Telluride Airport: A Historical Overview Of Its Development

The Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) is located six miles west of Telluride, in San Miguel County, Colorado. The airport covers 542 acres of land and has one runway. In 2016, it became the highest commercial airport in North America with scheduled passenger flights when Great Lakes Airlines resumed its services there. However, those flights were short-lived and ceased in 2018. Commercial service resumed in August 2018 with the introduction of Boutique Air, and the airport remains the highest airfield in the US with scheduled passenger flights. While the exact age of the airport is unclear, it has been serving the region since at least the 1980s, with Mesa Airlines introducing the first commercial airline service to Telluride in December 1985.

The airport is 5.6 to 6 miles from Telluride

The Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) is located 5.6 to 6 miles from Telluride, Colorado. It is situated in San Miguel County and is owned by the Telluride Regional Airport Authority. The airport is known for its scenic location, nestled among the majestic San Juan Mountains.

At an elevation of 9,078 feet, the airport boasts the title of the highest commercial airport in North America with scheduled passenger flights. This distinction was earned when Great Lakes Airlines resumed service in December 2016, although those flights ceased in March 2018. Commercial service was reinstated with the arrival of Boutique Air in August 2018, and the airport remains a challenging yet breathtaking approach for pilots.

The proximity of the airport to Telluride makes it a convenient option for travellers. The short distance translates to a quick 10-minute drive to the heart of Telluride and the nearby Mountain Village. This ease of access is a significant advantage, especially for those seeking a seamless travel experience.

The airport offers multiple daily flights, including connections through Denver on United Airlines. It is open to general aviation, accommodating charter and private planes. The runway underwent a $24 million renovation in 2009, improving safety and accessibility for larger aircraft.

In addition to TEX, travellers heading to Telluride can also consider the Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), which is 65 miles away. This airport offers direct flights from major cities and is served by several commercial airlines. Other alternatives include the Cortez Municipal Airport, 80 miles away, and the Grand Junction Regional Airport, located 133 miles from Telluride, which often provides more affordable rates.

It's the highest commercial airport in North America

The Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) is located six miles west of Telluride, in San Miguel County, Colorado, United States. At an elevation of 9,078 feet (2,767 metres) above sea level, it is the highest commercial airport in North America. This title was claimed in December 2016 when Great Lakes Airlines resumed scheduled passenger flights; however, these flights ceased in March 2018. Commercial service returned in August 2018 with Boutique Air, and the airport remains the highest airfield in the US with scheduled passenger flights.

TEX is situated on top of Deep Creek Mesa, along with Last Dollar Road, and is 9,070 feet above sea level. It is just minutes away from the town of Telluride and the Mountain Village, providing convenient access for visitors and residents alike. The airport covers 542 acres (219 hectares) and features a single runway, 9/27, which measures 7,111 by 100 feet (2,167 by 30 metres). The runway is located on a plateau, presenting a challenging yet picturesque approach for pilots.

Due to its high elevation, the Telluride Regional Airport poses unique challenges for pilots. The surrounding terrain exceeds 14,000 feet (4,300 metres) in height, and the airport itself sits on a plateau with a thousand-foot (300-metre) drop to the San Miguel River below. These factors make it a difficult but rewarding landing experience for experienced pilots. Additionally, the airport experiences abrupt changes in landing conditions during the winter months, resulting in approximately 20% of scheduled commuter airline flights being diverted to other airports.

Despite these challenges, the Telluride Regional Airport is a preferred choice for many travellers due to its proximity to the town and the stunning views it offers. The airport has also undergone significant improvements, including a $24 million runway renovation in 2009, to enhance air travel and accommodate larger aircraft. However, it is important to note that airline jets do not land at the airport, and a turbocharged plane is required for flights to and from TEX due to the high altitude.

It covers 542 acres and has one runway

The Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) is located six miles west of Telluride, in San Miguel County, Colorado. Covering 542 acres of land, the airport features a single runway, 9/27, which measures 7,111 by 100 feet (2,167 by 30 meters). This runway is situated on a plateau, presenting pilots with a challenging yet visually stunning approach. The runway's elevation of 9,078 feet (2,767 meters) above sea level makes it the highest commercial airport in North America with scheduled passenger flights.

