New to Telluride

[KathyStine]

My husband and I are celebrating 40 years of marriage next year.  We thought we'd have an adventure and try Telluride after going to Merlefest for 12 years.  It looks as though our 3 grown children and spouses and 5 grandchildren are coming with us.  We hope to travel in a motor home to Ouray and drive to Telluride from there.  We know nothing about how the festival works.  Are the lines to get into the Festival manageable with such a large group?  Would you recommend that we buy one day passes instead of the 4 day passes?  I'd appreciate any and all suggestions!  Thanks!

[Auntie Hope]

Girlfriend... we just need more info.

Are ya planning on camping in Telluride? Getting a condo? Driving every day from Ouray? Try reading the "sticky note" at the top of the home page here and get back to us.

Welcome to the Family and CONGRATULATIONS on the 40 years!!!

Auntie Hope 

[KathyStine]

We are planning on camping in Ouray because we didn't see that there were any campgrounds for RVs in Telluride.  Am I wrong? Ouray seemed to be the closest town for an RV campsite.  So we would be driving in every day from Ouray.  If we went with a condo rental, can we park an RV at the condo or are there restrictions on what is allowed in town?
I haven't found the "sticky note" yet but I'll keep looking.  Merlefest in North Carolina is our only reference point for festivals so the idea of "tarp runs" and lining up at 6 am for a spot are pretty foreign to us.  Can 1 person of our group get there early and "reserve" a spot for the rest of us?  Are there  multiple stages to accommodate all the performers?  Again thanks for any and all suggestions and information! 

[Hot Sugar]

I've never gone with the condo, so I have no idea how that works out, but I have done the tarp run. The time you'll need to get there will depend on what kind of a spot you want. If you want to be right up close, then you'll likely have to be in the line all night. If you just want a home base, you can show up much later.

There's the main stage as well as the Elk's Park workshop stage. The workshops aren't in the festival grounds and are free to watch, so it's 1.5 stages? They will have night grass shows at local bars and the Sheridan Opera house each night. And there's First Grass (also free) in Mountain Village on the Wednesday before festival.

 

 Listening to: Ryan Adams

[ShatteredArm]

I would be really surprised if you could find a condo that includes a spot to park an RV. 

[Skubes]

It would be quite the haul from Ouray to Telluride each day, unless you have a short wheel base 4WD and nerves of steel to cross over Imogene Pass.  Even Ridgeway would be a better option, if facilities exist for your RV there.  There's a state park close by that I'm sure would have lots of RV spaces.

I've never done the tarp run, but we had no problems finding a spot each afternoon.  People were incredibly friendly and shared their space for sitting and dancing.  It's a laid-back, fun loving group of people at TBG. 

[landshark]

Lets see last year at the Riverside Condo's I did notice an  extra large travel van, taller and longer then usual parked.
Look at the lodging link on the Planet Bluegrass link above top right for for more info.I am sure each property will vary.

You have a large group so you can do this right. You will need a morning person, young and fast. He will run your tarp ( home base) each A.M. You can line up 2 or 3 voleenters, night people.Each do a few hours in line and switch off. Sing, drink(hot coco ), laugh and chat till dawn. Thats when they hand out numbers. The lower the number, the better chance of getting close to the stage. thats where the runner comes in.Now some do not care about this part. Anywhere you sit you can hear and the views are just so captivating it will take your breath away and lower your blood pressure in the first 2 seconds.

It will rain, it will snow, it will be windy, it will be sunny and hot, it will be perfect if you are prepared for the weather. When was the last time you danced in the rain? Welcome  and get ready to have a great time. 
Read all the older post's and you will know what to bring.

[dgott2000]

Maybe try your luck at getting a vehicle pass for the Mary E Illium campground.  It's 9 miles or so away from the festival, but they run a bus back and forth and it's probably closer than Ridgeway/Ouray, etc.  Also, if you are planning on going all 4 days (which I highly recommend), you should get 4-day festival passes.  It will save you some money.  I think day passes are around $65/day and a 4-day pass is $185.  Enjoy, and keep asking lots of questions on here! 

Also, a "sticky" note refers to a topic that automatically stays at the top of the list of topics.  These are usually answers to commonly asked questions :-)

There is one main stage at the festival and then also a couple of much smaller stages in town for some more intimate shows.

 
Dave

[FaceOnMars]

I'm not sure, but it's possible the campground at Woods Lake (near Fall Creek) allows for RV's.   Maybe the top of Lizard Head too?

[Skubes]

http://www.bluegrass.com/telluride/camping.html#LH

Lawson (right at edge of Telluride) does have RV spaces.  No services, but showers are a quick shuttle away at the HS.  Would be worth it, IMHO.    Also covers your whole fam, no additional camping $$ required, from what I gather on PBG website.  Good luck!