Dinosaur Mountain has some of the most drastic elevation changes in Arizona golf, which means yardage can be tricky factoring the drop and altitude. Imagine that reliable nine-iron of yours flying more than 200 yards on some holes. But the views from all over the course are stunning, and it would be tough to find a better-conditioned golf course in Arizona. To add to the visual excitement, natural habitats for many creatures – including jackrabbits, coyotes, and roadrunners – are all plentiful and easy to spot, especially in the morning and late afternoon. Dinosaur Mountain plays 6,583 yards from the back tees.

The Sidewinder course, opened in 1998, is the newer course at Gold Canyon, and often plays second fiddle to neighboring Dinosaur Mountain. But this collaboration between Ken Kavanaugh, Stuart Penge and Greg Nash is worth your time. With some of the same wild scenery of the nearby Superstition Mountains, Sidewinder’s front nine snakes around the high terrain and gives golfers great views.

There are plenty of opportunities for golfers to score here. The par-4 13th is only about 280 yards from the tips, making it drivable for average hitters. But then there’s the 424-yard par-5 15th, one of the tougher holes on the property, with an approach shot playing over water to an average-size green.

Sidewinder has only two holes with water, but a handful with ravines.