Late fall in Telluride can be one of the most beautiful times to visit. Before the snow covers the mountains entirely the crisp air engulfs the town and blends just the right amount of frost with greenery.
This was the setting of my trip to Telluride in early October. I arrived and roads were clear, the gondola was unfortunately down for pre-snow maintenance and the community was all the buzz preparing for their busiest season.
Camping is a bit difficult to find here unless you navigate outward, which is what I initially did before meeting a slick mountainside and having car issues which forced me to come back to town. Frantic and just before dark, I asked around for a safe place to stay. Just beside one of the cities green spaces and the park area is a lot designed for just that, short term over night parking. They call it “free parking”. It is located near the park and car henge which is a lot in downtown established to facilitate ski traffic during the busy season.
When I arrived there were several small off grid capable vehicles there already, a few short buses, RVs and suvs clearly converted to be adventure vehicles.
I myself wasn’t expecting to stay in my car as I usually camp in a tent, however this is a vehicle only site!! So I cozied up for the night inside the car, and boy was I happy I did!! The chill of winter blew in that night and with it 20 degree mornings.
I woke up and explored the area from this location and realized there was a public restroom at the front of the lot designed for those who stayed in the lot and others for ski community. It was nice and bare bones, no shower but warm!! The location was minutes from cafes and walking trails and the heart of Telluride.
When I spoke to people later in the day they said the lot was set up for RVs which could not park in many of the ski community parking areas. There is a shuttle that runs during season to pick people up from some of the hotels and this lot. Over time they extended overnight parking but not long term parking.
I was so thankful for this location, a true camping savior in the middle of this beautiful town!!
TIPS:
- When pulling into town this lot is going to be at the first major crossroad toward the right after the roundabout.
- Arrive Early! I was lucky that there was a space available when I arrived however I was told it is typically capacity well before dark.
To check out more about my experience camping here as well as more things that I found around Telluride which made sleeping in my car at FREE PARKING worth it check out these two links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJuB5F43FKI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6Hp36Qq8Qc
