Riding the Free and Dog-Friendly Telluride Gondola in Colorado.
As dog owners, we were thrilled to learn that the Telluride gondola is dog-friendly and free! We even saw a picture of dogs happily sitting in the gondola in the promotional materials. How cool is that!
We heard about this dog friendly Telluride gondola when searching for places to visit for our Dallas to Colorado Road Trip. If you own a dog, I suggest you plan a trip here.
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Where is Telluride Colorado?
Telluride is a small mountain town in a remote corner of southwest Colorado. It is only 12 blocks long and eight blocks wide and tucks into a box canyon surrounded by 13,000 and 14,000-foot peaks.
According to U.S. News & World Report, Telluride ranked as the #1 Best Small Town to Visit in the USA. Additionally, for several years, readers of Conde Nast have named Telluride the #1 Ski Resort in North America.
The closest cities to Telluride are Ridgway, Ouray, Montrose, Silverton, Cortez, Durango, and Grand Junction.
Denver is 330 miles east, and Colorado Springs is 300 miles also to the east.
Moab, Utah, is closer, about 130 miles west.
We made a day trip to Telluride from Ouray. The drive was pretty and part of the San Juan Skyway scenic drive.
Riding the FREE & Dog-Friendly Telluride Gondola
The dog-friendly Telluride Gondola links the town of Telluride to Mountain Village.
It has been free to ride since 1996, thanks to support from various community financial sources in Mountain Village.
As a result, the Telluride gondola is the first and only free public transportation system of its kind in the United States.
Here’s how you get to the gondola and have an amazing experience while riding in one. After all, it’s a must-do when you are in Telluride.
Telluride Gondola
Telluride is one of the best places to visit in Colorado in the summer. So, expect a lot of visitors.
Assuming you visit Telluride by car for a day. Parking can be a challenge. It is limited, not to mention if there’s a farmer’s market or other events that often shut down the streets of Telluride.
So, the Gondola Parking Garage in Mountain Village is the best place to park for easy access to the Gondola station. Daytime parking is free in the summer.
Or, find a free space at the Carhenge parking lot on West Pacific Street in Telluride. This parking lot gets full fast, but we were lucky to get a space.
From the Carhenge parking lot, cross the bridge. You will see a bus stop and a restroom on the right. Wait for the Galloping Goose bus, the free ride in town. It operates daily and runs every 15-20 minutes. Moreover, your dog can get on the bus with you. Isn’t it great? The bus will stop right by the Gondola Station on South Oak Street.
If you miss the bus and don’t want to wait for 20 minutes, you can always walk to the Gondola Station. After the bridge, you will see a trail along the river that will take you to the Gondola Station. It’s a nice trail! You can walk as fast or slow as you want while enjoying the river views.
When you arrive at the Gondola Station, stand in line until it’s time to hop on into the gondola.
Now, there are gondolas specifically for commuters with dogs. It has paw prints on the window, and it arrived after one or two regular ones when we were there. So, it’s not a long wait.
When in the line, we saw that the gondola wasn’t stopping at all for passengers to get in. It slowed down, so you must move fast, especially if your group or dog is big. You may want to carry your dog.
Our dog Snoopy is a medium size but heavy. My husband was ready to pick him up, but he didn’t have to. We were so excited about the ride, and I think our excitement was contagious to Snoopy, so he just hopped on like a pro.
Once we left the platform, we were all beaming with excitement. It was our first time in a Telluride Gondola and our son and Snoopy’s first time riding in a gondola.
We looked around in every direction, and the higher we climbed, the more beautiful the views became.
The San Juan Mountains appeared majestic in the distance, and aspen groves blanketed the ground below us. We can only imagine the spectacular sights we will see when the trees transform into vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow in the fall.
The Epic Telluride Gondola Rides!
The gondola ride from Telluride to Mountain Village lasts approximately 13 minutes. The first stop, San Sophia Station, is the highest point of the ride at an elevation of 10,500 feet. The total elevation change during the ride is 1,750 feet, and the ride to San Sophia Station takes about 8 minutes.
You can get off here to access the hiking and biking trails or the ski slopes during winter. If you prefer, you can dine at Allred’s Restaurant, the highest point in the region.
If you choose to continue, please keep your dog close, as the cabin door will open automatically to allow passengers to disembark safely.
Next, you will continue to Mountain Village. Enjoy the stunning views of the ski resort as you descend 960 feet to Gondola Plaza.
At this point, you must disembark. You can either head down the steps or take an elevator to Mountain Village Core. Alternatively, you can ride the gondola to Market Plaza from a small station near the Gondola Plaza. We opted for the latter because when you’re already there, why not enjoy the entire ride?
