I’m planning on coming to the telluride bluegrass fest next year and could use a lot of pointers. I made my first trip to Colorado last year, but went to Denver. Where would be the best place to fly into for this fest? I will definitely be renting a car for the trip. As much as I love camping, it’s a little difficult to fly with camping gear. Where would be a good place to seek accommodations for the fest? We like to have our fun, so I would love lodging suggestions in which it would be possible to commute by foot or maybe taxi/shuttle/public transportation (if available) without breaking the bank. What are you allowed to bring into the festival grounds (book bags, ect)? As you can imagine, I have no clue about this festival or the area and any helpful advice/suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance! 
I’ve come from GA the past two years and have only camped in Town Park so my info is based on that accomodation.
First year, flew to Grand Junction with all my gear, rented a car and was fortunate to arrive on Wednesday and meet people who had arrived the previous Saturday. Left Sunday after show and flew out early Monday morning out of Grand Junction. Truthfully, it sucked leaving Sunday and having to drive to Grand Junction but it all worked out.
2nd year, after learning a lot the first year, I flew to Montrose and this is the best airport to fly into if you can get a seat and not break the bank. Its not far from Telluride and there is a Walmart, grocery store, liquor store, etc. to do all of your shopping before you head to Tride. Flew out Monday around noon and got home Monday night. Its the only way I will do TBF from here on out coming from East Coast.
I know many people fly to Denver so they can comment on that journey.
Of course you could find housing but part of the allure to me of TBF is camping in Town Park and if you want to camp, don’t rule it out just because you are coming distance. Where there’a will to camp, there’s a way to make it work. I can only speak as a TP camper but people enjoy TBF with many different accomodations.
Good Luck!
Hey! The first place you should look is the Town Park Virgin thread. There’s a bunch of good advice in there for festivirgins, whether they’re camping in Town Park, Mary E, The Highschool or staying in a condo or hotel.
Also read through the FAQs on the Planet’s website. They should answer plenty of your questions about Telluride.
As far as the walking distance goes, everything in Telluride is within walking distance to everything else. It’s a small town, so there’s no need for taxis or anything like that. There is a free bus service in town, as well. So that’s always an option. Just make sure you get on the right one. I once ended up in Mountain Village without meaning to!
If you stay in Mountain Village, there is a free gondola that you’ll be able to take into Telluride. You can easily walk from the gondola to the festival and back again once the night is over.
It’s approximately one mile from the edge of town, by the high school, to the festival grounds.
Lawson, on the other hand, is about 2 or 3 miles to the edge of town so a shuttle is better than walking.
Is there a UPS store in Telluride or Montrose or Grand Junction where one could ship packages general delivery? I shipped my gear to a buddy from Denver who was going and he picked me up at Montrose.
You can always ship it USPS to yourself and delivered to the post office:
General Delivery
Telluride, Colorado 81435
There isn’t a UPS store in Telluride so you would need to know someone there to ship it to.
There is a UPS store in Montrose:
236 S THIRD ST
MONTROSE, CO 81401
(970)249-3732