Newbie Question...we have a Pop Up Camper

[duncmelsmom]

I don't see anywhere we can camp with our Pop Up camper.  Am I missing something?

I have 3 nights reservations at Priest Gulch campgrounds, 40 minutes south towards Cortez.

We plan to attend the Sunday festival (I've ordered tickets).

1)  Is it going to be a major headache to drive in and out of Telluride to get back and forth to our campground?  Maybe we should get a head start out on Sunday, about how late does the music last?

2)  We'll drive into Telluride and I guess we'll be guided to parking areas??  Any suggestions or do I just find what I need?

3)  Is there a better place to make reservations for our Pop Up?

We're on a 33-day trip around National Parks and came across this wonderful festival.  I saw a Mid-Summer Telluride Festival in 1991 and have been dying to get back.  YESSSSSSSSS!!!!  I'm there!!     

Thanks so much for your help.  I want to make the most of our adventures!! 

 Listening to: Old Crow Medicine Show

[RockyMtnGuy]

The Music starts at 10 am on Sunday (I think).

You won't be able to 'drive into Telluride' on Sunday unless you have a coveted parking pass (which are gone by now, methinks).  You can, however, park in Mountain Village, which has free parking at the parking garage and along the road leading to the garage.  From the parking garage you will take the free gondola over the mountain into Telluride and then walk to the festival grounds (4 blocks .. not bad at all).  Just follow the signs to get to the Mountain Village Gondola parking (It's a right turn before the road into T-ride .. just past the Lawson Hill campground).

With regards to other camping spots, there is a KOA near Ouray, CO .. 45 minute drive from Telluride/Mountain Village. 

I hope this helps.

/r

  Kevin

 Listening to: Sam Bush -- Gold Heart Locket

[duncmelsmom]

That sounds wonderful except I can't imagine the gondola being able to carry the masses to the other side's parking lot.  Wow!  There must be many needing to break on through to the other side.

Thanks for the head's up about the parking pass.  It sounds like it will be a miracle if I get my hands on a parking pass, but I'm going to keep my eyes open. 

 Listening to: DMB - You and Me

[duncmelsmom]

Oh and thanks about the KOA info.  I checked it out and it's in the opposite direction than we need.  I think we'll stick with Priest Gulch. 

I just read more about the gondola (we have a ride in GA and there's 2 that go up and down Stone Mountain...not even the same thing).  It looks like they can move about 450ish people over per hour, and will increase the number of gondolas if needed.  That's much better than I was thinking...awesome!

I am giddy about getting there...what fun!!

[BluegrassDustin]

The day parking in Mountain Village is where you'll want to be. That's where 90% of festival parking is, and all of the day parking.

The gondola has served us well for quite a few years, now.

As far as a pass to get into town, you really shouldn't have the option to find one. They are called "barricade passes" (not parking passes) and they are issued by the town to locals and hotels for their guests.

The idea is to keep traffic to a minimum and allow the locals some ability to utilize their town without having hundreds or thousands of extra cars all about town.

...a long winded way to say, plan on heading up to festival parking in Mountain Village and plan on having one heck of a Sunday!




D.


PS: music will go until approx. 11pm on Sunday night.

[duncmelsmom]

Awesome...no parking pass to Telluride needed then.  I think the Gondola ride will be more awesome than any great parking place for us flatlanders from Georgia. 

Great info about 11:00ish for the end of the music.  I think we'll try to get a head start out before some of the crowds, just in case it's a long wait.  We have an early start the next morning to the South Rim (or maybe we'll wait until Tuesday).   

That concert poster I've seen on here is so awesome.  I can't wait to try to get my hands on that! 

 Listening to: DMB - Where are you Going

[RockyMtnGuy]

I was gonna say .. the gondolas hold 6-8 people (depending on chairs/backpacks, etc .. even have bike-racks on some).  There's rarely much of a line accept for a moderate one in downtown MtnVillage a bit before the music starts, but it's not bad at all.  The gondola ride will be an unforgettable experience.  For a real treat, take the gondola from Mountain Village to T-ride at night.  Maybe you can head up to T-ride on Saturday evening for dinner in town, get a lay of the land, and then return Sunday morning for the festival.

  The only times I've seen long lines to for the Gondola is after the last act on Friday and Saturday nights .. but even then, its fun to be part of that scene (unless you spend the block long line holding up the festivarians in front of you who imbibed too much  LOL).

[UselessJo]

If you park in Mtn. Villiage, please take the time to spend some cash up there. It helps the Mtn Villiage folks to know we appreciate their cooperation during FESTIVAAAAL! There are a couple of eateries and a nice grocery store to pick up some sundries for the day.

 Listening to: My whimpering, knowing that we wont be there this year.

[RockyMtnGuy]

If you park in Mtn. Villiage, please take the time to spend some cash up there. It helps the Mtn Villiage folks to know we appreciate their cooperation during FESTIVAAAAL! There are a couple of eateries and a nice grocery store to pick up some sundries for the day.

Good Point, Joe.  For the record, we've stayed at a condo in Mtn Village for the last few years and were sure to patronize the grocery store in Mtn Village as well as the Class VI store there (that'd be the liquor store for non-military (ex now) types. ).. as well as a couple of the bars/restaurants in Mtn Village 'proper' .

  Kevin

 Listening to: Sam Bush -- Hot Tamales (hidden/extra track on 'Circles Around Me' album/CD )

[AnythingAtAll]

 
If you're looking for camping closer to Telluride, check out Matterhorn campground.  About 12 miles s. of Telluride, sites for pop-ups and RVs, hot showers and some of their sites can be reserved in advance.  It's on the same side of Lizard Head Pass as Telluride, close to Trout Lake, which is beautiful.