My friend Erika and I are taking on Telluride for the first time this summer and couldn’t be more excited!! I just want to get a feel of the camp before we take off and leave. We’re staying at Mary E Ilium and won’t be there until Wednesday night, later.
Does the campsite let people in 24 hours? We’re leaving from Denver roughly around 5.
We don’t have a parking pass for the campsite, but I read they will sometimes let you drive your car in to unload, then go park. Will they let us do that at night? Is the campsite congested by then? Does it get congested at all?
It’s just the two of us so we don’t take much space! I’m just thinking if driving through campsites in order to unload our stuff is going to be difficult, or worth it. I’m not the best cramped-space driver.
Ha, June is the only thing on our mind! We can’t wait to meet all you lovely folk! I already have my bluegrass boots polished and ready for stompin and groovin all weekend!
I think you’ll be able to find some space no problem. However, Illium coul present particular difficulties in trying to find that spot and set up in the dark. I’m sure it can be done-with the benefit of headlamps, but I would consider staying overnight in Montrose or Grand Junction (or whereever, just depending on your chosen route and progress). Plus, as you get close, the roads are kinda dangerous but are a lot less so by the light of day.
You’re looking at a 7 hour drive, in the dark at the end. Watch out, if going I-70 to Grand Junction and then South to T’ride, for the officers on patrol South of Grand Junction. They do nail speeders a lot.
After that it’s the Elk that will give you a problem by being in the road while you’re trying to drive on the same patch of road.
I have seen, many times, folks helping late arrivals set up at least tents. It’s just how we roll at…
FESTIVVVAAALLL!!!
Welcome to the Festivarian Family, both of you!!! :thumbsup
You came to the right place for friendly advice. I would listen to bdouglaswood, and wait till the daytime to drive/set up camp/ ect. Aunt Hope has the best idea for cutting out of work early tho But if you cannot, I would just drive early Thursday morning and I could meet you at Mountain Village for a gorgeous Gondola ride into town. You really want to enjoy your first experience to Telluride in the daytime, so you can soak up the magical atmosphere in the beautiful summer sun.
You will miss all the starting festivities Wednesday night: The kick-off, and Yonder Mountain String Band at Mountain Village’s Conference Center. But you could arrive really early in the AM so you shouldn’t be missing anything Thursday morning. And I can meet you at Mountain Village (Where you can park your car for a while) And I’ll show you around town for a bit until you need to set up camp in Mary E. (Which I would be happy to help you with also.)
Welcome to the Best Place on The Planet. Cant wait to see you!!
Both times I stayed in Mary E, we arrived late at night. You shouldn’t have a problem driving in as there is a clear dirt path for cars and nobody sets up anything in that path. It’ll be a little tight to find a spot, but there are always spots. I would come in Wednesday night, set up, park the car and then be ready for Tim and Kevin to open the festival Thursday morning. You definitely don’t want to miss the opening act. You’ll remember that one for years to come.
Thanks everyone! We’ll figure something out - obviously we’re going to get there - nothin can stop us! Hopefully we can get there Wed sometime so we can just kick it Thursday until the shows start.
:cheers
And hi Andy! See you soon - when are you leaving SoDak for Telluride? I expect to see you in May at the Hemp Hoe Down! Hooray!!
Looking forward to this summer! Thanks again for the advice, all.
I will be leaving the Black Hills sometime on the Sunday before the festival to do some camping, hiking and maybe hit some of the natural hot springs around those parts before the festivities begin.
And I wouldn’t miss the Hemp Hoe Down for the world. Its going to be a great summer!!
But if you cannot, I would just drive early Thursday morning and I could meet you at Mountain Village for a gorgeous Gondola ride into town. You really want to enjoy your first experience to Telluride in the daytime, so you can soak up the magical atmosphere in the beautiful summer sun.