As I believe someone already mentioned, if you get a BLM/NFS map (they sell them at the ranger station in Montrose), there’s lots of NFS land to camp on if you don’t need a hook up. I believe there’s access where people camp along the jeep road up to Hope Lake (past trout lake) … but that’s another good 20 minutes past Sunshine.
No one has mentioned this on here, but it now costs to park at Mountain Village. At least it did during ski season. Maybe during the summer or festival season it does not cost, but hopefully someone from Planet Bluegrass can verify this? I think it would be helpful to know this ahead of time so you can plan accordingly.
That’s a good question CL! I’m fairly certain it’s a year round thing, but they may have made an exception for bluegrass.
Personally, I haven’t paid them a dime yet! The gondola was supposed to be a free transportation SYSTEM until 2028 … and I believe it’s fair to interpret the system as including a parking facility.
I parked in Mountain Village last year and they didn’t charge.
Of course, those things are always subject to change though.
This just in:
Free Parking in Mtn Village will begin at 3pm on Wed (June 20th) in the parking structure
Heritage Parking Garage: First 3 hours are free then $2 per hour max of $35 for 24hrs.
*note: This really only applies to non-campers. The Mountain Village parking is used primarily for day parking/ overflow parking starting on Thursday. If you are camping in a Planet Bluegrass campground you will likely be parked somewhere else in or around town prior to Thursday.
:cheers
“designated walker . . .” good human. I’m having a strong vibe you’re gonna have a grrreat time. There are several other camping options in the region, I think you’ll easily find what you’re looking for, when you’re exhausted from friend making, getting acclimated, and fully saturated. Love, Faith, and Hope, and of these Love is the best. Have a wonderful fest!
I am going to be on a 2 week road trip and pulling a pop-up trailer. I was under the impression that Mary E. didn’t allow any pop-up trailers in. Is this correct? If so where else do people in the area suggest camping with a pop-up?
You can use your pop-up camper at Mary E. if you have a vehicle pass. You’ll just have to park your car elsewhere.
I don’t know where you got the idea that campers were not allowed at Mary E. :huh
Anything with a license plate is considered a vehicle.
Huh. I’ve never been presented with the option to pay for parking at Mtn. Village (not that I have ever looked for signage or some guy in a blue suit putting’ boots on scofflaw autos). I’ve always assumed it was free due to the Gondola deal. Fest or no fest. Never been towed or ticketed. S’posed to pay for it eh? :flower
The Mountain Village generally started charging for parking at the parking garage about a year and half ago … could be longer, but not sure exactly.
However, as BluegrassDustin mentioned, they apparently have an agreement to allow for free parking during bluegrass - starting on Wednesday … so shouldn’t be an issue unless you arrive earlier or stay longer than Monday.
We all thought it was supposed to be free … especially to encourage people to get out of their cars & to some merchants in the TMV, to actually visit and walk about the commercial core … before/after skiing or during the summer. However, the “powers that be” felt it was otherwise necessary to charge. Just another reason I’m personally not a fan of the mountain village!
We had to pay $20 for parking in Mountain Village when p-hish played in Telluride…that’s the only time I’ve ever actually parked on that side of the mountain…HOWEVER, anyone that is camping/parking over in Mountain Village and going to Nightgrass - pay attention to the time and how late the gondola is open…fyi for newbies…
good point! it says 2am during festival but it would be horrible to get stuck in telluride overnite…what would we do? where would we stay? town park…here we come a crashin! anyone have floor space?
There are gate-keepers checking for wrist bands at Town Park… If you are caught crashing Town Park you can lose all your wrist bands and loose your chance to attend this wonderful festival… :peace
I’m pretty sure that if you do happen to miss the Gondola, there are services that will take you back up to MV. They’re not free like the Gondola, but I’m pretty sure they do exist. Maybe a real local could confirm.
There’s also the option of hiking back up, which I like to due during daylight hours. It might not be as fun at 3:00 AM after a full day of Festival and a few hours of Nightgrass.
It can definitely be done & it’s not too bad, about an hour or so … depending on where you start in Town and end up in the village. Just take the river trail until you’re almost directly even with the Shell station & veer to the left on the steeper trail going up. It’s a work out, but not too bad. You’ll wind up just to the North of the Peaks once you get to the top of the trail.
so what you’re saying is DON’T MISS THE GONDOLA! gotcha
10-4 :thumbsup
if you miss the gondola you can always go get in line for the tarp run! :abduct :coffee
Sage advice, and so true.