Fairplay

Fairplay is a town in the mountains of Park County, Colorado, situated at about 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) elevation. The Middle Fork South Platte River runs through the valley, creating a green basin surrounded by peaks.

The town started in 1859 during the Pike's Peak Gold Rush when miners settled and created a system for sharing mining rights fairly. The name comes from this ideal of equal treatment for all newcomers.

The South Park City Museum displays buildings from the mining era that show how early residents lived and worked in the area. Walking through old homes, shops, and workshops helps visitors understand daily life during that period.

Visitors reach town via U.S. Route 285 and State Highway 9, which connect through the area. The local visitor center provides information about lodging options and activities in the surrounding region.

The annual Burro Days Festival brings people to run alongside donkeys in a nearly 29-mile mountain race. The race ends at Mosquito Pass, one of the highest mountain passes in the region.

Location: Park County

Inception: 1859

Elevation above the sea: 3,034 m

Website: http://fairplayco.us

GPS coordinates: 39.22440,-105.99800

Latest update: December 23, 2025 02:46