Cities and Towns in Park County, Colorado
Founded on 1861-11-01, Park County is one of 64 counties in the state of Colorado. The city of Fairplay is the county seat. With FIPS code of 93, Park County has a population of 17,720 and area of 2,209.36 square miles (5,722 km²).
List of all cities in Park County, CO alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Alma, CO | 80420 | 719 |
| Bailey, CO | 80421 | 303/720 |
| Como, CO | 80432 | 719 |
| Fairplay, CO | 80432 | 719 |
| 80440 | 719 | |
| 80456 | 719 | |
| Grant, CO | 80448 | 303/720 |
| Guffey, CO | 80820 | 719 |
| Hartsel, CO | 80449 | 719 |
| Jefferson, CO | 80456 | 719 |
| Lake George, CO | 80827 | 719 |
| Shawnee, CO | 80448 | 303/720 |
| 80475 | 303/720 | |
| Tarryall, CO | 80827 | 719 |
Major Cities and Towns in Park County, Colorado
Fairplay
Area, Population, and Geography
- Area: 1.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 800 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 80440
- Latitude: 39.2247° N
- Longitude: 106.0011° W
City Location and History
Fairplay is the county seat of Park County, located in the central part of Colorado in the South Park basin, at an elevation of 9,953 feet. Founded in 1859 during the Colorado Gold Rush, Fairplay was established as a mining town, attracting prospectors with the promise of gold in the nearby rivers and creeks. The town’s name reflects its early reputation as a place where miners were treated fairly, in contrast to other more lawless mining camps. Fairplay quickly grew into a bustling hub for the surrounding mining district. Although the gold rush eventually waned, Fairplay remained an important center for ranching and tourism. Today, the town is known for its well-preserved historic district and as a gateway to outdoor recreation in the Rocky Mountains.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Fairplay is served by the Park County School District RE-2, with Edith Teter Elementary School and South Park High School being the main educational institutions. The town’s major landmarks include the South Park City Museum, an open-air museum that recreates a 19th-century mining town with over 40 restored buildings and artifacts from the area’s mining history. The nearby Mosquito Range and Mount Silverheels offer hiking, mountain biking, and off-road vehicle trails, providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Fairplay Beach, a park along the South Platte River, is a popular spot for fishing, picnicking, and community events. Fairplay’s combination of historical significance, educational resources, and access to outdoor activities makes it a vibrant and central town in Park County.
Alma
Area, Population, and Geography
- Area: 0.6 square miles
- Population: Approximately 300 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 80420
- Latitude: 39.2855° N
- Longitude: 106.0617° W
City Location and History
Alma is a small town located just north of Fairplay, nestled in the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of 10,578 feet, making it the highest incorporated town in North America. Founded in 1873, Alma developed during the Colorado Gold Rush as a mining town, with gold, silver, and lead being extracted from the nearby mountains. The town was named after the daughter of a local merchant. Alma grew rapidly during its early years, but like many mining towns, it experienced a decline as the mines were depleted. Today, Alma is a quiet mountain town, known for its stunning alpine scenery and proximity to several 14,000-foot peaks, making it a popular base for hikers and mountaineers.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Alma is served by the Park County School District RE-2, with students typically attending schools in nearby Fairplay. The town’s major landmarks include the Alma Town Hall, a historic building that serves as the center of local government and community events. The nearby Kite Lake Trailhead provides access to several “14ers,” including Mount Democrat, Mount Lincoln, and Mount Bross, which are popular destinations for peak baggers. Alma’s annual Festival in the Clouds is a summer event that features live music, arts and crafts vendors, and family-friendly activities, celebrating the town’s vibrant community spirit. Alma’s combination of historical roots, outdoor recreation, and small-town charm make it a unique and cherished part of Park County.
Bailey
Area, Population, and Geography
- Area: 2.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 9,000 (2023 estimate, including surrounding area)
- Zip Codes: 80421
- Latitude: 39.4067° N
- Longitude: 105.4733° W
City Location and History
Bailey is an unincorporated community located in the northeastern part of Park County, along U.S. Highway 285 and the North Fork of the South Platte River. The town was established in 1864 by William Bailey, who built a stagecoach station and hotel that served travelers heading to the mining camps further west. Bailey’s location made it a key stop on the stagecoach route, and the town grew as a service center for the surrounding ranching and logging communities. Today, Bailey is known for its picturesque setting in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, serving as a gateway to outdoor recreation in Pike National Forest and the Mount Evans Wilderness Area.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Bailey is part of the Platte Canyon School District RE-1, with Platte Canyon High School serving as the primary secondary school for the area. The town’s major landmarks include the Bailey Depot, a historic building that now houses the Bailey Country Store, offering local goods and crafts. The Bailey HUNDO, an annual mountain bike race, draws participants from across the state, with proceeds benefiting local non-profits and schools. Nearby Staunton State Park offers hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. Bailey’s combination of historical significance, educational resources, and access to outdoor activities make it a vibrant community in Park County.
Guffey
Area, Population, and Geography
- Area: 0.1 square miles (unincorporated)
- Population: Approximately 100 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 80820
- Latitude: 38.7486° N
- Longitude: 105.5211° W
City Location and History
Guffey is a small, unincorporated community located in the southwestern part of Park County, in the scenic Rocky Mountains. The town was founded in the late 19th century during the gold and silver rushes that brought many prospectors to the region. Originally known as Idaville, the town was later renamed Guffey after one of its early residents, George Guffey. The town experienced brief prosperity due to mining but later declined as the resources were exhausted. Today, Guffey is known for its eclectic and quirky atmosphere, attracting artists, writers, and those seeking a peaceful rural lifestyle.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Guffey is served by the Park County School District RE-2, with students attending nearby schools in Fairplay or Lake George. The town’s major landmarks include the Guffey Heritage Museum, which offers a glimpse into the town’s mining history with exhibits and artifacts from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Guffey Charter School is a small, community-focused school that emphasizes individualized education and hands-on learning. The surrounding area is known for its stunning natural beauty, with opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and wildlife watching. Guffey’s combination of historical charm, artistic community, and natural surroundings make it a unique and appealing part of Park County.
Map of Cities in Park County, CO
