More rookie questions....

[jbartley]

First time to the festival...  Will be staying in Mountain Village...

1. It appears that there is a Yonder Mountain show on Wednesday at the Telluride Conference Center.  Is that free, or is a ticket required?  If tickets are required, when/where do they go on sale?  Firstgrass is free that night at Mountain Village, correct?

2. Any thoughts/recommendations on the Nightgrass venues?  All pretty cool?  Obviously the acts are the primary concern, but I was just wondering about the venues themselves....

3. How does entry to festival itself work in the mornings?  I've read about the tarp run, but need some clarification...  Will there be a long line to ride the gondola down the mountain?  What time do people get there in the mornings?  It appears that your ticket is scanned and then you get a bracelet?  If so, how does that work?  Can we see/hear if we don't get there early?  I guess any info/advice/tips would be appreciated.

4. Any other insider tips in general?  Thank you!

[zack_adcock]

Here are answers to your first two:

1. Ticket required for Yonder. Will go on sale with Nightgrass tickets in the next few weeks. Firstgrass is an outside show, is different, and happens right before Yonder - both are in Mountain Village.

2. All are pretty cool. Variety is mostly in size, from a more formal theater to a bar. Palm Theater is the largest. Worth trying to see a show at Sheridan Opera House if you can.

[Hot Sugar]

The Sheridan is one of my favorite venues I've ever been to. The energy in that space is incredible.

I don't know how the journey from MV works, but rest assured you will have no problem finding a spot to see and hear everything from. If you're traveling with a small group, I wouldn't worry about bringing a tarp because you're welcome to sit at any empty tarp you find until the owner returns. And most people will be fine with you staying even after they return.

[Rob_from_Ohio]

Will there be a long line to ride the gondola down the mountain?  Yes, but it moves relatively quickly.  If you've got a large group, think about having a couple people get in the line early so they can get to the grounds, throw down a tarp, etc.  If the rest of your group doesn't mind missing the first act of the day, they can wait for the initial rush to end and then jump on the gondola when the line is much shorter.

What time do people get there in the mornings?  I assume your talking about the gondola line since we're talking about MV.  I think the gondola starts running at 7:00 (maybe 8:00, I'm old and forget things).  We get in line 30-45 minutes before it starts running.  Keep in mind that crowds/lines get bigger as the weekend progresses so you may need to adjust your timing.

 It appears that your ticket is scanned and then you get a bracelet?  If so, how does that work? Yep.  Get your wristband at the box office right outside of Town Park entrance on Wednesday if possible (or earlier if you're in town).  If you can't get it before Thursday, don't worry.  You can just stop on your way into the festival and get it.  It'll delay you a few minutes but it's not the end of the world.

Can we see/hear if we don't get there early?  You can hear once you get close but you can't see anything.

General advice - travel back and forth between town and MV as little as possible.  If you must do it, pick "odd times", i.e. not lunch time or dinner time. 

I've been staying in MV for about the past 12 years and attending the festival for more than 20, so let me know if you have any other questions.

[sambieni]

Last night lady decided she was definitely in; no more debating it! We're stoked.

Question about locals' town pass. How strict will they be about entering town?  Here's why I ask. Our Air BnB is in town at the immediate North/western (?) edge right as you enter. Along Mahoney near Cimarron Lodge/Telluride Lodge, etc. 

The owner says he doesn't have passes and its never been an issue before for his family with out of town plates. Condo does come with private parking.  Said if they stop us just let them know and won't be an issue. But as we're arriving Tuesday when the gates go up I am nervous about it and wondering how much to pressure him about getting us a pass.

Any help welcome.

[ToddG]

Last night lady decided she was definitely in; no more debating it! We're stoked.

Question about locals' town pass. How strict will they be about entering town?  Here's why I ask. Our Air BnB is in town at the immediate North/western (?) edge right as you enter. Along Mahoney near Cimarron Lodge/Telluride Lodge, etc. 

The owner says he doesn't have passes and its never been an issue before for his family with out of town plates. Condo does come with private parking.  Said if they stop us just let them know and won't be an issue. But as we're arriving Tuesday when the gates go up I am nervous about it and wondering how much to pressure him about getting us a pass.

Any help welcome.

If I remember correctly the barricade didn't go up till Wednesday. As long as your not leaving town and trying to get back in you should be good with private parking.

[sambieni]

Yea, seems historically was Wednesday. And we would just park and leave it til Monday. But the FAQ on planet bluegrass seems to say its on Tuesday this starts. Although also seems to contradict itself as well. 

