COOL SUMMER GETAWAYS

Visit the Real South Park This Summer, Find a New Favorite “Chef”

By Tonya Poole, 4-01-06

If you're looking for Cartman and Kenny and Butters, try heading about 1,000 miles south and west. But if you're in search of righteous recreation, peaceful vistas and some good, cozy mountain relaxation – point your GPS to dead-center Colorado, to the state's now-infamous South Park in Park County. Home to Pike National Forest, the South Platte River and the hamlet mountain town (as opposed to “redneck mountain town”) of Fairplay, Park County sits about 90 miles southwest of Denver and doesn't seem to mind riding the coat tails of sitcom fame, but they want visitors to know: if your only experience with South Park is the television show, you're in for a surprise.

Fairplay, whose name evokes ghosts of the gold rush when prospectors officially dubbed the area “fair play” for everyone staking a claim here, is a town of about 700 people tucked into the high country of the central Rockies. Surrounded on three sides by the Pike National Forest and just down valley from the mighty Sawatch Range (which boasts several fourteeners, including the highest peak in the Rockies), the community is a boon for winter enthusiasts – but don't let the dazzling snow pack and the near 5-digit elevation fool you: South Park offers a great summer getaway for sun seekers looking for a little altitude.

Hiking, Biking and Outdoor Recreation
It may be quicker to list out the places you can't get out and enjoy the outdoors in South Park than to spend hours listing those you can, but in the spirit of getting you started: Pike National Forest offers countless trails and campgrounds, and the area's elevation provides idyllic temperatures for mid-summer workouts. The South Platte and Arkansas Rivers offer excellent fishing and rafting opportunities, and the area's rich geology and natural history is enough to keep rock hounds and geo-enthusiasts busy for days at a time (can you say Jurassic intrusion without getting goosebumps?). Wildlife viewing is abundant throughout the area, and for those in the mood to get really hot – the Hartsel area's famous hot springs are just a short drive southeast of Fairplay.

Lodging and Dining
You won't find the Hiltons and Hyatt's of the world in South Park, but what you will find is a small but colorful array of local lodging and dining options to keep you well-fed and comfortable during your stay. Try these local recommendations:

DINING

The Brown Burro Cafe
706 Main Street
Fairplay, CO 80440
(719) 836-2804

Eagle's Nest
771 Main Street
Fairplay, CO 80440
(719) 836-0632

Front Street Cafe
435 Front Street
Fairplay, CO 80440
(719) 836-7031

The Mustard Seed
21980-1/2 Hwy 285 South
Fairplay, CO 80440
(719) 836-2883

The Ranch At Fairplay
771 Main Street
Fairplay, CO 80440
(719) 836-2789

LODGING

The Bear's Den Bed & Breakfast
941 County Road 14A
Fairplay, CO 80440
(800) 585-4711

Fairplay Hotel
500 Main Street
Fairplay, CO 80440
(719) 836-2565

American Safari Guest Ranch
1448 County Road 7
Fairplay, CO 80440
(719) 836-2431

The Western Inn
490 West Hwy 285
Fairplay, CO 80440
(719) 836-2026

The Hand Hotel
531 Front
Fairplay, CO 80440
(719) 836-3595


Tip: While you're there, plan to visit Fairplay's South Park City Museum. South Park has a rich and fascinating history, and in many ways remains an authentic outpost of western life on the outskirts of metro Denver and Colorado Springs. The town sprung up nearly overnight in the mid-1800s when mining hit the Rockies, and today, mining's history still plays a large part in defining the area. Fairplay's tribute to the era, South Park City, is a restoration of the old mining frontier in South Park and offers visitors a glance back at the culture and history that built the region.

Know the area? Comment with your own tips and recommendations for readers.

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