Telluride Gondola
The Telluride Gondola links the historic town of Telluride with Mountain Village, and it costs nothing to ride. Opened on Nov. 19, 1996, it is the first and only free public transportation system of its kind in the United States, carrying riders up to 10,540 feet for some of the best views in the San Juan Mountains.
Telluride Gondola in Telluride, CO
The gondola covers about 3 miles, compared with roughly 8 miles by road, and the ride from Telluride to Mountain Village takes about 12 minutes. It runs between four stations: Telluride Station in town, San Sophia Station at the top, Mountain Village Center and Market Plaza, a 3-minute hop beyond Mountain Village Center. Cabins travel at about 11 miles per hour, and the system carries around 3 million riders a year, with more than 67 million rides since it opened. It cost about $16 million to build.
The gondola is part of everyday life here. Skiers ride it to the slopes in winter, mountain bikers load their bikes in summer, and commuters use it to get to work. About half the cabins are pet-friendly, and wheelchair-accessible cabins are available. In winter, a chondola continues from Mountain Village to the Meadows. Even if you don’t ski or bike, a round-trip ride is one of the simplest ways to see the box canyon around Telluride from above.
Photo Gallery
Photo credits: Telluride Midday Gondola View 2025 by NatalieZavaleta (CC BY-SA 4.0); Spokes in the Telluride Gondola by Turner Bohlen (CC BY-SA 3.0); Gondola views of Mountain Village, Telluride, Colorado 2025 by NatalieZavaleta (CC BY-SA 4.0); Telluride from gondola by Terry Foote (CC BY-SA 3.0); Gondola views of the sun rise over Telluride, Colorado 2022 by NatalieZavaleta (CC BY-SA 4.0); Gondola views of the San Juan mountains 2023 by NatalieZavaleta (CC BY-SA 4.0); Dissipation Array Telluride Gondola by Borealdreams (CC BY-SA 3.0). Images via Wikimedia Commons.
News & Events
The 2026 summer season ended on Oct. 25, and the gondola is now closed for the fall shoulder season, with free bus service running between Telluride and Mountain Village in the meantime. The winter season is scheduled to begin Nov. 20, 2026, and run through Apr. 4, 2027. Check townofmountainvillage.com for any schedule changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to do on the Telluride Gondola?
- Scenic ride: Float above Telluride to 10,540 feet for San Juan Mountain views.
- Ski access: Reach the slopes of Telluride Ski Resort in winter.
- Mountain biking: Load your bike and ride the trails in summer.
- Mountain Village: Explore shops and restaurants at Mountain Village Center.
- Bring the dog: Ride in one of the pet-friendly cabins.
What is nearby the Telluride Gondola?
- Bridal Veil Falls: Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall at the end of the Telluride box canyon.
- Ouray Ice Park: World-class ice climbing in Ouray.
- Ouray Hot Springs Pool: Mineral pools in the heart of Ouray.
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park: Dramatic cliffs near Montrose.
- Mesa Verde National Park: Ancient cliff dwellings near Cortez.
How much does it cost to ride the Telluride Gondola?
The Telluride Gondola is free. No ticket is needed for any rider, and it is operated by the Town of Mountain Village.
When is the Telluride Gondola open?
The gondola runs daily from 6:30 a.m. to midnight during its seasons. The 2026 summer season ran May 21 to Oct. 25, and the winter season runs Nov. 20, 2026, to Apr. 4, 2027. It is closed in the spring and fall shoulder seasons.
Are there any tips for riding the Telluride Gondola?
Ride at sunrise or sunset for the best light over the town. If you are riding to the top with skis or a bike, expect lines at peak times and plan a few extra minutes. Bring a jacket, since it can be much cooler at San Sophia Station. Parking in Telluride is limited, so many visitors park in Mountain Village and ride the gondola into town. Check the schedule in spring and fall, when the system closes for maintenance.
The Telluride Gondola’s Telluride Station is located on West San Juan Avenue, Telluride, CO 81435. Call the Town of Mountain Village at 970-728-8000 or visit townofmountainvillage.com to plan your visit.