Los Angeles, CA

Elysian Park - Chavez Ridge

3.455(based on 56 reviews)
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Elysian Park - Chavez Ridge reviews

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21 0
Danger
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 15.3 years 105 played 70 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Great course near downtown LA 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Nov 16, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

-Tight, short course
-Nice rubber tee pads, and signs at each hole with distance and map
-Not too busy, and the locals have all been very friendly
-Signature hole 18 plays in view of Downtown LA and Dodger Stadium.
-Secret road into the park off of Broadway if there is a game going on, so traffic can be avoided if you prepare in advance. From Broadway, go North on Elysian Park Dr, and after a short distance, a long left turn onto Park Row Dr. Just stay on this road, staying generally northbound the whole time (several cutoffs exist), cross over the freeway, and park when you spot baskets and tees.
-Really great to feel 'away from it all' literally a mile from downtown.
-There are a few holes with multiple tees, just look around a little bit!

Cons:

-All bad throws are punished. Most holes are under 200 feet but you can make them over 400 in a hurry if your disc catches speed rolling down the hill. On the front 9, it will roll onto a grass field. On the back 9, it will roll into oblivion.
-No real chance to bring out your big arms, except maybe on hole 18.
-Layout can be confusing the first time out, bring a map from the linked website when you go.
-Very tight at places, keep an eye out for others as at times, there are other holes on either side of you, and really only about 20 feet away.
-Go out of your way to avoid throwing to the left on hole 16. That hillside eats discs.
-No trash cans, and no benches.

Other Thoughts:

This course plays on top of a ridge in Elysian Park. Tight fairways and steep hills are the name of the game. While all of the holes are essentially 'flat,' they all shoot across a hill that loves picking up your disc and making it roll. The area used to be known as an 'alternative lifestyle cruising area' but I have not seen this to be the case any time I have been there, which is a lot.

The website recommends parking at the bottom of the hill by the baseball field, but if you keep driving up the road, stay to the right and park at the top of the ridge. Much closer and you can keep an eye on your car more easily. I have seen rangers, parking enforcement, and police drive by and as long as you are off the pavement, you wont get a ticket.

The walk to hole 9 is a little far. Climb the ridge, and go across the two streets a little ways to a white barrier. Go down the other side of the hill at that barrier to find the tee.

I don't really bother even bringing drivers on this course. Most throws are under 200 feet and incredibly narrow at times. Great ACCURATE mid-range practice.

We use spotters on hole 17. It is a good idea, can save some hassle.

Bring comfortable shoes, sometimes I have to trek up and down that hill 5 or 6 times, and sometimes I don't have to at all.

While the course is predominantly DG exclusive, hole 18 seems to have a lot of non DG activity, I have dealt with anything from people having a picnic to amateur film makers shooting stuff.

I did not like this course at first, but it grew onto me. It has done incredible things for my mid-game, as the mental anguish of knowing you have to hike down the hill is truly motivation enough not to screw up the throw.

There is an unspoken rule at Chavez Ridge that you should count to 3 once you THINK you watched your disc land. A lot of times, it will grow legs and keep moving down the hill.
Do not try to play here when the ground is wet, I was slipping constantly on the steep and slick hillsides.
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10 0
ibgollie
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 19.3 years 62 played 31 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Over the hill and through the woods 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 2, 2009 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

-Tight and technical, bad shots can be severely punished by rolling down the hill, then again some good shots are punished too.
-They are installing really good tee boxes, once those are all in it will drastically help the course.
-Really good course to work on the short game.
-Sweet views of LA and the stadium
-Close to Philippes the best french dip sammy anywhere!

Cons:

Not many, they done a lot with what they were given. Navigation is tough, but I've only played in tournaments and I think they kind of switch it all up from the regular routing for tourneys.

Other Thoughts:

Cliff Towne and the other DISC ppl have done a great job here. I have only played this course in tournaments, and I have always played bad there. That said it's a course that really exposes weaknesses in my game which would be ultra-accurate mid range shots. In the tournament set-up there are some really difficult holes, like 300' through a 6' corridor.
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3 2
wadflinger
Experience: 3 played 2 reviews
3.00 star(s)

in big, bad LA 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Aug 26, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

well marked, right in downtown LA, awesome view of Dodger Stadium on 18, park is beautiful and has best views in LA, nice and shady, smells great and is a nice break from city

Cons:

dusty in summer, easy to lose a disc or ruin a round on hills, traffic is usually rough getting there

Other Thoughts:

good challenging course, no open room to let loose but helps with short game and accuracy, since i live in LA this is my most frequently visited course
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10 0
coast2coast
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 21.4 years 98 played 32 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Mountain course in downtown LA?!?! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 19, 2009 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

18 holes in downtown L.A. Free! Tight and technical on steep slopes with beautiful views. I met some great guys on the first tee who showed me around, so I didn't need the map which seemed accurate. Signs and new rubber tee pads on each hole. Eucalyptus trees provide shade on most holes. Course seems to be a well kept secret, because it is right in L.A. and I only saw one other group on a wednesday afternoon.

