TLDR: The best parking in Telluride is the free Carhenge Lot for all-day parking near Lift 7 or paid Mountain Village parking with gondola access. Mountain Village parking is paid during winter daytime hours and free in the evening. Free overnight parking in Telluride is very limited.
Overview of Telluride Parking Options
Parking in Telluride includes free parking lots, paid garages, street parking, and seasonal restrictions. The most efficient strategy is to park once and use the Telluride Gondola, which connects Telluride and Mountain Village year-round.
Free Parking in Telluride
- Carhenge Lot (700 W Pacific Ave): Free all-day parking near Lift 7. Best parking for skiing in Telluride.
- Shandoka Lot (860 Black Bear Road): Free long-term parking with shuttle access to downtown Telluride.
Paid Parking in Telluride (Garages + Street)
- Silverjack Parking Garage (155 W Pacific Ave): Covered parking in Telluride with hourly rates and paid overnight parking options.
- Metered Street Parking: $2 per 3 hours, enforced 8am–6pm Monday–Saturday. Free on Sundays. Time limits are strictly enforced.
Mountain Village Parking (Parking Near Telluride Gondola)
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Gondola Parking Garage (433 Mountain Village Blvd):
- Winter daytime (6:30am–3pm): $15–$25/day
- 3pm–2am: Free parking
- Overnight (2am–6am): $40 ($60 oversized vehicles)
Note: Free daytime parking may apply in summer, but winter parking is paid.
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Meadows Parking Lot:
- $10–$15/day winter rates
- Lower-cost parking option in Mountain Village
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Heritage Parking Garage:
- $2.50/hour first two hours
- Up to $50 max per day
- Free parking from 4pm–10pm
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Village Center Parking (North + South):
- $5–$10/hour daytime parking
- Free evening parking
- No overnight parking
- Shirana Lot: Free 30-minute parking for short-term stops.
Where to Park for Telluride Ski Resort
For skiing in Telluride:
- Use Carhenge Lot for parking near Lift 7
- Use Gondola Parking Garage for access to Mountain Village lifts (1, 4, 10)
Free vs Paid Parking in Telluride
- Free parking: Carhenge Lot, Shandoka Lot, limited street parking
- Paid parking: Silverjack Garage, Mountain Village garages, metered streets
- Free evening parking: Most Mountain Village garages after 3pm
Overnight and Long-Term Parking in Telluride
- Free overnight parking: Limited and restricted in Telluride
- Paid overnight parking: Gondola Garage ($40), Heritage Garage (up to $50)
- Long-term parking: Shandoka Lot is the best option
Telluride Parking App and Map
- Telluride parking app: ParkMobile is used for most paid parking areas
- Telluride parking map: Available through town and tourism websites
Parking During Telluride Events
Parking fills quickly during events like the 4th of July parade, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, and peak ski season.
- Arrive before 9am for best parking availability
- Use Mountain Village parking and gondola access to avoid congestion
- Expect Carhenge Lot to fill early
Winter vs. Summer Parking Tips
Winter: Paid parking in Mountain Village during the day. Use Carhenge Lot or gondola access.
Summer: More free parking is available, including some Mountain Village daytime parking.
Pro Tip: Park in Mountain Village after 3pm for free parking and take the gondola into Telluride.