If you picture a Gold Rush miner as a grizzled old guy leading a burro, you might still see that today in Fairplay! Especially during its annual World Champion Pack-Burro Races and celebration. There's also an annual Mountain Man Rendezvous, where you can watch re-enactments of Colorado's earliest days.

And speaking of early days, it doesn't get much earlier than this: at the nearby Bristlecone Pine Scenic Area outside of the nearby town of Alma, you'll see trees that were seedlings roughly 2,000 years ago. Twisted and gnarled, these ancient conifers were shaped by the ceaseless winds that blow across the mountaintops.

In Fairplay itself, be sure to visit the South Park City museum. It has a main street flanked by 30 or so historic buildings brought here from the surrounding area including a trapper's cabin, a saloon, general store, blacksmith shop and other businesses that thrived in the late 1800s. This amazing collection is only open during the summer months and is run entirely by volunteers.

Fairplay has also been called the fishing capital of Colorado. Anglers, be sure to bring your tackle, as you’ll want to throw a line in any time of year.

Community Resources:
Park County Tourism Office
501 Main Street
P.O. Box 1373
Fairplay, CO 80440
719-836-4279