Can I drive to the festival?
You will not be able to drive into or park on the streets of Telluride from Tuesday, June 19 thru Sunday, June 24 unless you have a barricade pass, local county license plates or a handicap sticker. If you have a vehicle pass for Town Park you may drive through the barricade to the campground. In order to park in Telluride after Tuesday, June 19 you will need a Town Access sticker for your windshiel

[BillyBeru]

Yea, seems historically was Wednesday. And we would just park and leave it til Monday. But the FAQ on planet bluegrass seems to say its on Tuesday this starts. Although also seems to contradict itself as well. 

Can I drive to the festival?
You will not be able to drive into or park on the streets of Telluride from Tuesday, June 19 thru Sunday, June 24 unless you have a barricade pass, local county license plates or a handicap sticker. If you have a vehicle pass for Town Park you may drive through the barricade to the campground. In order to park in Telluride after Tuesday, June 19 you will need a Town Access sticker for your windshiel

Those rules do not apply to people with condos who have guaranteed spaces. If you do hit the barricade, tell them you're in a condo with a private space. Have a copy of your reservation handy just in case they ask. You'll be fine and your situation is not unique.

[TellurideTom]

Yea, seems historically was Wednesday. And we would just park and leave it til Monday. But the FAQ on planet bluegrass seems to say its on Tuesday this starts. Although also seems to contradict itself as well. 

Can I drive to the festival?
You will not be able to drive into or park on the streets of Telluride from Tuesday, June 19 thru Sunday, June 24 unless you have a barricade pass, local county license plates or a handicap sticker. If you have a vehicle pass for Town Park you may drive through the barricade to the campground. In order to park in Telluride after Tuesday, June 19 you will need a Town Access sticker for your windshiel

You don't necessarily have to have a Town Park vehicle pass to get through. If you have either a Town Park camping pass or a Warner Field camping pass you will be allowed to drive in and drop off your gear before parking your vehicle.

[sambieni]

Billy Beru-

Thanks! Much appreciated. 

[sambieni]

Driving up from Sante Fe where we're spending a few nights pre-festival.

Which route when we hit Durango?
1) North on 550 wrapping around Ouray/Ridgeway into Telluride
OR
2) 160 -> 145 making a right turn at Dolores?

We'll have to do a return trip to Albuquerque airport so can likely take both rides, but is the 550 worth extra 30-60 minute drive?

[ToddG]

Driving up from Sante Fe where we're spending a few nights pre-festival.

Which route when we hit Durango?
1) North on 550 wrapping around Ouray/Ridgeway into Telluride
OR
2) 160 -> 145 making a right turn at Dolores?

We'll have to do a return trip to Albuquerque airport so can likely take both rides, but is the 550 worth extra 30-60 minute drive?

If time is on your side always take 550. Stop in Silverton and have a brew. Thats an epic highway, with views into the narrow gauge railroad, and lime creek canyon.

[TellurideTom]

Driving up from Sante Fe where we're spending a few nights pre-festival.

Which route when we hit Durango?
1) North on 550 wrapping around Ouray/Ridgeway into Telluride
OR
2) 160 -> 145 making a right turn at Dolores?

We'll have to do a return trip to Albuquerque airport so can likely take both rides, but is the 550 worth extra 30-60 minute drive?

If you don't like steep drop-offs with no guardrail then avoid 550 over Red Mountain Pass (The Million Dollar Highway) and take 160 to 145 over Lizard Head Pass.

It doesn't bother some people, but others get the jitters looking down a big ravine like that one into Ouray.

 

They're both full of beautiful scenery either way.

 

[sambieni]

 
Just saw a video of Red Mountain Pass.  We may be taking the shorter route. 

[TRL]

Driving up from Sante Fe where we're spending a few nights pre-festival.

Which route when we hit Durango?
1) North on 550 wrapping around Ouray/Ridgeway into Telluride
OR
2) 160 -> 145 making a right turn at Dolores?

We'll have to do a return trip to Albuquerque airport so can likely take both rides, but is the 550 worth extra 30-60 minute drive?

If you don't like steep drop-offs with no guardrail then avoid 550 over Red Mountain Pass (The Million Dollar Highway) and take 160 to 145 over Lizard Head Pass.

It doesn't bother some people, but others get the jitters looking down a big ravine like that one into Ouray.

 

They're both full of beautiful scenery either way.

 

550