Everything you need to know
When do your tours operate?+
We offer tours 7 days a week, from late May until late October. Exact opening and closing dates vary from year to year depending on snowpack and weather conditions.
Where do we meet for the tour?+
All of our tours depart from 224 West San Juan Avenue, Telluride, CO. This is a small parking lot where Dave rents parking spaces right in the center of town. There is no physical office.
What is the check-in time?+
Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your scheduled tour. There is no need to arrive 30-60 minutes early — Dave is not running an airport.
What should I bring?+
Camera, sunscreen, and sunglasses are the essentials. If you are doing a half day tour, a jacket/layers are a good idea as it is much cooler up at 13,000 feet elevation. If the forecast has a chance of rain, plan accordingly. We do have blankets and emergency ponchos on the trucks, however these should not be your plan A. Closed toed shoes (think sneakers, hiking boots) are also a good idea.
Is there an age limit?+
No. We take kids of all ages. We do not provide car seats of any kind. Guests are welcome to bring their own and are responsible for installation, etc. Lap seat belts are provided for each passenger. Often simply positioning the child between 2 adults and using the lap seat belt is a great solution.
What happens if it rains?+
All tours go rain or shine. Each open air vehicle has a canopy top that can be rolled out in the event of rain. You will probably still get wet, so please dress accordingly. Afternoon thunderstorms can be common during July and August — booking morning tours will generally get you better weather and hence better views.
Where should I park?+
Street parking is available throughout town, however it can be difficult to find and is subject to parking meter fees. The small dirt lot where the tours depart from has parking available for $35/day — a convenient option if you plan to spend the day in town, ride the gondola, etc. Dave does not own or operate this parking lot. Free parking is generally readily available in the Carhenge lot, approximately a 10 minute walk along the river from our meeting point (just put “Carhenge Parking Lot” in your GPS).
Do the tours make stops to get out of the vehicle?+
Absolutely! Each tour will make several stops at specific destinations to allow guests to walk around and take pictures. These destinations range from waterfalls to ghost towns to mountain passes depending on the tour selected.
Should I tip the guide?+
It is customary to tip your guide. Gratuity is based on individual preference but we suggest 18-20%, which is the industry standard. You may tip the guide in cash or via apps like Venmo. Remember the barista you tipped this morning for a few minutes of their time to make you a cup of overpriced coffee? Well your guide just spent hours entertaining and educating your family while keeping them safe.
What is the cancellation policy?+
Dave has a 48-hour cancellation policy in order to receive a full refund. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before your scheduled tour will not be refunded. We understand that plans change — if you need to adjust the reservation just let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate your group based on availability.
Can I book a private tour?+
Yes. Just give Dave a call and we’ll see what we can do based on availability. Plan to pay for 6 people at a minimum to have a private vehicle.