Hi everyone, I’ve been coming to Telluride from Australia for ten years. Let me help you plan your trip. It can be a little bit confusing for people outside the US but so worth it. I keep coming back. Here are essential practical preparations for overseas tourists visiting Telluride. I won’t cover tickets here as that’s covered in other threads. This is really based on the practical things you need to know if you are visiting from overseas. Feel free to ask questions!
Visa and entry requirements - Most international visitors will need either an ESTA (for eligible countries under the Visa Waiver Program) or a tourist visa to enter the United States. Apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before travel, though it’s recommended to do this weeks in advance. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. You’ll also need to complete customs declarations and may face questions about your itinerary at immigration.
Getting to Telluride - flights and connections - Telluride has a small regional airport (TEX), but most international visitors will find better value flying into Denver International Airport (DEN) or Grand Junction (GJT). From Denver, it’s about a 5.5-hour scenic drive to Telluride, or you can catch a connecting flight to Telluride Regional airport (though these are limited and expensive). Many visitors hire a car in Denver and make the drive part of their Colorado experience., however, be aware that parking is very limited in town. I catch a flight from Denver to Montrose airport and catch a shuttle through Telluride Express. The flight is only 30 minutes long and the shuttle no more than 90 minutes and it will take you to your door. Alternatively, Grand Junction is close (about 2 hours by car) and sometimes offers better connecting flight options.
Electrical adaptors and mobile connectivity - The US uses Type A and Type B plugs (flat two or three-pin) with 120V electricity, so you’ll need appropriate adaptors for your devices. Consider purchasing a universal adaptor before travelling, as they can be expensive in tourist areas. For mobile phones, check if your carrier offers international roaming plans or consider purchasing a US SIM card, as Telluride’s mountain location can have patchy coverage with some international networks.
Banking and payment preparations - Notify your bank of your travel dates to avoid having cards blocked for suspicious overseas activity. The US is heavily card-dependent, but it’s wise to have some cash on hand as smaller mountain businesses sometimes prefer cash or have minimum card spending limits. Be aware that many US card readers require chip-and-PIN or contactless payment, and some older systems may not work with international cards, so having multiple payment options is essential. You will also need smaller notes for tipping. The US service culture is heavily dependent on tips as minimum wage is quite low.
Accommodation hints for Bluegrass Festival period - The Telluride Bluegrass Festival ( mid-June) is the town’s biggest event, making accommodation extremely scarce and expensive. Book at least 6-12 months in advance, and expect to pay premium rates. If hotels are full, look into vacation rental homes in nearby Mountain Village (connected by a free gondola) or consider camping at the festival’s designated campgrounds - though these also book out quickly. Some locals rent out rooms or even just garden space for camping during festival week. Towns like Ridgway (45 minutes away) or Cortez (1.5 hours) might have availability when Telluride is completely booked, though you’ll need reliable transport for the mountain drives. I use Lodging in Telluride to find available condos and I’ve always found somewhere to stay.
ATMs are available in Telluride, but fees can be substantial for international cards, so plan accordingly!
Telluride is high altitude and it can be tricky for visitors. Altitude sickness is real. I personally take Diomox to counter the effects of high altitude but please consult your doctor, I do not give health advice. Drink lots and lots of water ( it’s very safe to drink the water out of the tap) and you can buy small cans of oxygen to inhale if you feel a bit breathless.
You really won’t need a car if you are staying in town or in the Mountain Village, it’s a small place and very easy to walk everywhere. There is also a very frequent, free bus service. There are numerous restaurants and two supermarkets.
The Planet Bluegrass office is super friendly and helpful, don’t feel nervous about asking questions.
I love coming here and it’s worth all the planning to get to Telluride. The people are so welcoming and friendly and the music is truly first class. There is a special magic and, of course, it’s stunningly beautiful. You will never regret making the trip.
