By Air in Telluride and Southwest Colorado

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By Air

The Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC) serves the nearby resort area. GUC is served by American Airlines, United, and United Express.

The closest regional airport to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is Montrose Airport (MTJ). It's served by American, Continental, United, Skywest, and Delta.

Telluride is notorious for being one of the hardest ski resorts in the country to fly into, mainly because the elevation of Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) is well above 9,000 feet. A little turbulence, a few clouds, and the next thing you know you're landing at Montrose Airport, 67 mi away, and taking a shuttle to Telluride. Telluride Airport welcomes flights from America West, Frontier, Great Lakes Aviation, and United.

The Durango-La Plata Airport (DRO) is your closest option for Silverton, Durango, Pagosa Springs, Mesa Verde National Park, and the Four Corners region. It's served by America West Express, Delta, US Airways, and United Express.

Something to consider for travel to the Four Corners region, given your location and airline schedules, is to at least check into flying to Albuquerque instead of Denver. The Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is host to many of the major airlines and is closer than Denver.

Information

Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) (505/244-7700. www.cabq.gov/airport). Durango-La Plata Airport (DRO) (970/247-8143. www.durangoairport.com). Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport (GUC) (970/641-2304). Montrose Airport (MTJ) (970/249-3203. airport.co.montrose.co.us). Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) (970/728-5313. www.tellurideairport.com).

Transfers

Several companies offer transportation between the airports and the resorts. Shuttles average $15-$30 per person. In Crested Butte, Gunniston, and Montrose try Alpine Express. Advance reservations may be required. Telluride Express serves Telluride Regional Airport. In Durango, the best service is Durango Transportation.

Contacts

Alpine Express (970/641-5074 or 800/822-4844. alpineexpressshuttle.com). Durango Transportation (970/247-4161 or 800/626-2066). Telluride Express (970/728-6000 or 888/212-8294. www.tellurideexpress.com).