At the Market Plaza Station, you will see a grocery store, a Post Office, and Mountain Village Town Hall. Condos are spread all over the area, and it’s also the location of free parking in the village.
I noticed several signs for hiking trails, and one was going to Mountain Village. We didn’t explore the trails because it was around lunchtime, and we planned to grab a bite in Mountain Village.
You should take some time to explore Mountain Village, regardless of whether you plan to have lunch there. Stroll around and appreciate the elegant ambiance of the European-style alpine surroundings. The village features luxurious accommodations, state-of-the-art spas, fashionable shops, and upscale dining options.
Once you are done making a loop and taking tons of pictures, grab a cup of coffee or a drink from one of the restaurants and sit at one of the tables around the plaza. Then, it’s time to download the pictures to your social media. The free high-speed internet offered by the village is super fast.
When you start from Mountain Village, the ride will be the same. It is just from the opposite directions.
We wished we knew what was on Snoopy’s mind when he looked at the bottom during the ride. He seemed to enjoy the ride like we did, though.
Note: We saw a guy holding his dog, smaller than Snoopy, to his chest when he and his partner were in the gondola. Also, a few others with small dogs comfortably snuggled in their owners’ chests. Your dog may not feel comfortable riding in a gondola. Be prepared.
Quick Facts About the Gondola
1. Telluride Gondola hours: It operates daily from 6.30 a.m. to midnight for the Summer Season: May 22-October 19, 2025. It is open for the Winter Season: November 22, 2024-April 6, 2025 (subject to change.)
2. Each cabin travels at 11 mph.
3. The electricity used to operate the gondola comes from wind power purchased from San Miguel Power Association.
4. The gondola closes briefly in the late spring and fall for maintenance and other operational needs.
5. Handicap-accessible cabins are available, and you can ask a gondola attendant for help boarding. They can slow down the cabins for those with strollers, wheelchairs, etc.
6. In the summer, bike racks attach to the exterior of the cabins, and gondola attendants help load bikes. In the winter, the ski and snowboard racks attach to the exterior of the cabins, and gondola attendants help load equipment.
7. The trip between Telluride and Mountain Village by roadways is 8 miles long but only 3 miles by gondola.
8. 50% of the cabins are accessible to pets.
9. You can spot wildlife from high above, like bears, elk, deer, marmots, foxes, or coyotes. We spotted a marmot.
10. Without notice, the gondola may close temporarily due to weather conditions, a power outage, or things beyond their control.
11. There’s a free bus service between Mountain Village and Telluride during the months when the gondola is closed.
Visit the Town of Mountain Village website for any updates on the gondola ride.
More on Parking at Mountain Village, Colorado.
Where to park for Telluride gondola?
Mountain Village has more parking options than the town of Telluride, but parking is not permitted along any streets or right-of-way.
- Gondola Parking Garage: 433 Mountain Village Blvd.
The largest and most affordable overnight parking garage in Mountain Village.
Free from 6.30 a.m. to 2 a.m., but $25 for overnight parking. There is also oversized vehicle parking permitted on a first-come, first-served basis.
It is located at the Market Plaza gondola terminal station.
- Market Plaza Parking: 455 Mountain Village Blvd., adjacent to the Market at Mountain Village.
60 spots available for free one-hour parking.
No overnight parking in this lot.
- Meadows Parking: 308 Adams Ranch Road.
Free parking spaces in the summer from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., but no RVs, commercial vehicles, or trailers are allowed.
Overnight parking is only permitted with a resident parking permit.
- Heritage Parking Garage: 568 Mountain Village Blvd., across from the Madeline Hotel and Residences.
The only other overnight parking option aside from the Gondola Parking Garage.
It is $2 per hour and $35 for 24 hours (overnight.)
It has 7’6” clearance.
- South Village Center Parking: 113 Lost Creek Lane, adjacent to the Blue Mesa Condominium Building.
Free after 6 p.m.
No overnight parking is permitted in these lots.
- North Village Center Parking: 636 Mountain Village Blvd. between Shirana and Westermere.
Free after 6 p.m.
No overnight parking.
More on Parking at Telluride
Vehicle camping is strictly prohibited in the town of Telluride.
- Carhenge Parking Lot: 700 W. Pacific Ave.
Free all-day parking, but overnight is not allowed.
It is a 10-minute walk from downtown Telluride and accessible via Galloping Goose bus.
- Shandoka Parking Lot: 860 Black Bear Road.
Free all-day parking, but overnight parking is prohibited.
Located at the far west end of town.
- Street Parking
Many side streets offer free two-hour parking from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Metered Street Parking
It is available throughout the entire business district.
