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Golden, Colorado, United States · Golf with history

Fossil Trace

A golf hole with dinosaur footprints

  • Dinosaur footprints
  • Sandstone pillars
Check the renovation schedule

Irrigation work began September 10, 2026. The operator expects one hole closed at a time through May 2027, with adjusted rates; other temporary changes may apply. Current course update ↗

The sandstone landscape at Fossil Trace Golf Course in Golden, Colorado.
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Course, details
& surroundings.

The sandstone landscape at Fossil Trace Golf Course in Golden, Colorado.
Photo creditPhoto: James St. John · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0. Resized; display crop may vary.
Access
Public · book online
The round
18-hole course · work underway

Why go

The footprints beside the green are considerably older than golf.

The name is a clue. The sandstone is the evidence.

At Fossil Trace, the par-five 12th runs through a former clay-mining landscape that designer Jim Engh chose to keep visible. Sandstone pillars remain in the fairway, turning exposed geology into a decision about which way to play.

The fossils are beside the 12th green

Look at the back of the sandstone wall left of the green for palm-frond traces and triceratops footprints. The surviving pillars helped shape Jim Engh’s hole design.

More of the story

Beyond the golfing problem is something much older. On the back of the sandstone wall left of the green, the club identifies palm-frond trace fossils and triceratops footprints. They are part of the place, rather than a theme added to it.

A round here rewards curiosity between shots. You can spend a minute debating whether to go over a pillar, then another trying to picture the landscape before the fairway existed. That is a good reason to bring someone who usually pays more attention to the scenery than the score.

Make it happen

How to play Fossil Trace

  1. Book online through Fossil Trace. A card holds the reservation; payment is due at check-in.
  2. Confirm the work schedule for your day. Cancel or reduce your group at least 20 hours ahead to avoid the club’s late-cancellation charge.

Before you go

For an arrival-day round, the course recommends at least three hours after landing at Denver International, or four if renting a car.

A playing thought

On the par-five 12th, a drive toward the fairway’s center leaves a choice over or around the pillars. Select a layup that gives you a clear next shot into the narrow green.

Heckler’s take

Planning sources: Course: renovation & arrival guidance ↗ · 2026 rates & booking policies ↗ · Hole 12: layout & fossils ↗

Find it

Golden, Colorado, United States

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Sources & editorial notes

Researched September 12, 2026. This is an independent researched guide, not a report of a personal visit. No course affiliation or booking service. Playing thoughts are editorial suggestions.

Prices retain their local currency and published season. Historical and reported figures are labeled; missing prices are not estimated. Check current access, conditions and your final total before travel.

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