Dramatic elevation changes, 7,400 yards, the toughest test in the valley
★★★★★"Absolutely gorgeous course and very challenging. The views are priceless and the holes can kidnap your golf balls quite easily if you stray from the fairways."
— Steve Roland · 3 months ago · Google
★★★★★"This has got to be one of the greatest hidden gems in the Sierra Nevadas. It is a Top 10 Public golf course, and provides the best value by a long shot. Not only is the golf spectacular, but the experience after the round, at their Lakehouse is phenomenal. If you haven't played Grizzly yet, make it a priority."
— Matt Anderson · 10 months ago · Google
★★★★★"Favorite Golf course by far I've ever played. Love coming back here yearly. Most beautiful course in there 100mi area"
— Johnny Thomas · a year ago · Google
★★★★★"Incredible course in absolutely impeccable condition. Interesting holes, beautiful scenery, top notch facilities. Will definitely be back."
— Anthony Hardy · 10 months ago · Google
Golf Digest named Grizzly Ranch one of America's Top 100 Greatest Public Courses in 2021 — the only Graeagle course on that list. Designed by Bob Cupp and opened in 2005, it plays 7,411 yards through dramatic mountain terrain at 4,800–5,400 feet elevation. Slope 140, rating 74.9. Exposed ridgeline holes, forced carries, and panoramic Sierra views on every hole. Semi-private — access is through packages only. Grizzly Ranch tee times are limited. The course releases public windows 30 days in advance and they fill within days, particularly for weekend mornings in June through September. Groups booking through GolfGraeagle secure tee times as part of a confirmed package — no hunting for open slots or dealing with waitlists. The course plays at 5,161 feet average elevation, which means the ball carries 5–8% farther than at sea level. Bring one less club than you think. The greens are fast — typically stimping at 10–11 in peak season — and the breaks are subtle until they're not. First-time players consistently underestimate the slope. Grizzly Ranch golf groups who stay at River Pines Resort are 11 miles from the 1st tee.
7,411 yards
longest in the Graeagle region
Slope of 140
most challenging layout
Dramatic elevation changes on every hole
Plays downhill from an elevated tee with the entire course spread below. At 7,411 yards this course earns every foot — and hole 1 makes that clear immediately.
The most talked-about hole at Grizzly Ranch. A forced carry over a deep ravine to a green cut into the hillside, with panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada at 5,200 feet elevation. Three clubs of wind possible.
Low-handicap golfers ready for the hardest round in the valley. Groups that want one course they'll talk about for years.
High-handicap golfers or beginners — slope 140 and forced carries over ravines will punish crooked shots and slow pace of play significantly.
Save Grizzly Ranch for the last day. It's the exclamation point of a Graeagle trip — play the approachable courses first, then earn this one. Most groups pair it with a recovery round at Graeagle Meadows the morning after.
Closest lodging to Grizzly Ranch — sorted by distance
On-site dining at Grizzly Ranch
Grizzly Ranch plays 7,411 yards, par 72, with a slope of 140 and course rating of 74.9. It is ranked among Golf Digest's Top 100 Greatest Public Courses in the US.
Bob Cupp designed Grizzly Ranch. It opened in 2005 and earned Golf Digest Top 100 Greatest Public Courses in the United States in 2021.
Grizzly Ranch is semi-private. Public access is available through golf packages — GolfGraeagle can secure guaranteed tee times as part of a stay-and-play package.
With a slope of 140 and 7,411 yards from the back tees, it is the most demanding course in the Graeagle region. Elevation changes range from 4,800 to 5,400 feet across the course.
Grizzly Ranch features a pro shop, 30-station natural turf practice range, putting green, chipping area, and bunker practice area. The Grizzly Grill is on-site for dining.
Grizzly Ranch is in Portola, CA — approximately 11 miles east of Graeagle, about 18 minutes via Hwy 70.
No. Grizzly Ranch Golf Club in Portola, CA is often confused with Grey Eagle Lodge in McCloud, CA — a completely different property 3 hours south. If you searched grey eagle golf or grey eagle golf course, you are likely looking for Grizzly Ranch — the semi-private championship course 11 miles east of Graeagle, ranked Golf Digest Top 100.
Grizzly Ranch is semi-private — direct public tee time booking is limited and tee sheets fill quickly. GolfGraeagle secures guaranteed Grizzly Ranch tee times as part of stay-and-play packages. Request a quote at golfgraeagle.com/request-a-quote.
Tee times + lodging + dining — handled by Mike Eskuchen, 20+ year golf industry expert. Packages from $299/golfer. Free quote, 24-hour response.
⚡ Golf Digest Top 100 — semi-private tee times release 30 days out and fill within days
Request a Free Quote →No obligation · 72-hr cancellation · Response within 24 hours
