Clear blue skies and beautiful scenery are hallmarks of Colorado golf courses, but don't think they're merely pretty faces; these courses can be as challenging as any in the country. Balls travel farther here than at sea level, and golfers tend to tire more quickly, at least until they've adapted to the higher elevation. Be prepared for cool mornings and afternoon thunderstorms even at the height of summer. High-elevation courses, such as those in Steamboat Springs and Vail, are shut down by snow in winter, but those at lower elevations, such as along the western slope, in the southwest corner, and around Denver, are often open year-round.

Good golf resorts can be found in Crested Butte, Winter Park, Pueblo, and Alamosa; for high-altitude putting, try Leadville; and for the top resort, go to the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. For information on the state's major golf courses, contact the Colorado PGA, 12323 E. Cornell Ave., Aurora, CO 80014 (tel. 888/987-2742 or 303/745-3697; www.coloradopga.com) or the Colorado Golf Resort Association (tel. 303/680-9967; www.coloradogolfresorts.com). Serious golfers may want to subscribe to The Colorado Golfer, which carries information on courses throughout the state. An annual subscription costs $6 and includes an excellent guide to the state's courses that is published each spring.