The Tempest Trials @ River Bottoms
Venture into the heart of the Great Plains to encounter the awe-inspiring Thunderbird, guardian of the skies. Navigate wind-swept prairies and towering rock formations, following the storm-bringer's path to uncover ancient secrets and harness the power of the tempest.
The Story Begins
As the veil between worlds grows thin, the Thunderbird's cries echo across the Great Plains, heralding an era of awakening and transformation. Disc golf warriors from far and wide gather to embark on a psychedelic odyssey, guided by cryptic visions and the storm-bringer's electrifying presence. From the wind-swept prairies to the towering rock formations, each leg of the journey unveils ancient secrets and tests the mettle of those who seek the Thunderbird's favor. As players delve deeper into the mystery, they must confront not only the challenges of the course but also the shadows within themselves. Only by embracing the power of the tempest and unraveling the Thunderbird's cryptic messages can they hope to emerge victorious and claim their place among the guardians of the skies.
A mysterious invitation arrives, bearing the mark of the Thunderbird. Disc golf warriors from across the land are summoned to the Great Plains, where an ancient prophecy is about to unfold.
Choose Your Alliance
Pool of the Earthbound Guardians
The Earthbound Guardians embody the rugged, grounded aspects of the Thunderbird's domain. They are deeply connected to the land, drawing strength from the ancient secrets hidden within the earth. Their role in the story is to protect these secrets and prove their worth through physical challenges and grit. Visually, they are represented by weathered textures, earthy colors, and solid, unyielding forms that evoke a sense of primal power. The Earthbound Guardians are diametrically opposed to the Celestial Voyagers, who are focused on the ethereal and mystical aspects of the Thunderbird's realm.
Pool of the Celestial Voyagers
The Celestial Voyagers embody the ethereal and mystical aspects of the Thunderbird's domain. They are deeply connected to the cosmic energies that flow through the Great Plains and seek guidance from the stars. Their role in the story is to unravel the celestial mysteries and harness the power of the skies. Visually, they are represented by luminous designs, soft colors, and fluid forms that evoke a sense of grace and cosmic wonder. The Celestial Voyagers are diametrically opposed to the Earthbound Guardians, who are grounded in the rugged landscapes and ancient secrets of the land.
Meet the Legends
The Season Ahead
Whispering Winds
Week 1
A mysterious figure emerges from the swirling mists, offering cryptic clues about the Thunderbird's true nature.
Sunburst Sojourn
Week 2
An ancient petroglyph is discovered, hinting at a powerful artifact hidden somewhere on the course.
Echoing Canyons
Week 3
A rival group of disc golf warriors emerges, challenging the players to a high-stakes showdown in the heart of the canyons.
Chromatic Crossing
Week 4
One of the warriors falls under the sway of a malevolent force, threatening to undermine the group's unity.
Prismatic Prairie
Week 5
A cryptic message from the Thunderbird leads the warriors to an ancient burial ground, where they must confront the ghosts of the past.
Fractal Falls
Week 6
The mysterious figure returns, revealing the true nature of the Thunderbird's quest and the impending battle against an ancient evil.
Radiant Ruins
Week 7
The malevolent force returns, possessing one of the warriors and forcing the others to make a devastating choice.
Tempest Trials
Week 8
As the dust settles, the Thunderbird's true form is revealed, and the champion must decide how to wield their newfound power.
The Battlefield
River Bottoms
12127 S Vahe St, Draper, UT 84065## River Bottoms Disc Golf Course Research Summary **Basic Information:** - **Location:** Draper, Utah, USA (at Rotary Park – 958 W 12300 S) - **PDGA_URL:** [https://www.pdga.com/course-directory/course/river-bottoms-disc-golf-course](https://www.pdga.com/course-directory/course/river-bottoms-disc-golf-course) - **COORDINATES:** 40.52868, -111.91919 - **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 (based on ~600 community reviews) - **Holes & Par:** 18 holes, Par 57–59 (depending on layout) - **Established:** 2024 - **Designer(s):** Scott Belchak, Sean Kelley, and Nick Lopez (ElevateUT Disc Golf) --- ### Course History - **Origins:** River Bottoms is Draper’s first disc golf course, proposed by *ElevateUT Disc Golf* in 2022 in collaboration with Draper City. The initial site was county land, but the final chosen location was a conservation area near the Jordan River, managed by the Utah Reclamation Mitigation & Conservation Commission. - **Funding:** The project was funded through a *Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant* (UORG) in 2023 and supported by Draper City Parks and Recreation. ElevateUT handled course design, layout, and signage. - **Construction:** Installation began in early 2024, with **concrete tee pads** (6×14 ft), **MVP Black Hole Portal baskets**, and **graphic tee signs** by FlyDesign Studio. The course soft-opened in summer 2024 and was officially announced open in August 2024. - **Community Development:** Volunteers from ElevateUT and the local disc golf community helped clear brush, remove invasive thistles, and install benches and pathways. In spring 2025, Draper City held an *Arbor Day tree