Rob Layton, the Colorado GM of Eleven Experience, joined us this morning to share the high-end adventure hospitality provided by a world-wide company born and based here in Crested Butte. Owner Chad Pike started Eleven Experience, rather appropriately, on 11-11-2011, but that’s not the origin of the name. Rather, it comes from the 1984 cult classic film, Spinal Tap, in which the titular band draws an 11 on their 1-10 volume amp so they can play louder and more boisterously than any other.

Just 13 years old, Eleven Experience now boasts 13 luxury properties in 8 countries with more on the way! Two of those properties are right here in the Gunnison Valley, Scarp Ridge Lodge in downtown CB and Taylor River Lodge along the Taylor River. The company also boasts its own interior design branch called Twelve; it’s own guide service, Irwin Guides; a music production company, “Eleven Music;” and a property management arm, “Grassy Creek.” On top of all that, Eleven owns and operates Irwin Brewing Company here in CB and its restaurant and bar front, the Public House on Elk Avenue. They’re busy year-round!

While operating world-wide, Eleven Experience gives back to their local communities through grants for nonprofits that focus on recreation and open spaces. They also have a carbon emissions matching program for their guests and utilize solar power whenever possible.

Looking for a way to experience life on a 1-10 scale all the way to Eleven? The Taylor River Lodge offers overnight stays for Gunnison Valley residents and invites anyone to A Taste of Taylor, dinner reservations available to the general public Wednesdays through Sundays!