Cons:

Dusty (at least in summer). L.A. traffic. No long or open holes. Good chance of losing a disc especially for beginners.

Other Thoughts:

This is a must play for any disc golfer in southern California. Short, but very challenging. One bad roll down a steep hill can change your round in an instant. Play conservatively and keep an eye on your discs. Wear your most supportive footwear. A truly unique disc golf experience!
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8 0
tai madama
Experience: 9 played 9 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jun 27, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

this is a challenging corse very technical play for any level player if you want to round out your game and learn how to judge your ability go have a blast. More advanced players dont need many discs as they will be playing mostly technical shot only a couple of long holes with open fairways. The guys up there are very friendly and it is encouraged to join up if you are playing solo so that you have some more eyes when looking for lost disc, which brings me to the CONS....

Cons:

The long down hill rollers can be a drag but it will let you know where you can throw the first time out there. There is some trash on the course at places due to the other park users and they can be rude to golfers, dont hit them in the head with a star driver no mater how tempting it is, the traffic in and out can be very bad if there is a game at dodgers stadium (but the cheers can be very inspiring when you just parked one) lost discs are common

Other Thoughts:

if you loose a disc that doesnt have a PH# on it try going on mondays at 5 and ask for GREG he guards the lost and found and is very honest if he found it he holds on to it and when other locals find them they give them to him
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10 0
howardb
Experience: 20.4 years 13 played 5 reviews
4.00 star(s)

chavez ridge 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jun 29, 2009 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

First and for most i must say "GOOD JOB" to all people involved in the hard work it must have took to make Chavez Ridge, my first experience was heart throbbing due to my disc landing half way down the ridge but what a beautiful course and what a great view of both long beach and dodger stadium. the people i have met on mondays when im there playing the weekly "mandatory mondays" are just the friendliest group of guys and it makes you feel good knowing you fit right in, i need to get out there more and play other days cause when i finish mondays i want to play more..so get on out there and join us on monday evenings.

Cons:

well as far as a con for this course i dont have one right at the moment but when i first got there and played signage was a big problem espsecially when it came down to the back nine, thanks for the locals there i made it a full round plus some.

Other Thoughts:

get out and play "the ridge" you will want more once you have experienced it...oh and bring a camera!!!
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13 0
Boomshado
Experience: 1 played 1 reviews
4.00 star(s)

Notes from the Course Designer 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 3, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Easily accessable course location situated north of downtown LA, between three major freeways (101, 110 & 5). Tight technical course along hillsides, across ravines and through numerous stands of trees. Nothing else like it in Southern California, a mini-Mountain course. 1.5-miles of hand made trails connnect all tees to baskets, including transition trails to next hole. Currently 34 pin locations on 12 of the 18 holes.

Cons:

Serpentine course layout is tough to navigate for a first-timer. Also tee for hole #1 can be hard to locate. One long uphill transition between holes #8 & #9. Trecherous rollers possible for both good or errant shots. Lost discs a possibility, especially on the 'old road' hole with it's 100-ft sheer cliff. Only one hole over 300-ft. (18-long). Lack of extra signage is agreement to have course 'blend-in' with the natural surroundings of Elysian Park.

Other Thoughts:

Only DGC in the City of Los Angeles. Local rule of being "Chavezed" - ALWAYS COUNT TO 3 when you lose site of your disc, it could come rolling back into your view and go down the slope of the hill. The Big Arm's scof at it's lack of length, while the Novice player will be terrified by it's extreme difficulty. Carefully read PDGA Course Directory instructions to locate CRDGC, it says...Drive in and park 400-feet inside Elysian Park entrance, near small ball field and restroom. Then walk across that field to locate unmarked trail head that leads up to first tee.
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6 1
ChrisMacG
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 16.8 years 230 played 33 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Awesome course 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 7, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

Excellent course that was very challenging and fun to play. The steep slope makes each hole a challenge. The locals on the course were very friendly and helpful. The views were stunning all around.

Cons:

Lost a brand new disc. Not surprised though as straying from the line can put you way downhill from the basket. The signage could have been better all around. It was very difficult for us first timers to find the start of the course, and the first tee on the back nine.

