A spectacular mountain setting combined with a family-friendly atmosphere has made this 10-year-old community an instant and continuing success
Red Ledges, set in the rugged mountain landscape of Utah’s Heber Valley, recently celebrated its first decade as the most successful private destination community in the Park City region. At the root of its success, beyond the magnificent mountain topography and equally scenic golf course, is a vision that is family-oriented and solidly committed to being good stewards of the land.
Fortune 500 businessmen Tony Burns and Nolan Archibald, both with deep roots in the Heber Valley, are the founders and visionaries of Red Ledges. “We were always fascinated with the beauty of the land,” says Burns, whose wife’s family owned a ranch in the valley. “Over 40 years now, with almost 30 different transactions, I accumulated some 2,000 acres of land which is now Red Ledges.”
A collection of carefully designed neighborhoods now sits on this land, along with a full complement of amenities, including a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, a Jim McLean Golf School, Cliff Drysdale Tennis School, and Swim & Fitness Club. A closer look reveals how true the club has stayed to its family-friendly vision: Proof of that commitment is a slew of recreational activities catering to all ages, including the first-ever Jack Nicklaus Signature 12-Hole Golf Park.
Desiring to make golf more relevant and accessible to all, the park was created to be friendly, fun, and approachable in a fast-paced world. The short, easily walkable layout with forgiving greens welcomes all comers while still providing an enjoyable experience for the more seasoned player. No surprise, the park has become a popular gathering spot for golfers and non-golfers alike.
“It’s a little bit like what you see at St. Andrews in Scotland on a Sunday. It’s the town park,” says John Johnson, club general manager. “I play it barefoot with two clubs,” adds Red Ledges COO Mitchel Burns. “I take my dog with me and play in about 45 minutes. She runs around and chases the marmots and I chase the golf ball. It’s very relaxing.”
For those in search of the full golf experience, the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Red Ledges offers 18 holes, no two alike but all with dazzling views of the Rockies. The course features more than 700 feet of elevation change and bent grass playing surfaces.
Both mountain and golf-course views can be enjoyed from homes positioned to take full advantage of the surrounding natural beauty. Red Ledges’ neighborhoods offer a selection of estate homesites, luxury cottages, mountain villas, and club cabins. Homes range from $695,000 to $10 million, homesites from $195,000.