Recreation and Inspiration Meet at Gray Head at Telluride
by Gayle Greene
Imagine the power of a place where recreation
and inspiration meet. With this in mind, partners William Clay Ford, Jr., Stephen Phinny
and Steve Catsman created Gray Head at Telluride. Located just 8 miles away from downtown
Telluride and the Telluride Ski Area, these 35-plus-acre mountain properties offer outdoor
recreation, total relaxation and alpine privacy without sacrificing convenience and
accessibility.
"The 885 acres of Gray Head feel like part
playground, part cathedral," says Catsman. Within property lines, 8 miles of private
trails traverse diverse bioregions-alpine, riparian and mountain desert. All homesites
have access to trails for hiking in the summer or for snowshoing and cross-country skiing
in winter. Rest for awhile in the library of the restored timber and stone warming hut.
Once owned by a member of the Von Trapp family, the cabin features hand-hewn hardwood
beams and a wood-burning fireplace, making it a perfect destination for a cozy family
picnic indoors. On your way home, pass by the Gemini falls, a 35-foot waterfall on the
Willow Creek Trail. Gaze up at the 200-foot rock spires near Summit Creek, or just take in
the jaw dropping views to the south. Spread across the horizon are the strong silhouettes
of the Telluride Ski area, Ames Wall, Ophir Needles, Pilot Knob, Mount Wilson, Lizard Head
and numerous others.
If you're up for a longer excursion, connect to public
trails in the Uncompaghre National Forest and the Sneffels Wilderness Area. Over
three-quarters of Gray Head's perimeter borders on these lands, ensuring that the
surrounding environment will stay pristine forever.
The homesites within Gray Head, as many as 25, are all
located on sun-soaked benches. "Gray Head's natural rhythm of south-facing benches
maximizes the amount of sunshine and allows the sites to be uniquely separated from each
other visually," says project planner Jim Burleigh. "Every home site faces south
and has tremendous views of the Wilsons, and from every parcel, it feels as if you are the
only one on the mesa." To the west, views include Lone Cone and Dolores Peak. To the
north, take in Gray Head and Hawn. To the east, Ingram Peak, Ingram Falls and Ajax Peak
cradle the sunrise. View lines vary, but all lots boast 360-degrees of breathtaking peaks
and landmarks.
In addition to the splendor and privacy of Gray Head,
homeowners can take advantage of their close proximity to the towns of Telluride and
Mountain Village. World-class skiing, dining, shopping and entertainment are a mere 8
miles away. To make town travel even easier, Gray Head home-owners have access to a
private parking lot in the heart of Telluride.
Privacy, scenery, recreation and convenience-it's all Gray
Head at Telluride. This is why you come to the mountains.
Flora
and Fauna
When the glistening snows of winter melt away, the forest floors are covered with colorful
wildflowers. Open fields bloom with Indian paintbrush, delicate columbine, golden mule's
ears, and purple lupine. This incredible landscape sustains surprisingly diverse wildlife.
Deer and elk herds come here to feed and rest. Hawks and eagles circle the skies. For
these animals, Gray Head is more than a sanctuary, it is home.
It can be your home, too! |
