Pros:
This is an 18 hole disc golf course set in the desert area of the park. Here is your chance to play in the desert and take in some amazing views. I have played many, many desert courses, and this was one of the best. I played this course as part of a disc golf road trip from California to Colorado and back.
I used bullet points for those that don't want to read the entire review.
Amazing Vistas
The park has amazing views of the sandstone cliffs and mountains surrounding Moab. It really is awe inspiring in a way that photos can't convey. If you are in Moab, you probably already appreciate the Western desert. Even if you are not into playing disc golf in the desert, this is fun desert course and one of the best desert courses I have ever played.
Western Disc Golf
First and foremost, I love rugged, Western disc golf. While this is a desert course, it is pretty tame compared to most. While the ground is a bit rocky, it is mostly dusty and dry. Bring your bright and durable plastic or be prepared for some scuffing and scraping. There is quite a bit prickly pear cactus on the desert holes. There are also some thorny trees and shrubs as well. Moab is 4,000 in elevation, so discs will tend to be a bit more stable than sea level play.
Exposed
Play early in the day to avoid the heat in the summer. Bring lots of water and wear sun screen. While there is some cactus, it is low to the ground, so it mostly a problem for discs, not for people. I wore regular trail shoes and shorts and didn't have any problems. The afternoon wind provided some relief from the heat, but the wind adds more challenge.
Tees, Signs and Benches
Course has ample concrete tees on all the holes. Many holes had sturdy benches. Every target had a tall PVC pipe with multicolored streamers. It was always possible to see the target from the tee (or a little shuffle to the side). There were tee signs with bag hooks on every hole. While every tee did have a sign, some are faded and cracked making them difficult to read.
Navigation
Even though some signs were tough to read, the wonderful streamers on the targets make it possible to know exactly where you need to throw. There are plenty of navigation signs to guide you to the next tees. It is easy to see where to go next, even when you must cross the small street to play Holes 7-11.
All 18 in a Row
Once you tee off on Hole 1, you do not return to the parking area until Hole 18. Although, it would be possible after playing Hole 6, to skip over to Tee 12 without playing 7 through 11 across the street. Otherwise, prepare to bring all the water and supplies you need for the entire round.
Variety
While most holes are only 300 feet or so, there is a great mix of shots. The elevation of the land is used to provide maximum challenge. Some targets are perched on mounds, while others are surrounded by rocks. Most of the holes are in the desert area of the park and others are located in the riparian zone. Even in mid August there was green grass and plenty of shade on this area of the course. Wind in the open areas adds to the challenge.
Visible Targets For The Win!
I have played so many desert courses where the target is not visible from the tee. Old City Park is NOT one of those courses. Every desert course should strive to create an experience like this course. There was no guessing where the targets were, ever.
Kids, Carts and Strollers
Probably not a good idea for any carts or strollers without solid tires. Too much cactus for air filled tires. There are some rocky areas that are not easy to navigate in a cart or stroller. If your kids understand cactus and have proper footwear, they should be able to walk along. Even though the holes are not that long, it is not really a kids course. There is a super green and shady park right next to the disc golf course where the kids can cool off in the shade. There is a little stream, duck pond, play ground, picnic shelters and BBQs. A great place for a shady picnic before or after the round or instead of a round.
Lost Discs/Damaged Discs
You could lose some discs in the thick Olive trees on 7 - 9. Discs can be damaged if they land directly in some cactus. If you are afraid to damage a favorite disc don't bring it. Pack light and bring only a few discs you don't mind getting a beating: a wind beating hyzer disc, a tailwind driver and a putter should be all you need to get the job done.
Restroom
There is a restroom in the green oasis area of the park. There were no other restrooms or portables on the course. However, there is opportunity for some privacy near Holes 7-9.
Cons:
If you do not like rugged Western disc golf, these could be cons for you.
Cactus
If your disc happens to dive into a patch of cactus, it could be damaged forever, even if it is premium plastic. The rocky, dusty terrain can damage regular plastic. Use premium plastics to avoid damage.
Sun Baked
Play early to avoid high temps and use suncreen. Some of the tee signs are faded and not easy to read.
Other Thoughts:
Split Personality
This park has two distinct areas, the super shady grass area for picnics and the dry, dusty, natural desert area that contains the disc golf course. The green part is a little oasis with a gazebo and a pond. I imagine they have weddings here. There is also a play ground, picnic shelters and BBQs. Great place to cool down after a round or for a shady picnic. This area of the park is at least 20 degrees cooler than the desert area of the park.
Utah is Awesome
Moab is a wonderful outdoor adventure destination and the nearby National Parks are amazing. The jaw dropping beauty of the geology of the area is like no other place on Earth. There is no "driving through" Moab. You must make the effort to stop and visit. Arches and Canyonlands National Parks add to the adventure and part of the "Mighty 5" National Parks located in Utah. This course makes it possible to add a desert course to your "played list".
Rating
Absolutely one of the best desert courses I have ever played. It offers a good variety of shots and elevation changes with excellent cement tees and lots of benches. While the rocks and vegetation are rough and tough, this course is tamer and more forgiving than many other desert courses. I love the fact that targets are easy to locate from the tees! I am going to give this one a four.