So I’m staying in Ouray. I scored tickets for Saturday. Any suggestions on exactly when to arrive? I’m told I’ll have to park and take the gondola from Mountain village. Is there parking at the top? What kinds of things should I bring for the day while I’m in the town and at the festival. Figured I’d bring a backpack with a blanket, rain jackets and some snacks/beverages. Probably will head back to Ouray around 8 or 9pm. We have a 10 year old with us so it will be a long day.
I’m just worried about getting into town. Do I need to plan to be there super early? Will I be in traffic for most of the morning? Just trying to plan ahead. Thanks!
You are on the right track as for what to bring. It’s nice to have some comfy camping chairs, and once the sun goes down, around 7:30 it starts to cool off real fast! If its a blue sky sunny day it will seem hot even at 75 degrees and sunburns happen real fast at that altitude. There’s a great kids tent and activity area, that a 10 year old will love! I’m going to guess traffic driving in from Ouray won’t be too bad, but you will want to be in town before 10am if you want a decent spot. Lots of good food and beverage to be had inside the festival grounds, and in town. Don’t forget to take a stroll down to Elks park for some of the sets during the day.
Music starts at 10 in the morning Saturday so plan accordingly. Yes, you’ll have to peel off before getting into Telluride and go up to Mountain Village where you’ll park. Then wait in line for the gondola and then about a 15-minute walk to the Festival entrance. Take the river path, it’s nice. Like has been suggested, you might want to bring your own low-back chairs. It would probably be a bit much to try to join the Tarp Run which is at 9 in the morning. So therefore, be friendly and make friends and join someone on their tarp. Consider staying for at least a bit of Sam Bush’s set, who I believe is closing out the Saturday lineup. He’s The King of Telluride, for good reason! Festivaaaaal!
Last year was my first time at TBF. It can be hot during the day and then rainy and cold at night. Besides a jacket and rain gear, I brought a cooling neck gaiter and hat to stay cool and used my umbrella for shade. I left around 10 pm on Thursday night to catch Molly Tuttle who was playing at 11 pm at Mountain Village Nightgrass. The line for the Gondola was a few blocks long. May not be a problem on Saturday night as Sam Bush is very popular but be prepared to wait in line. Parking at Mountain Village is around $25.