Telluride

Getting around Telluride is simple and straightforward. The free gondola North America’s only public transit gondola connects Telluride and Mountain Village with three main stations: Telluride (Oak Street), mid-mountain St. Sophia station for trail and ski access, and Mountain Village (with a nearby parking garage). The ride takes approximately 13 minutes and rises up to about 10,540 feet (3,213 m), offering incredible alpine views.

The Galloping Goose bus system is a locally funded, year-round shuttle that loops through Telluride and extended areas including Mountain Village, Norwood, and Down Valley. Buses are equipped with ski and bike racks, making it easy to move gear without a car.

The Galloping Goose operates fixed routes every day of the year and scales up for festival nights and special local events. Regional connections include the SMART (San Miguel Authority for Regional Transportation) service and Colorado’s Bustang intercity bus Telluride sits on the Durango Grand Junction Outrider line.

Telluride’s compact historic core is eminently walkable, narrow streets, downtown shops, and gondola access are within easy reach. The San Miguel River Trail, a mixed paved/unpaved scenic route, wraps through town and extends east toward Bridal Veil Falls perfect for gentle biking or walking. Travelers note that roads like CO-145 can be challenging for cyclists due to traffic, while the smoother Mountain Village Boulevard is much more bike-friendly.