Community Profiles

Alma - 10,350 Feet Above Sea Level

Founded in 1873 and located on Colorado Highway 9, 6 miles northwest of Fairplay, Alma is the highest incorporated town in North America. The population in Alma is about 270, with an estimated 1,000 residents in the area. With 2 restaurants, a health food store, outdoor equipment store, general store, real estate offices and a Post Office, Alma is suitable for cottage industries.

Historically Alma was a center for the local mining industry. With continued development of residential subdivisions around Alma, the area is predominately a bedroom community for several ski resorts in Summit County, 25-40 miles to the north.

Bailey - 7,700 Feet Above Sea Level

Founded in 1864 and 40 miles west of Denver on U.S. 285, Bailey is a small, unincorporated community in the area known as Platte Canyon. A good example of pioneer log construction, the 1864 Entriken Cabin is the only surviving building from the original town of "Baileys." Subdivisions around Bailey account for about 65% of Park County's 16,029 residents. Businesses in the area include a general store, gas station, gift shops, lumberyard, dental clinic, chiropractor, health center, Park County Republican and Fairplay Flume newspaper, art galleries and local restaurants. The Park County Library is located 5 miles east of Bailey on US 285. This area of the county also supports a large number of home-based businesses and cottage enterprises.

Como - 9,800 Feet Above Sea Level

Founded in 1879, Como is located 8 miles northeast of Fairplay and 1 mile north of U.S. 285 on County Road 33. It has an estimated population of about 100 in and around town. As the historic terminus 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 Mercantile, which was originally Allen's Corner Saloon, is a general store. The Como Hotel/Depot has been refurbished and is now a restaurant and guest lodge. A miner's house on 6th and Broadway is now the Como Mountain Man Gallery.

Fairplay - 9,957 Feet Above Sea Level

Located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 285 and Colorado Highway 9, Fairplay receives heavy through traffic, especially during the peak summer tourist season and the winter ski season. As the incorporated seat of Park County, Fairplay is the center of county government. About 670 people now reside within the Fairplay town limits. It is estimated that about 2,000 more reside in outlying areas. Businesses in Fairplay include 1 motel, 3 hotels, a grocery store, 5 restaurants, 3 service stations, bank, dentist, gift shops and other small businesses. RE-2 District schools in Fairplay serve the entire South Park region. Two medical clinics and a pharmacy provide primary health services in town. The old Fairplay Town Hall now serves as a public library at the corner of 6th and Front Streets.

Grant - 8,584 Feet Above Sea Level

West of Shawnee on U.S. Highway 285, the small town of Grant is the start of Guanella Pass Scenic and Historic Byway. Grant has a motel and general store. The Kenosha Café is just east of town on U.S. 285.

Guffey - 8,700 Feet Above Sea Level

Driving into Guffey from any direction is like stepping back 100 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. Located in the southern end of the county, Guffey has a general store/saloon, restaurant, elementary school, community center, public library, small museum, and real estate offices. In spite of its small size, Guffey is a center of activity for nearby ranches, subdivisions and small cottage industries. The nearest urban area is Canon City, 33 miles southeast of town on Colorado 9.

Hartsel - 8,860 Feet Above Sea Level

Founded in 1866, the Hartsel area has a Western frontier quality that is no longer found in much of Colorado. Hartsel is located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 24 and Colorado Highway 9 and has 2 general stores, a gas station, restaurant, trading post and art gallery, and real estate offices.

Situated on the South Platte River between Spinney and Antero reservoirs, Hartsel receives heavy through traffic in the summer and is a destination for boaters and anglers. A new wheelchair accessible fishing area has been constructed on the South Platte River near town.

Jefferson - 9,499 Feet Above Sea Level

Just over Kenosha Pass from Grant on U.S. Highway 285, Jefferson is surrounded by large cattle ranches and sparsely populated subdivisions. It has a gas station, real estate office, post office and small sporting goods store. The Jefferson Store carries general merchandise and also serves breakfast and lunch. The historic Jefferson (railroad) Depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Next to the Depot is a caboose that serves fast food during the summer months. This area of Park County has been the recipient of substantial funding to conserve heritage ranches and water resources for the benefit of county residents and the local tourism economy.

Lake George - 8,000 Feet Above Sea Level

Founded in 1892 and located 45 miles from Colorado Springs on U.S. Highway 24, Lake George has a convenience store, 1 motel with cabins, restaurant, and auto service station. Lake George also has a U.S. Post Office, elementary school and public library. With a population of about 1,500 in the Lake George area, seasonal visitors to nearby Elevenmile Canyon and 2 state parks provide a support base for this small mountain community. Back to Top

Pine Junction - 8,448 Feet Above Sea Level

Pine Junction is situated in the foothills southwest of Denver along U.S. Highway 285. The community sits astride the Park-Jefferson county line between Crow Hill and Conifer. This bedroom community has a commercial strip along the highway, including a gas station and convenience store, liquor store, lumber yard, and 2 restaurants.

Shawnee - 8,100 Feet Above Sea Level

Founded around 1860 and 5 miles west of Bailey on US 285, Shawnee has an art gallery, tea room, community center and U.S. Post Office. Due to the high concentration of historic buildings in town, Shawnee is now a historic district. Fitzsimmons Middle School and Platte Canyon High School are located 1 mile east of town.