Let’s step back to 1859, into the Colorado gold rush. We’re in the high alpine town of South Park; thousands of ranchers, gold and coal miners are taking over the area. As latecomers push west, they establish a new mining camp called Fair Play. This is where I have taken you.

Today, however, Fairplay is home to small local businesses, lively local arts, and for some, it is known as the gateway to Hoosier Pass – a beautiful drive, in case you’ve yet to take it.

One of the things Fairplay is known for is its annual events. Burro Days, where you can still see an old man with a salt-and-pepper beard leading a burro up hills and through meadows, is one of them. Mountain Man Rendezvous is another spectacle hosted in Fairplay, where you can partake in reliving some of Colorado’s earliest days. If you’re an avid angler, you might already be aware that Fairplay is known as the official Trout Fishing Capital of Colorado. With more than 50 miles of Gold Medal streams, it’s no wonder that Fairplay is so popular with the fishermen.

Fairplay and the 1,000 square miles of its surroundings are part of the National Heritage listing. Hikers, mountain bikers, hunters, campers, and nature enthusiasts also find plenty of places and activities to keep them busy. For those who love spending time indoors, you can find a museum, shops, and eateries in or near the center of town. Even photographers get a kick out of exploring the area. What can I say? It’s the perfect Colorado Rockies playground.

At 9,953 feet above sea level, covering 1.154 square miles, and recognized as the fifth-highest incorporated place in our state, Fairplay should be on your list of Colorado towns to explore. Yes, Fairplay is small, but don’t let its size fool you. It offers many lodging accommodations, dining, retail venues, camping, annual events, outdoor adventures – and its close proximity to Breckenridge for skiing is more than convenient.

I will also inform you that it’s one of those places where you will meet interesting and pleasant Rocky Mountain folks. That’s what makes up the town’s quaint mountain character!

To learn more about Fairplay, visit https://www.fairplayco.us/