Other Thoughts:

I played this course while visiting LA from Houston, Texas. I've never encountered a course that has so much elevation changes. In Houston things are flat and hills are manufactured. The locals who play this course have a real treasure. Excellent time and I can't wait to visit and play again.
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8 1
flash86
Experience: 16.8 years 45 played 10 reviews
3.50 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 6, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

The course is located right off the 110 freeway and is very close to downtown Los Angeles. Dodger Stadium and the historic LAPD Police Academy are right next door. The course plays along a sloping ridge above a park. The slope makes you think about your shots and will punish you for errant throws, but is not so steep that you have to worry about safety. Moderately to heavily wooded course depending on the hole so accuracy is at a premium. Between the trees and the slope, you are forced to play a more technical game. Very nice course to work on your short to medium game. Since course is a little on the shorter side, you can play multiple rounds fairly quickly.

Cons:

Definitely won't have much need for drivers on this course so if you like to grip it and rip it this is not your course. Not much variety in the pin placements. There are some optional placements, but the baskets are rarely rotated. Parking can be hard to come by due to all the people in the park below. The area around the course has been known for questionable or illegal activities in the past, but has seemed to decrease recently. And good luck trying to get back on the 110 North with that 20 foot on-ramp! LOL
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13 0
pokamitch
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 38.7 years 30 played 27 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Fun & Technical 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Mar 7, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

This wooded course set on the side of Chavez Ridge challenged my accuracy and made me use several different shot (short hyzer/ anhyzer, tubes, tomahawks, etc.). So, bring more than a putter, as 1 reviewer suggested. With it being well wooded, your imagination needs to be used to create a shot at times. The tee signs were helpful and accurate.

A disc golf exclusive area in the park

Cons:

Scavenging for disc can get fustrating, so make sure you have more than your 2 eyes on throw when playing.

The walk between #8 and #9 is confusing and pretty far (but that is the result of the space that is used in the park)

Restrooms are located at the bottom of the hill and is not easily accessable.

Other Thoughts:

Absolutely breathe taking views of LA, Dodger Stadium, Hollywood. I met some great guys at the course. Thanks to Cliff Towne for the the directions and befriending me. The local crew are the nicest guys I ever played with. I would like to thank them all for making my time playing "The Ridge" the best DG experience. So, big thanks to Big Ray, Roger, Austin, Steve, Stephen, Greg, Dave, Cliff, Andrew, Jonathon, & Nick. Best Local Crew In SoCal!!

For anyone that thinks this course is just too short to play, I dare you to take the "Mad Hatter Challenge". Using the Alt. tee pads and all long positions, this layout will humble the seasoned veteran every time!!!! (Actually stay away, we like that our course isn't crowded and cliqued up). I won't list being "Chavez'd" (having your perfectly placed up shot roll 250' downhill) as a con. It is part of the difficulty and swagger this course employs.

Make sure to check the Dodgers schedule for home games. Makes entering the park tough. ****Hint: Enter off Broadway/Pasadena(going west) turn right into park at the end of the bridge over the LA river

Favorite Hole: Gotta be either #15 or #18. They have such distinctively different plays depending on the positions. Can't describe em, because they are so different due to placement. #2 and #4 are awesome also for the same reasons. Cliff and Dave milked every bit of the park to get a unique experience. Honestly, I just love all the throws there
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6 2
discwhisperer
Experience: 18.1 years 15 played 3 reviews
4.50 star(s)

Awesome vacation 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Mar 2, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

One truely cool view from both sides.LA / Hollywood on one side Dodger stadium on the other. Tight wooded course in LA wow.Met some locals and they were great.Multiple basket placements on most holes.A little short but tight I liked it.It was not busy and I love that.

Cons:

Somewhat hard to navigate.Watch out you might roll down the hill,but personally I like that it makes it interesting.Don't really need a driver.

Other Thoughts:

To be in downtown LA its awesome.I highly recomend checking this one out.
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8 0
spencer
Experience: 15.4 years 1 played 1 reviews
3.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Dec 20, 2008 Played the course:once

Pros:

Course is very accessible sits right off of the 110 freeway to LA. Beautiful view of Dodger stadium and Los Angeles city's downtown. Holes are not too tough. A full 18 hole course right in LA. I was very surprised to find this jewel nestled so close to home.

Cons:

Course is situated on top of a large hill. Be prepared to go scavenging because the discs have a tendency to roll down the course due to the steepness of the hill. Minimal signs somewhat hard to navigate if you are new to the course. Many of the holes sit somewhat precariously to the edge of the course. You are bound to lose a disc by even hitting right under the basket has the potential for an immediate down hill roll session with your disc.