planting* event at the course to establish shade trees for long-term sustainability. - **Events:** River Bottoms hosted its first event, the **River Bottoms Rumble**, in October 2024 and later the **Draper Open (B-Tier)** in 2025, establishing it as a competitive regional venue. --- ### Course Experience - **Character & Layout:** River Bottoms is a **links-style course** set on flat, open terrain near the Jordan River. While it lacks elevation and trees, the design makes creative use of **OB lines, mandatories, and native grass rough** to create strategic challenges. Two basket layouts cater to different skill levels: - **Yellow (Advanced):** ~7,300 ft, Par 58–59 - **Red (Beginner):** ~5,900 ft, Par 57 The design rewards accuracy and placement over sheer power, though longer holes (500–600+ ft) test distance players. - **Playing Style:** Expect a mix of long, open drives and technical OB management. Most fairways are defined by **white-stake boundaries**, creating a pseudo-“island fairway” feel. The constant threat of OB gives each shot a risk-reward tension. While beginners can play safely using the Red layout, advanced players will find the Yellow layout both punishing and rewarding. - **Signature Features:** - **Hole 9:** Features a large, artistic *Triple Mandatory Structure*, one of Utah’s most unique course elements. - **Hole 14:** 612-ft Par 4, often into a headwind. - **Hole 5:** A short but tricky ace run with OB surrounding the green. - **Wind & Rough:** Constant variables—wind along the river corridor and tall grass can quickly change scoring conditions. - **Atmosphere:** The course lies in a tranquil riverside corridor with mountain views and frequent birdlife. Despite its stark terrain, many players find it peaceful. It’s one of Utah’s few “bomber” courses where players can air out long drives while still facing strategic constraints. - **Seasonal Notes:** - *Spring:* Soft, muddy ground; sometimes flooded low spots. - *Summer:* Dry, tall grass and heat (bring water and sunscreen). - *Fall:* Mowed fairways and optimal conditions. - *Winter:* Playable but can be snowy. --- ### Amenities & Features - **Tee Pads:** 18 large **concrete pads** (6×14 ft). - **Baskets:** **27 total baskets** (18 Yellow MVP Portals + 9 Red MVP Portals). - **Signage:** Full-color tee signs with distances, maps, and OB markers. - **Restrooms:** Permanent restroom at Rotary Park and portable toilet near Holes 5/15. - **Benches & Trash Cans:** Benches installed via community donations; trash bins at key points. - **Parking:** Paved lot for 20–30 cars; overflow available along access road. - **Pet Policy:** Dogs allowed on leash. - **Accessibility:** Cart-friendly but uneven; not wheelchair accessible. - **Other Amenities:** Playground and picnic pavilion adjacent to course; no on-site pro shop. **Safety Notes:** - No smoking (fire hazard). - No alcohol (city ordinance). - Occasional wildlife sightings (snakes, birds). - OB ropes and signage maintained for player clarity. --- ### Official References - [PDGA Course Directory – River Bottoms Disc Golf Course](https://www.pdga.com/course-directory/course/river-bottoms-disc-golf-course) - [UDisc – River Bottoms Disc Golf Course](https://udisc.com/courses/river-bottoms-disc-golf-course) - [Disc Golf Scene – River Bottoms Rumble](https://www.discgolfscene.com/tournaments/River_Bottoms_Rumble_2024) - [ElevateUT Disc Golf – River Bottoms Project Updates](https://www.elevateut.com/news) - [Draper City – River Bottoms Announcement](https://www.draperutah.gov/)
River Bottoms Disc Golf Course is an expansive, open course set in the serene Jordan River Valley of Draper, Utah. The landscape is characterized by wide, flat fields of tall grass and scattered weeds, with minimal trees or obstacles. The terrain is mostly dirt and mowed weeds, creating a rugged, natural aesthetic. Majestic mountain views surround the course, providing a stunning backdrop. The course has an exposed, windswept feel, with little shade and protection from the elements. Sunlight bathes the open fairways, casting long shadows in the early morning and late afternoon. The color palette is dominated by earthy tones - golden fields, brown dirt paths, and green patches of grass. Distinctive features include white stakes marking out-of-bounds areas, creating narrow fairways that slice through the wild grasslands. A few lone trees dot the landscape, providing rare obstacles. The Jordan River winds along the edge of some holes, a glimmering blue ribbon. The atmosphere is peaceful yet challenging, with the untamed terrain testing players' accuracy. The rugged, natural beauty of the course creates a sense of being immersed in a vast, open wilderness while still being minutes from the city. The mountain views and river provide moments of scenic wonder amidst the focus of navigating the course's obstacles.
Signature Holes
YELLOW, B POOL: RED White stakes play as normal OB Rules.
LONG PAD TO YELLOW BASKET, B POOL: SHORT PAD TO RED BASKET PLEASE BE MINDFUL OF PEDESTRIANS. White stakes play as out of bounds, NOT the water or the fence. Path and beyond out of bounds. Mandatory left of mando pole.
YELLOW, B POOL: RED White stakes play as normal OB Rules.
LONG PAD TO YELLOW BASKET, B POOL: LONG PAD TO RED BASKET Triple Mandatory. If out of bounds off the tee, normal OB rules apply. If mandatory missed, proceed to the short pad. If mandatory missed from the short pad, your next shot is taken under the mando.