Pros:
A stunning course, nestled into a secluded corner of the mountains.
On a backyard course like this, I don't go expecting great equipment, but Bucksnort has solid gear. The tees are natural but well marked, with good chains, phenomenal tee signs, and abundant next tee signage. Don't worry about maintenance, either.
Of course, anyone who has played here can attest to its beauty. It's a fine drive to get here, and the views in the (5)-(9) and (14)-(17) ranges are incredible. You can see across a kind of valley, with hills rising on the other side and rugged rock formations. The bigger mountains loom in the distance. The course as a whole, apart from views, is still a treat. The terrain is mountainous and you spend all your time surrounded by evergreens.
The personal experience is not to be downplayed. The hosts only take two groups per day, so you have the course essentially to yourself. The property is explained thoroughly, and you're provided with very clear course maps and hole tips. The hosts also left dehydration-fighting drinks at a couple of spots. Personality is written all over, as well, thanks in large part to the thoughtful tee signs that seem to have an anecdote for every hole.
Its mountainous location gives Bucksnort a great variety of terrain to work with. There are a handful of flat shots, but also valleys, steep downhills, uphill slogs, cliff greens, caves, plateaus, and every gradation. Combined with the pines and various rock formations, this is ideal ground for fun discing that rewards precision with thrill.
And, yes, the shot shaping lives up. Paulie and Lowell used this terrain extremely well, and I think it's fair to say that it's a one-of-a-kind experience. There are short putter runs with treacherous greens, doglegs in the woods with curvy slopes, downhill thrills, plateaus where an errant shot will never be found, obstacle-guarded greens, perfect gap shots, and many different shapes. It's creative and varied use of phenomenal land.
Bucksnort is an incredible experience. I explored a lot of places in Colorado, but rarely did I find myself in land with such a feeling of seclusion. See, even when you hike a mountain all by yourself, there's a feeling of openness and continuity with the surrounding area. However, the valley, and this course overlooking it, feel hidden from the rest of the world. And it's a blast to throw, with some of the most unique holes I've played.
Cons:
I have one major complaint with Bucksnort: it's all par 3s. I would have loved nothing more than to see some great multi-shot holes in this same style. I think this is a limitation of the property, which I understand, but it's just that - a limitation. The very best courses I have played include this extra diversification of hole type that, to me, elevates the actual disc golf portion of the experience to its maximum potential. Bucksnort doesn't quite have all of that - it's a niche course, though clearly the ultimate of niche courses.
It's worth noting that the environment can pose some safety issues. Some holes at the start and end have extremely loose soil which, when combined with steep slopes like the greens of (2) or (5), can make it mighty difficult to keep a footing. Occasionally, there's a bit of easy rock climbing needed to get to baskets. This is a workout at 8000 feet, so altitude sickness needs to be prevented. Also, they are very transparent that they have seen a mountain lion at least once in the gorges below the property.
It was definitely disappointing to have the Himalayan 5 closed. I would have enjoyed these holes with even more extreme elevation.
You could complain that the course finishes off with some of its weakest holes. The last handful are shorter and, while a touch gimmicky, less thrilling than many of the preceding shapes.
As noted, reservations aren't particularly flexible, so be willing to sacrifice your whole day if you come here, and reserve well in advance if you need a specific date.
Other Thoughts:
Bucksnort is iconic. It outstrips all the other courses around. Yes, Beaver and Bailey and Dreamtime are phenomenal, but the variety and ruggedness of Bucksnort make it an even more memorable experience. Don't pass it up if you get the chance - but remember your best hiking boots and bring spare discs!
On a different note, this was the last of 27 courses from a summer in Colorado, and to anyone that has the means of taking a disc golf trip there, do it. Playing in the mountains is a different world than all the great courses I've seen in Georgia, Tennessee, Texas, and elsewhere.