Disc Golf in Farmington, New Mexico

Farmington, New Mexico offers 54 holes of free disc golf across two dedicated courses — Lions Wilderness Disc Golf Course and San Juan College Disc Golf Course — plus additional baskets integrated into Civitan Municipal Golf Course. The two main courses are each 27 holes and free to play year-round, making Farmington one of the best disc golf destinations in the Four Corners region. Sundowner Mobile Home & RV Park at 219 Airport Dr is within 10 minutes of both courses and provides full-hookup RV sites starting at $270 per week.

Lions Wilderness Disc Golf Course

Lions Wilderness Disc Golf Course is the marquee disc golf experience in Farmington and one of the most talked-about courses in New Mexico. The 27-hole layout is set within Lions Wilderness Park, a rugged tract of high-desert terrain on the southern edge of the city. This is not a flat park course tucked between soccer fields — it is a genuine wilderness experience that happens to have disc golf baskets in it.

The course sprawls across arroyos, sandstone ridgelines, and juniper-covered hillsides with elevation changes that will test both your arm and your legs. Many holes play across or along natural drainage channels, requiring accurate drives to avoid losing discs in the rocky desert floor. The views are expansive: from several tee pads, you can see the La Plata Mountains to the north, the badlands formations to the south, and the city of Farmington spread out below.

What Makes Lions Wilderness Special

• 27 holes of varied terrain: The course offers three distinct 9-hole loops that can be played individually or combined for a full round. Each loop has its own character — some emphasize technical wooded lines through pinon and juniper, others feature wide-open bomb runs across open desert.
• Destination-level difficulty: Lions Wilderness is rated well above average on UDisc and similar platforms. The combination of elevation changes, desert hazards, and wind exposure creates a course that challenges advanced players while remaining playable for intermediates willing to accept a few extra strokes.
• Desert scenery: The high-desert landscape at approximately 5,400 feet elevation provides a backdrop unlike any other disc golf course in the region. Sandstone formations, cactus, and sweeping mesa views make this a round you will photograph as much as play.
• Free and open year-round: No fees, no reservations, no tee times. Show up with your discs and play.

Tips for Playing Lions Wilderness

Lions Wilderness demands preparation. The terrain is unforgiving, and the desert does not care how good your forehand is if you are dehydrated and sunburned. Here is what experienced local players recommend:

• Footwear matters. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes with good traction — hiking shoes or trail runners, not sandals or flat sneakers. The terrain includes loose rock, sand, and steep slopes.
• Bring water. At least 2 liters per person for a full 27-hole round. There is no water available on the course.
• Bring extra discs. The desert brush and rocky arroyos swallow errant shots. Bright-colored discs are easier to spot against the brown and green terrain.
• Start early. In summer, begin your round by 7 or 8 AM to beat the afternoon heat. In spring and fall, any time of day works well.
• Watch for wildlife. Rattlesnakes, jackrabbits, and coyotes all inhabit the area. Stay on established paths and look before reaching into brush for a lost disc.

San Juan College Disc Golf Course

The San Juan College Disc Golf Course offers a different experience from Lions Wilderness. Located behind the Health and Human Performance Center on the San Juan College campus, this 27-hole layout features more open terrain, gentler elevation changes, and a generally more accessible playing experience.

The course winds through the college grounds, using trees, berms, and strategic pin placements to create challenge without the punishing terrain of Lions Wilderness. It is an excellent course for newer disc golfers looking to develop their skills before tackling the desert course, and it also serves as a solid practice venue for experienced players working on specific aspects of their game.

Why Play San Juan College

• Beginner-accessible: The flatter terrain and more open fairways make this a better starting point for disc golf newcomers. You will spend less time searching for lost discs and more time refining your technique.
• 27 holes: Like Lions Wilderness, San Juan College offers a full 27-hole layout with enough variety to keep multiple rounds interesting.
• Campus amenities: Restrooms, water fountains, and parking are available on the college campus. This is a significant practical advantage over the more remote Lions Wilderness course.
• Wind training: The open campus layout exposes players to the afternoon winds that sweep across the high desert. Learning to play in Farmington wind will make you a better disc golfer everywhere else.
• Free and open to the public: Like Lions Wilderness, no fees or reservations are required.

Disc Golf Events and Community

Farmington's disc golf community is active and growing. Local leagues run weekly rounds at both Lions Wilderness and San Juan College throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons. These leagues welcome players of all skill levels and are the best way to meet local players who can show you the course nuances that no map can capture.

The region also hosts competitive tournaments that draw players from across the Southwest. The "Battle at the Border" tournament at Tico Time River Resort near Aztec, NM (about 15 miles north of Farmington) has become a notable event on the regional tournament calendar. Other sanctioned events rotate between Lions Wilderness, San Juan College, and courses in neighboring communities throughout the year.

For current league schedules and tournament dates, check local disc golf groups on social media or look up Farmington courses on UDisc, the most widely used disc golf app.

Getting Started with Disc Golf

Never played disc golf before? Here is the quick version:

• Equipment: You need at least one disc, ideally three — a driver for distance, a midrange for approach shots, and a putter for short-range accuracy. Starter packs with all three typically cost $25 to $35. Sporting goods stores in Farmington carry basic discs, and you can also find them at Tico Time River Resort near Aztec.
• Rules: The rules mirror ball golf. Start at a tee pad, throw toward a target (a chain basket), and count your throws. Lowest score wins. Par for each hole is usually 3.
• Where to start: Begin at Civitan Municipal Golf Course, which has disc golf baskets on its short par-3 layout. Graduate to San Juan College when you feel comfortable, then challenge yourself at Lions Wilderness.
• Cost: All disc golf courses in Farmington are free to play. Your only expense is discs and hydration.

Combine Disc Golf with Traditional Golf

One of Farmington's advantages for a golf trip is the variety. You can play Pinon Hills Golf Course — a nationally ranked 18-hole championship course — in the morning, then throw a disc golf round at Lions Wilderness in the late afternoon. Or spend a family day at Civitan where traditional golf, footgolf, and disc golf all share the same 9-hole layout.

This combination of traditional and disc golf, all within 10 minutes of your RV at Sundowner Park, makes Farmington a uniquely versatile golf destination.

Stay at Sundowner Park

Sundowner Mobile Home & RV Park at 219 Airport Dr, Farmington NM 87401 puts you within 10 minutes of both Lions Wilderness and San Juan College disc golf courses. The park offers full-hookup RV sites with 30/50 AMP electric, water, sewer, free WiFi, hot showers, laundry, and a 24-hour gym. Weekly rates start at $270 and monthly rates at $575 — no nightly stays.

After a day of throwing discs across the desert, you will appreciate coming back to a hot shower and all the comforts of a well-run park. Between rounds, explore Chaco Canyon (75 miles), Aztec Ruins (15 miles), and the Bisti Wilderness (35 miles). To reserve, visit our contact page or call (505) 327-1671.