The runway at Telluride Regional Airport underwent a significant renovation in 2009. This renovation project aimed to address the notable dip in the center of the runway, which posed challenges for pilots. The western end of the runway was lowered by 30 feet, while the eastern end was lowered by 14 feet, with the removed material being placed in the center to level it out. Additionally, 41 feet was added to the runway's length, and retaining walls were constructed along the sides.

Prior to the 2009 renovation, approximately 20% of scheduled commuter airline flights were diverted to other airports during the winter months due to adverse landing conditions. This issue is not unique to Telluride Regional Airport, as other mountain airports like Sun Valley experience similar challenges. Pilots approaching Telluride Regional Airport must be mindful of the high terrain exceeding 14,000 feet (4,300 meters) and the airport's location on a plateau with a thousand-foot (300-meter) drop to the San Miguel River below.

Despite the challenges posed by its location and elevation, Telluride Regional Airport serves as a vital gateway to the Telluride region. The airport is just a short 10 to 15-minute drive from the heart of Telluride and Mountain Village, making it a convenient option for travellers. The airport offers daily nonstop flights to Denver and Phoenix through Denver Air Connection, operating the Fairchild-Dornier 328JET.

It's 1.5 hours from Montrose Airport

The Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) is located 5.6 miles from the centre of Telluride, Colorado. However, the region is mainly served by the Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ), which is approximately 65 miles away from Telluride. Montrose Airport offers many direct flights to and from major cities, including Denver, Dallas, Houston, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York, and Chicago.

If you're travelling from Montrose Airport to Telluride, there are a few transport options to consider. The most convenient mode of transportation is the Telluride Express shuttle service, which offers both shared and private shuttle options. The shuttle ride will take approximately 1 hour and 51 minutes, allowing you to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery along the way. Alternatively, you can opt for a town car service, which will take around 1 hour and 47 minutes. This is also the cheapest option, with estimated costs ranging from $12 to $19.

If you're feeling adventurous and want to explore the area at your own pace, renting a car is another viable choice. Major car rental companies like Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise Rent A Car have offices at Montrose Airport. When renting a car, it's important to check the weather and road reports in advance and plan your route accordingly. There are two main routes you can take: the eastern way and the western way. The eastern route is shorter, covering approximately 67.5 miles and taking around 1 hour and 25 minutes under normal weather conditions. This route takes you through scenic towns like Colona and Ridgway, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ridges and the Ridgway Reservoir.

On the other hand, the western route covers 59.6 miles and takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to drive. This route takes you through the Uncompahgre National Forest, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the Rockies and cross several creeks. Along this route, you'll pass through Placerville, a former gold-mining camp, and Sawpit, a small town with a population of just 25 as of the 2000 census.

It's 2.5 hours from Grand Junction Airport

The Telluride Regional Airport is located six miles west of Telluride, in San Miguel County, Colorado, United States. It is owned by the Telluride Regional Airport Authority and is the highest commercial airport in North America with scheduled passenger flights.

If you're travelling to Telluride, you may want to fly into the Grand Junction Regional Airport, which is 133 miles away from Telluride. It is a good option to consider if you are looking for more affordable rates than Telluride or Montrose. It takes approximately 2 hours and 54 minutes to drive from Grand Junction Airport to Telluride, and the distance by road is 132.6 miles. There are a few transport options to make this journey, each varying in price and time:

• Drive: The fastest and cheapest way to get from Grand Junction Airport to Telluride is to drive. This option takes 2 hours and 54 minutes and costs $24-$35.
• Town Car: This option takes the same amount of time as driving but will cost more at around $180 one way.
• Bus: Taking the bus is the cheapest option at around $25, but it will also be the longest journey, taking 3 hours and 30 minutes.
• Shuttle: You can take a shuttle bus from Montrose Airport to Telluride. This option takes between 3 hours and 24 minutes to 3 hours and 30 minutes and costs $24-$35.

There is no direct connection from Grand Junction Airport to Telluride, so if you are not driving, you will need to take a bus to Downtown Transfer Facility, drive to Montrose Airport, and then take a shuttle to Telluride.

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