That mix is a big reason golfers keep this one on their list.

Local players save even more. Washington County residents flash an ID for a reduced green fee, which makes a regular habit affordable. Out of town visitors still pay a fair rate by Utah standards.

How to Book a Tee Time

Booking is simple. Reserve online up to 45 days in advance, or call the pro shop at (435) 635-7888 up to 7 days out.

One note on cancellations. Cancel at least 48 hours ahead to avoid a penalty. Weekends and the cooler shoulder seasons fill fast, so book early.

The booking window helps you plan around the seasons. Golf groups and snowbirds flood the area from late winter through spring. If your dates are fixed, grab a time as soon as the 45 day window opens.

Amenities and Facilities

The course covers the basics well and adds a few nice touches. You get a practice setup, a full service grill, a pro shop, and carts with GPS.

Everything sits close to the first tee, so your warm up, your snack, and your gear are all a short walk apart. That convenience keeps the morning simple and the round on schedule.

  • Driving range, practice green, and a practice bunker for warming up before your round.
  • Sky Mountain Grill, open daily from 7 AM to 4 PM, with food, drinks, and order ahead service.
  • Pro shop stocked with gear, balls, and club rentals for travelers.
  • Carts equipped with GPS to track yardages and help keep the pace moving.
  • PGA professionals on staff who are happy to help in the pro shop.

The Sky Mountain Grill sits at the heart of the course. Grab breakfast before your round or a burger at the turn. You can even order ahead so food is ready when you reach the ninth.

The patio looks out over the course and the desert beyond. It makes an easy place to relax after the round, swap stories, and plan the next stop on your trip.

The practice area covers your warm up well. Loosen up on the range, roll a few on the practice green, and test a bunker shot before the first tee. Several reviewers call the range itself one of the prettiest they have used.

Events and Tournaments

The course stays busy with organized play beyond casual rounds. It hosts tournaments through the year and runs weekly leagues for the local golf community. Here is what the schedule tends to look like.

Tournaments

The course hosts annual tournaments, including a popular Mixed Couples event. These use a shotgun start, so groups head out together for a social, competitive day. You can find current dates, entry fees, and past results on the course website, or call the pro shop to register.

Men’s and Women’s Leagues

Both leagues give regular players a fun, low pressure way to compete. The Men’s League plays Tuesday mornings, and the Ladies League plays Thursday mornings during the summer. League play packs in a lot of value for one fee.

  • 18 holes of golf
  • Cart for the round
  • Lunch
  • Range balls
  • Prize money

Schedules shift with the seasons, so confirm the current days and times with the pro shop before you sign up.

Memberships and Resident Discounts

Sky Mountain Golf Course does not sell private club memberships. It is a public, city owned course, so anyone can book and play without joining. That keeps the barrier low and the tee sheet open.

Washington County residents do get a perk. Show a valid ID and you receive discounted green fees. The course also runs a Men’s League and a Women’s League for players who want weekly competition.

For deals and event news, you can join the free email club on the course website.

The leagues run on a regular weekly schedule and welcome new faces. They are a low key way to meet local golfers and play more often. Ask in the pro shop for current days and sign up details.

Tips for Playing Sky Mountain Golf Course

A little planning goes a long way out here. Use these tips to score better and enjoy the views.

  1. Respect the wind. Club up or down on the cliffside holes, especially the 16th.
  2. Stay below the hole. The tabletop greens are far easier from there.
  3. Pick the right tees. Match the yardage to your game for a fair round.
  4. Hydrate and pack sunscreen. The desert sun is no joke.
  5. Bring your camera. The closing holes deserve a photo.
  6. Book early in spring and fall, when the weather and the tee sheet are busiest.

How to Get There

The course sits at 1030 North 2600 West in Hurricane, Utah. It lies in north Hurricane, about halfway between St. George and the south entrance of Zion National Park.

That location makes it an easy add on to a Zion trip or a St. George golf getaway. It also belongs to the Red Rock Golf Trail, so you can build a full multi course vacation around it.

The area gives you plenty to do off the course. Sand Hollow and Quail Creek State Parks sit close by for boating and off road fun. Red Cliffs and Zion handle the hiking side of the trip.

Stay and play packages run through the Red Rock Golf Trail, with lodging and tee times bundled together. For a few days of desert golf, this corner of Utah is hard to beat.

Contact Details

Need to reach Sky Mountain Golf Course for tee times, lessons, or event details? Here is the key information in one place.

DetailInformation
Address1030 North 2600 West, Hurricane, UT 84737
Phone(435) 635-7888
Websiteskymountaingolf.com
Course Hours7 AM to 6 PM daily, with seasonal changes
Grill Hours7 AM to 4 PM daily

You can book a tee time online up to 45 days ahead, or call the pro shop up to 7 days out. The team includes a head golf professional and assistant pros who are happy to help with your round, your booking, or a quick lesson.

Final Thoughts

Sky Mountain Golf Course delivers a rare mix of scenery, value, and fair challenge. The red rock setting and Zion views make it memorable. The reasonable rates and open access make it easy to enjoy.

Whether you play it as a Zion side trip or a southern Utah golf stop, the course holds up. Walk off the 18th, grab a burger at the grill, and you will likely plan a return trip.

Add in the easy booking, the helpful staff, and the desert views on the closing holes, and the day comes together without fuss. That is the kind of round you remember.

For 2026, it remains one of the best public golf values in the St. George area.

Key Takeaways

  • Sky Mountain Golf Course is a public course with 18 holes in Hurricane, Utah, owned by the city.
  • The course opened in 1994 and was designed by architect Jeff Hardin.
  • It plays to a par of 72 and 6,383 yards from the Blue tees, with three tee sets in all.
  • The setting features red rock, lava plateaus, and views of Zion National Park.
  • Wide fairways keep it playable, while tabletop greens and wind add the challenge.
  • The cliffside par 3 sixteenth is the standout signature hole.
  • Green fees with a cart run from 68 dollars in summer to 88 dollars in spring for 18 holes.
  • Washington County residents get discounted green fees with a valid ID.
  • The course hosts annual tournaments and weekly Men’s and Women’s Leagues.
  • Book online up to 45 days ahead, or call the pro shop up to 7 days out.

FAQs

Is the course open year round?

Yes, the course stays open all year, with tee times available throughout the day. Brief maintenance closures can happen during aerification, usually in spring. Outside those short windows, you can play in every season, including the warm summer months when rates drop.

What is the dress code at the course?

The dress code is relaxed here. A shirt and shoes are required, but you will not face strict private club rules. Most golfers wear standard golf attire suited to the desert heat, so light, breathable clothing works well during warmer months.

When is the best time of year to play?

Spring and fall offer the best mix of comfortable weather and green conditions, though they draw the most players. Summer brings hot desert days but the lowest green fees. Book early in the busy spring and fall seasons to lock in your time.

How far is Sky Mountain Golf Course from Zion National Park?

The course sits about 10 miles from Zion Canyon. It lies in north Hurricane, roughly halfway between St. George and Zion’s south entrance. That makes it an easy add on to any Zion trip or southern Utah golf getaway.

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