Best Scottsdale Golf Courses for Wildlife and Nature Lovers
If you enjoy spotting wildlife and soaking in the desert landscape during your round, these public Scottsdale golf courses offer an unforgettable natural backdrop.
August 10, 2025 · 6 min read
By Ryan at 18Away
There’s something magical about a round of golf surrounded by saguaro silhouettes, chirping quail, and maybe even a curious coyote or bobcat off in the distance.
Scottsdale isn’t just a golf destination; it’s a full-on desert experience. And these public courses bring that wild, untamed beauty right into your round.
Whether you’re birdwatching on the tee box or admiring the peaceful desert backdrop, here are the best spots to play if you love nature as much as you love golf.
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Quick Answer: Which Scottsdale Courses Are Best for Wildlife and Nature?
Top picks: We-Ko-Pa Saguaro, Troon North Monument, Grayhawk Raptor, Papago, Camelback Ambiente
Why these: minimal or no housing, wide desert corridors and washes, restored native habitat, quiet surroundings with big views
Pro tips: book sunrise or late-afternoon tee times, keep music off and voices low, never approach or feed wildlife, give javelina, coyotes, and snakes plenty of space, bring compact binoculars for birding
1. Troon North Golf Club (Monument Course)
Nestled into the rugged foothills of Pinnacle Peak, Troon North is the ultimate nature-meets-luxury round. The Monument course offers elevated views, minimal noise, and frequent sightings of birds, coyotes, and jackrabbits.
Nature highlights:
- Panoramic views of the untouched Sonoran desert
- Wildlife spotting early morning or near dusk
- Minimal residential development for peace
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2. Grayhawk Golf Club (Raptor Course)
The Raptor Course is a haven for desert birds, hence the name. With wide corridors, washes, and mature desert flora, it’s one of the best places to see roadrunners, hawks, and the occasional bobcat crossing fairways.
Why wildlife lovers will love it:
- Protected desert washes offer cover for animals
- Broad sightlines across the desert preserve
- Serene morning rounds full of desert sounds
3. We-Ko-Pa Golf Club (Saguaro Course)
We-Ko-Pa sits on Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation land and features zero houses lining the course. That gives you an untouched natural environment, perfect for soaking in quiet desert beauty and local wildlife like mule deer, quail, and javelina.
Best for:
- Pristine desert views with no visual noise
- Remote and just 30 minutes from Old Town
- Frequent sightings of animals across the arroyos
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Planning a Scottsdale golf trip? Get the 3-day golf trip itinerary, which includes hotels, courses, nightlife, and more.
4. Papago Golf Club
Located near the Desert Botanical Garden, Papago blends big mountain views with subtle desert nature throughout. It’s not uncommon to spot coyotes, roadrunners, and even wild rabbits along the edges of this city-adjacent gem.
What makes it great:
- Papago Buttes frame the scenery
- Excellent value and proximity to Phoenix
- Plenty of animal sightings in early morning rounds
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5. Camelback Golf Club (Ambiente Course)
"Ambiente" means environment, and this course earns the name. It winds through natural terrain and restored desert washes, attracting all kinds of birds and small mammals, especially near water features.
Nature perks:
- Sustainable design with native habitat
- Views of Camelback Mountain
- Peaceful, slow-paced rounds with wildlife woven in
Also featured in:
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Nature-Loving Golf Tips
If you're heading to one of these courses for the wildlife and views:
- Book early morning tee times; that’s when animals are most active.
- Play quietly and avoid speaker music to increase chances of spotting birds or wildlife.
- Bring binoculars if you're a serious birdwatcher. Some courses even post bird species guides in their pro shops.
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Planning a Scottsdale Golf Trip?
Still deciding? Take the Golf Trip Quiz to get matched with your perfect trip plan.
Written by Ryan from 18Away, your go-to golf trip planner.
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