Other Thoughts:

Good course to work on your form and release. Not a whole lot of drives but good mid range play
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6 2
Mark R
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 22.4 years 118 played 90 reviews
3.00 star(s)

2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Mar 8, 2013 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Offers the best sights of any course in greater L.A. Outstanding mountaintop views (especially Hole 18, overlooking Dodger Stadium, as well as view at basket #15). Challenging steep hillsides make every hole tough, making trick shots like uphill thumbers and forehands handy. Many unusual elevation changes along (but rarely up and down) Chavez Ridge. Lots of shade and trees that offer fun and challenging mid-range play, particularly on the front nine. Also has a couple of opportunities to use more powerful shots. Good baskets and signs for the most part. Rubber tee pads are very well done (if they were all this good, they would rival cement tees). Monday league was lots of fun in 2009.

Cons:

Hard to find holes one and nine. Needs some road signs indicating there is a course at Elysian park. No where near baseball fields as mentioned elsewhere. No wide open holes. Could use a bathroom and a few benches along the way. Steeply sloped hills are frequent disc-loss hazards. Despite being a truly unique landmark, this course suffers from a lack of diversity as well as longer holes.

Other Thoughts:

Despite my rating, this is one of my favorite for its unique close-to-urban setting.

The gate was locked for unknown reasons on 2/7/09 and created access problems (was followed out by a trio of unfriendly (?) looking individuals), so playing alone could be an issue. The city often closes this course after heavy rains.
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12 1
TalbotTrojan
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 16.2 years 112 played 104 reviews
3.50 star(s)

Mountains In Los Angeles?!?!? 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jan 8, 2009 Played the course:once

Pros:

This course plays so much like a mountain course that you will forget that you are actually in Los Angeles. The local club keeps the course maintained and the signs were extremely helpful. There are also some great views as you are literally playing on a ridge that is very near downtown Los Angeles and Dodger Stadium. There are many challenges on this course that will keep you guessing at every turn. So many shots are not obvious at first glance. There are benches at most of the tees for you to rest at.

Cons:

The course itself is super short. There are several holes that play less than 200 feet. You could play this course only using a putter and get away with it. The ridge that you play on provides for several opportunities for discs to roll down hill, even after a good shot. Some holes are what you might call shoehorned in. Tees are not always obvious as most of the time they are simply a piece of wood along a path. Getting from hole 8 to 9 could be tricky unless you know where you are going, I got lost. The first tee is a little ways from where you are supposed to park. You will need to do some scouting walks unless you are familliar with the course and know where all the holes are currently located.

Other Thoughts:

I ended up playing just over half the course with one of the guys who has been around since they put it in, Cliff was his name. I would not reccomend this course at all for people who are just learning to play. For more experienced players, the length of the course may deter you but it is a course that will help you refine your accuracy better than just about any other course that I have played. I think this course is particularly good and has character in it because it is not as long as other courses.
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10 0
supergimp
Experience: 20.6 years 1 played 1 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Ely18 Chavez Ridge 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jan 2, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Five to ten minutes away from the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Great views of downtown and Dodger Stadium. I saw a brown eagle there. The extremely technical course is unlike any other on the west coast. There is also a close knit community of disk golfers who'll never let anyone play alone. You can always find a local doing course improvements, selling spare disc, keeping a lost and found, and giving directions.

Cons:

The steep slopes make luck a huge factor. Many disk have landed underneath the basket only to take a small roll that picked up speed on the 90 degree slope and end up 100 feet down the hill. The park used to have a bad reputation, but the disc golfers seem to have moved out any previous activity. Still, I suggest playing with a group. If anything to help spot lost disc.

Other Thoughts:

Let's get a disc golf club going at Ely18. If you are interested email me at [email protected]. I used to live and play in La Mirada and was used to that course as well as nearby Huntington Beach and Eldorado Park. When I first played Chavez Ridge I thought I'd never play again. However, once I moved to downtown I found myself loving the course. I even prefer it to the nearby Oak Grove course. Come on out and give it a try. Bring a camara with a zoom. On a clear day one can see Long Beach from hole 18.
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10 1
bazillion
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 24.1 years 55 played 37 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Learn new cuss words as you chase your disc down the hill! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Aug 7, 2008 Played the course:once

Pros:

One of the few 18-hole courses serving the central Los Angeles disc golf-playing public. Excellent place to practice precision placement since if you mess up, you generally get to hike wa-a-a-a-ay down the (very steep) hill to find your disc.

Cons:

Back nine is a bit confusing despite good signage.

Other Thoughts:

This is a short course where good flight control really helps. Front nine plays across the face of a ridge (45-degree slopes everywhere). Back nine plays just over the ridgeline in fairly dense woods.

+.5 disc now that they've got the teepads in.
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