Yellow basket with flag at a disc golf course

Parowan Canyon Disc Golf Course Review: A Worthwhile Stop Near Brian Head?

This article is part of our Brian Head Travel Series –> See all Brian Head Guides

If you play disc golf and you’re driving through Parowan on the way to or from Brian Head, Parowan Canyon Disc Golf Course is worth stopping for. It’s compact, scenic, and feels more like a short hike with disc golf layered in than a drawn-out course built to feel endless.

Quick Verdict

  • Strong yes if you play disc golf and are already passing through
  • Feels more adventurous than wide-open park courses
  • Plays quickly without feeling rushed
  • Easy access, free parking, no permits

What Makes This Course Different

Parowan Canyon Disc Golf Course runs through a canyon setting rather than a flat park or open desert. Instead of wide fairways and long walks between holes, you get:

  • Trees that force shot shaping
  • Uneven ground that keeps you engaged
  • Curves and obstacles
  • Mountain scenary that makes the course worth it
Disc golf course in the distance surrounded by trees

Our Experience on the South Course

The course has both a South and a North layout. We played the South 9 because we were short on time and driving back toward Las Vegas. Even with just nine holes, the stop felt complete.

Man teeing off at a disc golf course

We spent about 30 to 45 minutes playing, moving at a relaxed pace and stopping for photos. Ninety minutes is plenty if you want to take your time or play more.

One of the highlights was crossing a small stream between holes 1 and 2. When we visited, it was easy to step across without getting wet, but it added to the feeling that this was more than just tossing discs in a field. Earlier in the season, that crossing could be more of a factor depending on conditions.

We left wishing we had time to play the rest of the course.

Disc golf sign showing route over a stream

Difficulty and Play Style

This course leans intermediate, but beginners can still enjoy it.

There are plenty of tree hazards and curved lines, which means you have to think about placement more than on wide-open courses. If your disc goes off track, you’ll likely need to work a bit to recover it.

If you prefer wide fairways, long bombs, and minimal consequences, this probably isn’t your course. If you like disc golf that feels closer to a hike, with constant engagement, it’s a good fit.

Unique holes along disc golf sign board

Why Parowan Canyon made more sense than Brian Head Resort

We had planned to play disc golf at Brian Head Resort, but ran into logistical issues. The lift-served course requires either paying for the scenic chair lift or securing a permit in advance if you want to hike up instead. The rules are not clearly explained, and staff didn’t seem fully aligned on how the system works.

Hiking up without the correct permit can get you escorted off the mountain (ask us how we know). Riding the lift up and hiking down is allowed, but it’s not free and feels less earned.

By contrast, Parowan Canyon required none of that.

No lift tickets.
No permits.
No buried rules.

If you love disc golf but hate red tape, Parowan Canyon wins.

Parking, Access, and Logistics

Parking and access are straightforward:

  • Large gravel parking lot right off the main road
  • Hole one starts almost immediately from the lot
  • No fees or permits
  • Sedan-friendly in dry conditions

There are no bathrooms or services on site, so plan accordingly.

Sign board with written disc golf rules at Parowan Canyon

Crowds, Conditions, and Comfort

We visited on a Sunday morning and had the course almost entirely to ourselves, even on a weekend. It didn’t feel busy or overused.

The course is somewhat exposed, with some shade but not much. It would be warmer in summer, though still cooler than desert-floor courses. Winter would likely bring snow, and early spring conditions could be muddy enough to make this an easy skip.

Practical Notes

  • A few blind throws around corners
  • Loose gravel near the first hole
  • Uneven ground throughout the course
  • Closed-toe shoes are a good idea
Disc golf basket with a yellow rim

How This Fits Into a Brian Head Trip

This works best as a short stop if you’re already driving through Parowan. It fits cleanly into a travel day without competing with bigger Brian Head or Cedar Breaks experiences.

If you want to pair it with something nearby, this makes sense alongside a hike like Spectra Point or a quick Cedar Breaks scenic drive.

Bottom Line

If you play disc golf and you’re already passing through Parowan on the way to or from Brian Head, stopping here is the right call.

Nearby Adventures

Mountain meadow along the Color Flow trail at Brian Head with a rocky peak above and scattered pine trees under a clear blue sky.

Brian Head Travel Series

Plan your trip to Brian Head, Utah with guides to skiing, summer trails, nearby adventures, lodging tips, and scenic mountain escapes.

Read more

Kolob Canyon overlook in the winter

Kolob Canyon (Zion National Park)

Kolob Canyon is the lesser-visited section of Zion National Park, located off I-15 north of the main Zion Canyon. Kolob works best as a stop if you are traveling south through Utah rather than as a standalone day trip. The short scenic drive and canyon viewpoints make it a low-effort way to experience Zion’s scale without committing to the crowds or logistics of the main canyon.

Read More

Red and White Sandstone Mountains

Cedar Breaks Scenic Drive and Viewpoints

Explore North View, Sunset View, and Chessman Ridge for quick, breathtaking overlooks with minimal walking. Great for sunrise, sunset, or quick sightseeing.

Read more

→ View All Brian Head Guides