It can sometimes be tricky getting around the town you are vacationing in, as you don’t know your way around, but Telluride is different. At heart, we are a small town, making it easy to find your way, and because we are so small, you won’t always need to drive. Getting around Telluride without a car is quite easy, and this guide will show you all the ways to keep your rental car in the garage while still having the best time.
Why a Car-Free Visit Works So Well
There are many reasons you may want to plan a car-free visit, including realizing that our Colorado vacation homes are actually quite close to everything that makes our town so popular. Even though Telluride is divided into two parts, the downtown area and Mountain Village, it is still quite easy getting around Telluride without a car. Additionally, in most cases, your alternate means of transportation won’t cost anything, so you can save money when visiting simply by parking your rental car and using the options we discuss here.
Using the Free Telluride Gondola
So how do you get around in Telluride, CO, without a car? Our first tip is to take the free Telluride Gondola. The gondola is an iconic local attraction, running up and down the mountain every day. This is the easiest and most scenic way to get from downtown to Mountain Village, so no matter where your Telluride condo rental is located, you will still be close to everything fun, wonderful, and delicious. Riding the metal-and-glass gondola cars is an experience in itself, especially at sunset, when they provide unobstructed views of Telluride basking in the setting sun.
Shuttles, Transfers, and Local Transit
The gondola is special and may be your favorite way to get around Telluride, but our mountain town offers more transportation options that let you leave your car in the garage.
Galloping Goose
The Galloping Goose is a free shuttle bus that makes a continuous loop through town. You will never be more than 10-15 minutes away from your ride during peak season, but in the off-season, it may take 30 minutes for the Goose to arrive, so be sure to factor that into your plans.
Dial a Ride
Mountain Village residents may prefer the convenience of Dial a Ride, another free transportation service designed as a point-to-point service that only runs during the summer and winter seasons.
Telluride Express/CO West Transportation
It is entirely possible that you won’t even need a rental car at all during your stay, as Telluride Express provides transportation to airports in the area via shared rides, private vans, SUVs, and luxury coaches. It isn’t free, however, so keep that in mind.
Walking to Restaurants, Shops, and Festivals
Walking offers the chance to see Telluride from an up-close-and-personal perspective. No matter where in Telluride you choose to book one of our cabin rentals, you will still be close to the best restaurants, shops, and many of the local festivals. For example, while in downtown, you may want to walk over to Van Etta 1886/Telluride Cocktail Bar and Restaurant for a meal or drinks, while in Mountain Village, walking to Poacher’s Pub will get you a fantastic meal and innovative cocktails. Shops such as CashmereRED in downtown Telluride and Heritage Apparel in Mountain Village are also within walking distance. Finally, the Telluride Mushroom Festival (downtown) and Telluride Yoga Festival (Mountain Village) are also within walking distance of your rental if you visit for those events.
Biking Routes and Trail Connections
How do you get around Telluride by bike? Is it even possible? We’re happy to tell you that yes, biking is popular in Telluride, and the Valley Floor Bike Path is a fantastic way to soak in the beauty of our countryside. The path connects to the Galloping Goose Trail in Lawson Hill.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Length: 7.1 miles
- Elevation Gain: 400 feet
- Trail Map
The San Miguel River Trail is a mostly flat path that takes hikers and riders along the river.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Length: 7.9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 570 feet
- Trail Map
The Aldasoro Trail is a popular local singletrack. It’s a great place for beginners to get used to mountain biking before tackling tougher trails.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Length: .86 miles
- Elevation Gain: 46 feet
- Trail Map
Book Your Telluride, CO Vacation Rental Today
Whichever way of getting around Telluride you choose, staying in our luxurious and comfortable Telluride vacation rentals will ensure that you will be able to relax and recharge at the end of every day. We love sharing Telluride with travelers from all over the world, and if you have any questions about the town, our rentals, or Colorado life in general, give us a call! Book your favorite escape today and discover all the ways our mountain town will feel like home.
