South Park has something for everyone, be it adventure, exploration, discovery or fun. In our vast expanse of mountains and valleys, some of the world's best fishing, camping, hiking, skiing, and biking await you -- all without the crowds associated with so many other Colorado destinations.

Park County offers a unique blend of western history and outdoor recreation. Hoosier, Kenosha, and Wilkerson passes provide highway travelers panoramic views of South Park and the high mountain ranges that surround this vast grassland basin, called a "park." Weston Pass, Boreas Pass and Guanella Pass trace historic railroad and stagecoach routes. Ghost towns, railroad artifacts and mining memorabilia are visible along these routes. Peaking at an elevation of 13,185 feet, Mosquito Pass is the highest automobile pass in North America providing a breathtaking route from Fairplay to Leadville.

Above you, the endless expanse of sky, glowing with millions of stars wraps you in a cocoon. Around you, the massive snowcapped peaks of the Rocky Mountains. Below you, the long gone footprints of miners, hunters, gamblers and gunslingers are begging you to explore. You have found the Real West.

The South Park City Museum, located in Fairplay, contains Colorado's most authentic collection of buildings and artifacts, depicting the trades and professions of a 19th century mining town.

For the angler, some of the best river and lake fishing in Colorado is found here, with the South Platte providing depth and breadth to Antero, Spinney and Eleven Mile reservoirs. Tarryall Creek fills Tarryall Reservoir as well. Public and private waters give the sportsman much to contemplate in the way of flies and lures. "Gold Metal" waters consistently produce the state's largest cutthroat trout, northern pike, rainbow and brown trout.

Wildlife viewing is a nonstop attraction, with bison herds growing in size in the Hartsel area. Antelope are abundant, and the sharp-eyed visitor can often spy mule deer, elk, an occasional coyote, black bear and even mountain lion.

Birds range from the brightly colored bluebirds of spring and summer to the always-present magpies, grackles, plovers, migrating cranes and herons, seagulls, pelicans, red-tailed hawks, golden eagles and yes, even bald eagles.

ALMA Colorado: Historically Alma was a center for the local mining industry. Now a small community serving as affordable lodging for the ski resorts in Summit County, 25-40 miles to the north.

COMO Colorado: As the historic boundary of the D,SP&P Railroad, Como is rich in mining and railroad history. With the exception of electricity and indoor plumbing, many of the buildings in Como remain much as they were in the late 1800s. The Como Roundhouse has been restored and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Como Depot Hotel has been refurbished and is now a restaurant. A miner's house on 6th and Broadway is now the Como Mountain Gallery.

FAIRPLAY Colorado: 678 people now reside within Fairplay. It is estimated that about 1,500 more reside in outlying areas. Businesses in Fairplay include two motels, two hotels, a family grocery store, seven restaurants, two service stations, Colorado East Bank & Trust, a number of gift shops and other small businesses.

HARTSEL Colorado: The Hartsel area has a Western frontier quality that is no longer found in much of Colorado. Hartsel is located at the intersection of US Highway 24 and Colorado Highway 9 and has two general stores, a gas station, restaurant, trading post and real estate offices. Near three reservoirs, Hartsel is a destination for boaters and fisherman.

JEFFERSON Colorado: Just over Kenosha Pass from Grant on US Highway 285, Jefferson is surrounded by large cattle ranches. It has a gas station, general store, real estate office and post office. The historic Jefferson Depot is now on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a gift shop and snack bar.

GUFFEY Colorado: Driving into Guffey from any direction is like stepping back a hundred years in time. Several 19th-century structures are still occupied while others, though vacant, appear as if they are occupied. If a place exists that may be considered "Genuine Colorado," Guffey reflects both the spirit and appearance. The nearest urban area is Canon City, 33 miles southeast of town on Colorado Highway 9.

LAKE GEORGE Colorado: 45 miles from Colorado Springs on US Highway 24, Lake George has two restaurants, two convenience stores, two motels, a full-service campground and three auto service stations. Lake George also has a US Post Office. Vacations enjoy Eleven Mile Canyon and the two state parksnearby.

PO Box 312, Fairplay Colorado 80440; 719-836-3410.

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