Santa Cruz River Disc Golf Course
Disc golf course with 18 holes and multiple pin locations set in a desert environment.
About Santa Cruz River Disc Golf Course
Santa Cruz River Disc Golf Course is a permanent 18 hole disc golf course at Santa Cruz River Park in Tucson. Listed in the Professional Disc Golf Association course directory as Santa Cruz River Park, the course was established in 1978 and is recognized as one of the very early disc golf courses installed in the nation. It offers a park-based round in a desert environment, with baskets, concrete tees, tee signs, and multiple pin locations that create more than one way to approach the layout.
The course is fairly open, with numerous mesquite and palo verde trees set among desert flora. The landscape includes little cacti, and conditions can become dusty when the wind blows. The setting gives the course a distinctly southern Arizona character while leaving much of the playing area open for disc golf. The course directory notes that early morning and evening are the best times to play, a practical consideration for a desert course.
The standard course length is listed as 3,971 feet, with an alternate length of 5,431 feet. Most of the holes are shorter than 300 feet, with 17 holes in that range and one hole between 300 and 400 feet. No hole is listed as longer than 400 feet. The longer tees play holes 10, 7, and 1, adding another configuration for players who want to experience the course from a different set of tees. The multiple pin locations and alternate layout contribute to the course's range of playing options without changing its generally open character.
As a course in a public park, Santa Cruz River Disc Golf Course is not private and does not require pay to play. The PDGA listing identifies the course as handicap accessible and notes that facilities are available. Camping is not available at the course. Concrete tee pads provide a fixed throwing surface, while tee signs help players identify the holes and follow the layout. A course map is available through the linked course information, and the directory also lists related Tucson disc golf resources.
The course is located in Tucson near North Riverview Boulevard, with the park set back from the road. The listed directions approach from Interstate 10 and West Speedway Boulevard, then follow North Riverview Boulevard through its bends to the park entrance. Blue and yellow signs and a concrete park sign help identify the entrance. Those arriving for a round can expect an established park course with baskets, marked tees, desert vegetation, and a layout that can be played at its regular or alternate length.