Arroyo del Oso opened for play October 1965. The course is located in the Bear Canyon Arroyo from which the course gets its name, and which makes for interesting topography. While it is not a tough course, the large greens, rolling fairways, three water-hole obstacles, and sand traps make it best suited for the intermediate to advanced player with 6,545 yards Par 72 for men, and 6,015 yards Par 73 for women.
The nine-hole course named the "Dam 9" was built in 1987 bringing 27 holes into play at this facility. The Dam 9 plays to a Par 36 at 3,300 yards, crossing the Bear Canyon Arroyo three times.
Arroyo del Oso was rated in the top 50 Municipal Golf Courses in the Country by Golf Digest Magazine in 1981.