Travel
A Mountain Paradise
Telluride is nestled in box canyon in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado. Whether you are flying into the region or venturing on a road trip, Telluride offers a unique journey marked with unmatched scenery, heritage and charm. We recommend arriving as early as possible the day before your workshop begins. Once you arrive, it is very easy to familiarize yourself with our mountain paradise. In the meantime, these FAQs might be helpful.
Air Travel to Telluride
The Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) is the primary airport for Telluride, and is a scenic 65 miles away. During the winter months, guests can take advantage of nonstop flights from 10 major hubs, and summer offers nonstop service from 5 major U.S. cities. Telluride Science participants are eligible for discounted shuttle service to and from the Montrose airport with Telluride Express; however, the discounted rate is only available when a reservation is made prior to your arrival with the code TSRC. Rental cars are also available at the Montrose Airport, but we recommend the ground transportation option because you do not need a car in Telluride. Some of the lodging providers also charge for parking. The Telluride Airport (TEX) is located 10 minutes from the town of Telluride. Denver Air Connection offers service from Phoenix and Denver to Telluride and partners with United Airlines, which enables travelers to book and connect through the global United network. There are two other regional airports that are two to three hours by car away from Telluride: Grand Junction Regional Airport (GJT) and Durango Regional Airport (DRO). However, the shuttle service from these airports tends to be quite expensive and typically requires a car rental. View the 2023 Winter Flight Schedule and the Summer 2023 Flight Schedule.
Driving to Telluride
Driving through the American West is a very special experience. It is a wonderful way to see the pastoral farmlands, red rock deserts, high sagebrush plains, and the high alpine environments. Telluride is approximately six to seven hours from Denver, Salt Lake City, and Albuquerque, and eight hours from Phoenix. If you would like to carpool with other Telluride Science participants from various cities and airports, you can use our Ride Sharing spreadsheet to coordinate your transportation. Please note, the Telluride Science staff does not administer the ride-sharing spreadsheet. You must contact participants and arrange all transportation on your own.
Getting Around Town
Telluride is twelve blocks long and eight blocks wide, making it a walking friendly town. The scenery is stunning and all hotels are within walking distance to all Telluride Science venues. The towns of Telluride and Mountain Village are linked by a spectacular, 13-minute ride on a free gondola—the first and only free public transportation system of its kind in the United States. The Gondola is open daily 6:30 am to midnight, with extended hours until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays from December 16-April 2. The Galloping Goose is a free bus service that makes a loop around Telluride every 15 minutes.
Is Telluride Family Friendly?
Yes! Many scientists bring their families with them every year. Telluride Science aims to be as family-friendly as possible, with family members welcome for breakfast and at the group BBQ on Wednesday nights.
There are many excellent programs for children that will give them a great experience in the mountains while you attend your workshop. Discounts are available with many providers. Please inquire if interested, and we will provide discount codes or other information and support when available.
If you need additional information about bringing your family to Telluride, please contact Sara Friedberg, and please see below for lots of kid options.
All-Day Care, Children under 7 years old
The following local providers accept drop-in students during the summer months.
Please contact the providers as soon as you know your dates of travel as child-care fills up, especially during the busy summer months.
daycares & camps
Cubs Camp Nursery at Telluride Ski Resort offers care for children 2 months-4 years old and is the most likely option for drop-in care for just a few days.
Other Daycare Providers: Occasionally, these day care providers will open up spots to visiting children if space is available.
Rascals (1-3 yrs) • Rainbow Preschool (3-5 yrs) • Rockies (5-7 yrs); Mountain Sprouts (Ages 3-5); Telluride Preschool (Ages 3-5); Mountain Munchkins (Ages Infant-5)
Summer Camps: These include all day, Monday-Thursday, 1/2-day, single day and multi-day options.
Telluride Academy; Pinhead Institute, A Smithsonian Affiliate; Ah Haa School for the Arts; Eco Adventures; Telluride Skate Camp; Telluride Adventure Center
Programs, Activities, babysitting
Programs or Activities for Kids:
Telluride Historical Museum; Telluride Town Park; Wilkinson Public Library; Boot Doctors-Paragon Sports; Mountain Village Bike Park; Ride with Roudy; Telluride Outside
Babysitting:
Telluride Sitters or call 970.708.0170
Annie’s Nannies or call 970.728.2991