La Quinta Resort Mountain
Pete Dye carved the Mountain Course into the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains in 1980, a par 72 of about 6,756 yards where holes run right up against the rock. Compact, dramatic and beloved, it is the course that put La Quinta on the golf map and remains one of the most photographed resort rounds in the California desert.
Photo via Google.
The verdict
The Mountain Course is the one most desert regulars name first when they talk about La Quinta. Pete Dye routed it tight against the Santa Rosa cliffs, and the closing holes in particular run so close to the rock that the mountain becomes a hazard, a backdrop and a wind block all at once. It is not long by modern standards, but it is exacting, with small targets, plenty of forced carries and the visual intimidation Dye made his trademark.
Our verdict: this is a course you play for the setting and the shot values rather than the scorecard, and it rewards precision over power. It is one of the most enjoyable resort rounds in the Coachella Valley and an easy course to fall for, especially paired with the bigger championship tests nearby. For the broader picture, see our best golf courses in California.
La Quinta Resort Mountain Course at a glance
- Opened
- 1980
- Designer
- Pete Dye
- Type
- Desert resort
- Par
- 72
- Yardage
- About 6,756 yds
- Green fee
- From about $200 (indicative)
Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026 from La Quinta Resort and Club and leading course databases: Pete Dye, 1980, par 72, about 6,756 yards. Desert resort rates are dynamic and seasonal, running from roughly $200 in the 2025 to 2026 winter high season and lower in summer. Treat the figure as indicative for the 2025 to 2026 season and always confirm directly before booking.
The holes worth the trip
The mountain holes are the signature. As the round works toward the cliffs, the rock looms larger on tee after tee until several greens sit almost in its shadow, framed by boulders that gather errant shots and throw them anywhere. The short par 3s here are small and unforgiving, asking for a committed swing with the mountain staring back at you.
Dye's bunkering and water do the rest. Sand is shaped to feed the ball toward trouble, and the greens are firm and subtly contoured, so the player who misses on the wrong side faces a delicate recovery. There is no length to hide behind, which means course management and a steady short game decide the round.
It is a course of moments, each hole framed against the cliffs, and it leaves a stronger impression than its modest yardage suggests. Pair it with the bigger Nicklaus and Fazio tests in the area and you have a varied desert week. Compare them at our PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course profile.
How to get on
| What to know | Detail |
|---|---|
| Access | Resort course playable through La Quinta Resort and Club; open to resort guests and public play |
| Green fee | Dynamic seasonal pricing from roughly $200 in the 2025 to 2026 winter high season and lower in summer, indicative and subject to change (always confirm before booking) |
| Booking | Resort guests receive priority on the tee sheet and better rates; public tee times can be reserved in advance, with winter dates filling early |
| On the day | Carts standard on desert paths; the course is walkable in cooler months and a steady pace is expected |
| Getting there | At La Quinta Resort and Club in the Coachella Valley, about 30 minutes from Palm Springs |
| Best months | November to April for warm, dry desert golf; summer is very hot and rates fall sharply |
Access and fees verified June 2026 from La Quinta Resort and Club. Desert rates swing widely by season and day under dynamic pricing, so confirm current rates and availability directly before booking.
Where to stay nearby
La Quinta Resort and Club is the obvious base, a historic desert hotel of casitas, pools and gardens with the Mountain Course on the doorstep and the best access to the wider PGA West tee sheets. Palm Springs and the rest of the Coachella Valley spread out a short drive away with a deep choice of resorts and villas for a group.
This is prime multi course desert country, so build the week around the Mountain Course and add the championship layouts nearby. Tom Fazio's quarry golf is a short drive away and worth the trip, profiled at our The Quarry at La Quinta page.
Looking for a base? See our recommended hotels and resorts near La Quinta Resort.
Build a Palm Springs golf trip
We secure La Quinta tee times, pair them with the best of the Coachella Valley desert, and book the lodging around them. Tell us roughly when and who is travelling and one concierge costs it to the head, with no obligation.
La Quinta Resort Mountain Course questions
Who designed the La Quinta Resort Mountain Course?
Pete Dye designed the Mountain Course at La Quinta Resort and Club, which opened in 1980 at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains in La Quinta, California.
What is the par and length of the Mountain Course?
The Mountain Course is a par 72 of about 6,756 yards from the back tees, with several holes set directly against and into the cliff rock.
Can the public play the La Quinta Resort Mountain Course?
Yes. The Mountain Course is a resort course playable through La Quinta Resort and Club, open to resort guests and public play.
How much does it cost to play the Mountain Course?
Desert resort rates are dynamic and seasonal, running from roughly $200 in the 2025 to 2026 high season and lower in summer. Treat this as indicative and always confirm directly before booking.
Related
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Researched and written by the GolfForKings editorial desk. Designer, opening year, par and yardage verified June 2026; indicative green fees verified June 2026. Last reviewed June 2026.