How many holes is the disc golf course at Lions Wilderness Park?

Lions Wilderness Park in Farmington NM features a 27-hole disc golf course set in rugged high-desert terrain with significant elevation changes and sweeping views. The course is free to play and open year-round. Plan 2-3 hours for a full round.

Is Lions Wilderness Park good for hiking?

Yes, Lions Wilderness Park offers a network of hiking trails ranging from easy walks near the parking area to challenging ridgeline trails with panoramic desert views. The trails wind through pinon-juniper woodland and across sandstone terrain. Wildlife sightings including roadrunners and raptors are common.

How far is Lions Wilderness Park from Sundowner Park?

Lions Wilderness Park is approximately 4 miles from Sundowner Mobile Home & RV Park, about a 10-minute drive east on Main Street (US-64). Free parking is available at the trailhead.

Does Lions Wilderness Park have an amphitheater?

Yes, the Lions Wilderness Amphitheater is an outdoor performance venue nestled in the desert landscape of the park. It hosts concerts, community events, and cultural performances during the warmer months, with natural acoustics and a dramatic desert backdrop.

Is there mountain biking at Lions Wilderness Park?

Lions Wilderness Park has some technical singletrack trails suitable for mountain biking. While not as extensive as the Road Apple Rally or Glade Run trail systems nearby, the trails offer a solid 1-2 hour ride with varied terrain. For longer rides, check out Road Apple (10 min from Sundowner Park) or Glade Run (15 min away).

Lions Wilderness Park

Disc golf, desert trails, and big views — just 4 miles from Sundowner Park

Lions Wilderness Park is one of Farmington's premier outdoor destinations, combining a championship-caliber 27-hole disc golf course, miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, and an outdoor amphitheater — all set in dramatic high-desert terrain with sweeping views of the San Juan Basin. Located roughly 4 miles from Sundowner Mobile Home & RV Park, it is one of the easiest and most rewarding outdoor experiences you can have during your stay.

27-Hole Disc Golf Course

The disc golf course at Lions Wilderness Park is widely regarded as one of the top courses in New Mexico and a must-play for traveling disc golfers. The 27-hole layout winds through rugged high-desert terrain featuring significant elevation changes, exposed ridgelines, and arroyos that demand both accuracy and power.

The course takes full advantage of the natural landscape. Some holes play along narrow corridors between juniper trees, while others open up across wide mesa tops where wind becomes a serious factor. Elevation changes of 50 to 100 feet between tee pads and baskets are common, and several holes offer dramatic views of the surrounding badlands and the distant Shiprock formation on clear days.

The course is free to play and open year-round. Plan on 2 to 3 hours for a full 27-hole round. Bring plenty of water — there is no shade on many holes and the desert sun at 5,400 feet is intense. Early morning and late afternoon rounds are most comfortable from May through September.

Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails

Beyond the disc golf, Lions Wilderness Park offers a network of natural-surface trails that explore the surrounding desert terrain. The trails range from easy walking paths near the parking area to more challenging routes that climb through rocky arroyos and along ridgelines with panoramic views.

For hikers, the trails provide a genuine high-desert wilderness experience within city limits. You will walk through pinon and juniper woodland, across sandstone slickrock, and past geological formations that tell millions of years of Earth history. Wildlife sightings are common — watch for cottontail rabbits, roadrunners, lizards, and raptors soaring on thermals above the ridges.

Mountain bikers will find some technical singletrack that connects to the broader trail network in the area. While not as extensive as the Road Apple Rally or Glade Run systems, the trails here offer a solid 1-2 hour ride with enough variety to keep things interesting.

Trail Difficulty Levels

Easy

The paved paths near the parking area and amphitheater are flat and accessible. Good for a quick walk or warm-up before a disc golf round.

Moderate

The main hiking loops follow natural-surface trails with moderate elevation gain. Sturdy shoes recommended. Allow 1-2 hours for a complete loop.

Challenging

The ridgeline trails and mountain bike singletrack involve rocky terrain, steep climbs, and exposed sections. Proper gear and fitness required.

Lions Wilderness Amphitheater

The Lions Wilderness Amphitheater is a unique outdoor performance venue nestled into the desert landscape of the park. The amphitheater hosts concerts, community events, and cultural performances throughout the warmer months, taking advantage of the natural acoustics and dramatic desert backdrop.

Check the City of Farmington events calendar for upcoming performances during your stay. There is nothing quite like watching a concert as the sun sets over the high desert and the stars emerge in the dark New Mexico sky.

What to Bring

Water: At least 2 liters per person. There is no potable water available in the park.
Sun protection: Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are essential. Much of the park is exposed with no shade.
Sturdy footwear: The terrain is rocky and uneven. Hiking shoes or trail runners are recommended for both hiking and disc golf.
Discs: Bring your own — there is no pro shop on site. A driver, midrange, and putter will handle most holes.
Layers: Morning and evening temperatures can be significantly cooler than midday, especially in spring and fall.
Camera: The views from the ridgelines are spectacular, especially during golden hour.

Getting There from Sundowner Park

Lions Wilderness Park is approximately 4 miles from Sundowner Park, about a 10-minute drive. Head east on Main Street (US-64) and follow signs toward the park. Free parking is available at the main trailhead and disc golf course. The park is open from dawn to dusk year-round.

Explore More Trails and Parks

Lions Wilderness is just one piece of Farmington's extensive outdoor recreation network. Check out our full Farmington trails and biking guide, explore the 50+ Farmington parks and playgrounds, or visit the Riverside Nature Center for a different kind of outdoor experience. For attractions beyond the trails, see our Four Corners area attractions guide. Ready to book? View RV spaces and rates or contact us.