COME TO LIFE / Fairplay, Como, Bailey, Alma 1 2 THE REAL SOUTH PARK Designated a National Heritage Area by Congress in 2009, South Park is tucked in an expansive river valley flanked by 14,000-foot peaks, the area has a wealth of natural assets, including mineral deposits, ancient bristlecone pines, unique geological forma-tions and more than 100 rare or endangered plant and animal species. Fairplay, established in 1859 during the Pikes Peak Gold Rush, is now the Trout Fishing Capital of Colorado, with more than 50 miles of Gold Medal streams. Get an idea of what life was like in the 1880s at South Park City (3) , COLORADO ROCKIES PLAYGROUND COLORADO DENVER & CITIES OF THE ROCKIES Powder Pass Trail atop Boreas Pass for amazing views of the surrounding valleys. At 10,578 feet, Alma is the highest incorporated town in the U.S. and serves as a hub for mountain bikers, ghost-town hunters and off-roaders. Highlights include Mosquito Pass , the highest motor-vehicle pass in North America (recommended only on foot or via off-road vehicle); the nearby ghost town of Buckskin Joe ; and Alma Cemetery , where visitors can investigate stories of fortunes lost and found. The South Park Saloon is a preferred spot for calorie loading. For canyon views, stop in Bailey , where you can stretch your legs in 20-acre McGraw Memorial Park . Pop into the Bailey Country Store and Sasquatch Outpost for some local flavor, and the Cutthroat Cafe and Rustic Station will fuel all adventures, including a hike into the Lost Creek Wilderness (2) on Brookside-McCurdy Trail. The South Park basin towns of Fairplay, Como, Bailey and Alma are characterized by wonderfully diverse landscapes, fondly preserved historic sites, and vibrant mining and ranching heritage. 3 Delve into more Colorado history in Como , a tiny community with several 1800s-era buildings, including a church, hotel and the recently restored Como Depot — once an integral stop of the Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad. The Mountain Man Gallery exhibits works by local and regional artists, and hikers love to trek out on Black STAY & PLAY OPTIONS Alma , Bailey , Como , Fairplay , Pine QUICK TIP 184 / It could be argued that no man-made site in the state brings more joy than Bailey’s Coney Island Boardwalk hot-dog stand. It’s whimsical and improbably located — and the grub is top notch, too! 1-800-COLORADO CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM LEFT: SOUTH PARK CITY; WINDY RIDGE BRISTLECONE PINE SCENIC AREA, ERIC WUNROW; LOST CREEK WILDERNESS, ETHAN WELTY. where 40 artifact-filled authentic buildings have been transported from nearby mining communities. Then explore the area via horse-back or ATV with American Safari Ranch , or find your way to the Windy Ridge Bristle cone Pine Sce nic Area (1) , an unusual stand of wind-sculpted bristlecone pine trees. Spend some time on Fairplay’s Main and Front streets, where historic storefronts house eateries, galleries and shops. Sal ado’s eclectic Southwest cuisine is a must for dinner one night.
Colorado Official State Vacation Guide 2020: Page 184