- Silverjack Parking Garage: 155 W. Pacific Ave.
It is a covered garage and paid for by the hour. Overnight parking is available for a fee.
- Electric Vehicle Charging Locations
– Element 52 Residences: 398 S. Davis St. – Tesla only, 2 chargers.
– Clark’s Market: 700 W Colorado Ave. – Type 1, 2 chargers.
– Lawson Hill: 104 Society Dr. – Type 1, 2 chargers.
I hope you get all the information needed for your free Telluride Gondola dog-friendly ride here.
Enjoy your excursion to Telluride and have a safe trip!
I think the 2nd reason for the name Telluride is quite quirky. For all you know, that might have really been the reason 😉 The gondola ride is indeed quite scenic and fun. I sure would have enjoyed it too. It is fun reading about the smaller destinations that people don’t frequent. They sure have a different charm.
I tend to agree with the 2nd reason, too. Just imagine when the prospectors went there in the 1800s. That’s what interesting about small town where Hollywood artists and who’s who in the U.S. have their 2nd, 3rd, or 4th vacation homes.
Interesting that the town’s name may have come from an element in the periodic table! I studied chemical engineering in university and I thought that it looked familiar 🙂 It’s great to know that the gondola is free and open again after lockdown! Also, I like that you gave a heads-up about smaller dogs who may be scared by the experience.
You find science everywhere, right? 🙂
Yeah. It’s far from Denver. Maybe that’s why there aren’t too many people there. And we’re glad that Snoopy enjoyed the ride as well.
We have never heard of Telluride, but it’s interesting to know about both theories how it got its name. We’d love to know more about the local indigenous people who used it as a summer camp before the gold rush! Why did the Ute use this place as summer camps and not stay there the whole year long?
I think because it’s too cold there during the winter and snow was really thick.
Good to know more about Telluride and where its name came from. Gondola rides are always great fun as you get an overall view of the city. Looks like your dog is having a good time enjoying the views.
Haha… Yes, he is. He likes going places like us.
Tellerude is definitely a spot I have always wanted to visit. It looks like a great spot to visit in the summer. What a great panoramic view as you go up. It was good to read that there are separate gondolas for people with dogs. Not everyone would want to be in an enclosed area with a dog. Sounds like a good day trip.
I hope you will make it there, Linda. I’m sure you will make amazing pictures.
I took my mom to Telluride for New Years a few years ago, I just love the town and the mountain. While I have not been there in the summer i know how beautiful it is and have ridden the Gondola as well. I’m glad you had a good time, Ouray is one of my favorite CO towns too.
I hope to visit Telluride in the winter one day. It must be stunning with snow covering the ground and possibly seeing frozen Bridal Veils. I love Ouray, too.
This is so cool, I love that it is dog friendly. My little Jack Russel would love riding in one of these! I bet the views were amazing, Colorado is such a beautiful state. The history of the area is very fascinating and I love the theories about how the name came to be.
I think your Jack Russel will like it as they are adventurous dogs.
My last gondola experience was in New Zealand. Nothing too ambitious but the views from the top were great, a bit like what you experienced. I hope the dog liked it too!
Yeah. Our dog liked riding in it.
I love that it’s dog-friendly! I can’t believe I’ve never been to Colorado, either. The more I see of the state, the more I’m impressed. So glad that pups get to go along – so fun!
Colorado is a pet-friendly state and it’s so beautiful. Almost everywhere in the state dogs are welcome. We really love it. I hope you can make it there one day.
What a fun looking gondola ride from Telluride to Mountain Village that you guys got to take Snoopy on. I never would have thought about taking a dog on a Gondola but it is just a weird floating car. I guess after looking at the window opening he had his head out of, I guess I would have only one concern with a smaller dog leaping out. But I guess that is no different than a moving car.
We really like this gondola ride. Wish we live closer so we can go there on a long weekend. Hehe…
After reading this post I feel bad for not knowing about Telluride when I last visited Colorado! The place looks stunning from the Gondola. Would definitely be adding it to my itinerary next time and will make sure to get a ride in the free gondola! Thank you for introducing me to Telluride!
I’m glad you bumped into this post, so next time you go to Colorado, you will go to Telluride and ride this free gondola to or from Mountain Village.
I am absolutely planning to visit Colorado soon and would love to visit Telluride so I’m saving this post. I don’t have a dog so I’ll avoid the cars with paw prints, but I’m definitely riding the free gondola. It looks incredible. I’d love to spend the day seeing the sights and exploring Mountain Village.
You will love Telluride, Mountain Village, and definitely riding the free gondola. I hope you can make it soon.