A Summer Weekend Itinerary:
Best Breakfast in Town: Mr. Burro Cafe
Co-owners Mily Romero and Lula Frausto opened Mr. Burro Cafe in April of 2022. The cafe serves breakfast and lunch seven days a week. The food is delicious, and the service is very friendly! I highly recommend their lattes or breakfast sandwiches.
Take A Hike:
Limber Grove Trail:
Situated approximately 30 minutes from downtown Fairplay, the Limber Grove Trail offers a 3.5-mile round trip hike. This scenic route crosses a stream, winds through dense woods, and navigates over scree slopes, leading to an ancient grove of limber pines. Mount Sherman looms in the distance as you ascend 564 feet near the base of Sheep Mountain.
Mount Sherman:
Looking to explore a 14er? Mount Sherman is a popular 14er for beginners as the trailhead starts around 12,050. Therefore, the actual hiking distance is only about 5 miles roundtrip. There are various listings for the actual height of Mt. Sherman, but most put it somewhere between 14,034-14,036. Even though the hiking distance is shorter, it is by no means “easy.”
Be Prepared:
Know the signs of altitude sickness and be prepared for fast-changing weather conditions. Treat this like any other mountaineering experience: Start early, dress in layers, bring plenty of water and snacks, extra sunscreen, and know your route. Know your limits.
Directions:
Both of these hikes are located off of the 4-mile creek road. This road is a gravel, washboard road so allow extra time for travel. It will take about 11 miles to get to the trailhead for Mt. Sherman.
Not a hiker?
Explore South Park City
When people hear the name South Park, they often think of the cartoon sitcom from Comedy Central but South Park is the real name of a valley that formed from the Rocky Mountains in central Colorado. Fairplay, Colorado is the most populated town in the South Park region, as well as being the county seat. At the western end of downtown Fairplay is a reconstructed mining town with thirty-five authentic buildings that were relocated from various locations but represent the gold and silver boom era of 1850-1880. This outdoor museum is called South Park City.
During the second weekend of August, they host Living History Days where volunteer docents re-enact life during the gold rush days. Several of the buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places (e.g. South Park Brewery and the Summer Saloon).
Check out the South Park City Museum website for hours and programs.
Enjoy the Burro Days Festival
The Town of Fairplay hosts the annual Burro Days Festival at the end of July. There are burro races, llama races, arts and crafts vendors, and plenty of summer food and fun! The town hosts this event to honor the many burros that played a crucial role in the mining process during the late 1800s, transporting millions of dollars’ worth of gold and silver from the nearby mines.
Dinner at Salado!
[***UPDATE: As of August 4, 2024…Salado closed its doors…and, unfortunately, is no longer open. So bummed! However, thanks for the memories!!! And you served Fairplay well!!]
I’ve written about Salado before, but I seriously am obsessed with this hidden Colorado gem! Try their jalapeno poppers or pumpkin seed encrusted mahi! They also have fantastic mocktails like the new-fashioned, a fresh spirit-free take on the classic old-fashioned.
Looking for Local Whiskey?
Snitching Lady Distillery
The Snitching Lady Distillery is a local family-owned distillery. Try their Parson Brown, an old-fashioned with the branded ice cube. Or try the Snitch, their flagship whiskey sour! They serve whiskey, brandy, and rum! If you want a good feel of the town, check this place out.
Fairplay: The Trout Fishing Capital of Colorado!
Fairplay, Colorado is known as the trout fishing capital of Colorado! So, get your gear and find a spot along Fairplay Beach or another nearby stream or river! Enjoy!
Wilderness & Rye 