What Towns Are in Park County, Colorado?
Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Park County, Colorado covers more than 2,100 square miles and is rich in mining history, alpine landscapes, and high-country living. Whether you’re planning a visit, researching relocation, or simply curious, knowing the towns in Park County adds context to its character. In this post, we’ll highlight the main incorporated towns plus a selection of notable communities — explaining what makes each one unique.
Main Incorporated Towns
Park County officially has two incorporated statutory towns. These are full municipalities within the county, as opposed to unincorporated communities.
1. Fairplay, Colorado
Fairplay is the county seat of Park County.
It sits at about 9,948 ft elevation.
Famous for its gold-rush history and the open-air South Park City Museum, which recreates a 19th-century mining town.
Real-world tip: If driving from Denver via U.S. 285 and SH-9, Fairplay is less than two hours away and makes a great day-trip or base for exploring the South Park basin.
2. Alma, Colorado
Alma is the other incorporated town in Park County.
It holds the distinction of being the highest incorporated town in North America at 10,578 ft.
Originally a mining settlement (gold and silver) in the 19th century.
Tip: Because of its altitude, weather can shift quickly — even summer afternoons might see snow at times in Alma.
Other Notable Communities & Census-Designated Places
Beyond the two official towns, Park County is dotted with smaller unincorporated communities, historic districts, and loosely-defined settlements. These often have distinct characters even if they lack full municipal status.
Here are a few to know:
Bailey, Colorado
Located along U.S. 285 in the foothills southwest of the Denver metro area.
Though unincorporated, Bailey is a well-known community with its own local identity and serves as a bedroom/outdoor recreation hub.
Como, Colorado
A historic settlement in Park County that reflects the old rail and mining era.
Worth a stop for history or to explore less-crowded mountain terrain.
Jefferson, Colorado
A community along the old rail corridor near Kenosha Pass.
Offers a quieter alternative to some busier mountain towns, yet still with access to recreation.
Lake George, Colorado
Situated at about 8,000 ft elevation and roughly 45 miles from Colorado Springs.
Good base for trips to local state parks, reservoirs, or simply enjoying mountain-road tranquility.
Shawnee, Colorado
Historic district near Bailey, founded around 1860.
Offers a taste of the old-time mountain community feel.
Hartsel, Colorado
Located at roughly 8,904 ft elevation, sometimes called the “Heart of Colorado.”
Very small population but rich in ranching and outdoor heritage.
Local Insight: Life, Travel, and Events in Park County
If you’ve driven through Park County, you know the region’s rhythm is different — calmer, slower, and deeply connected to its landscape. Locals often commute to Denver or Breckenridge via U.S. 285 or Highway 9, depending on snow conditions. Summers bring the South Park Music Series and the Burro Days Festival in Fairplay, where locals celebrate the county’s mining and pack-animal history. Winter draws skiers and snowshoers heading toward Hoosier Pass or the Pike National Forest trails. Many residents choose Park County for its balance: quiet mountain living within reach of the Front Range’s jobs and amenities.
Why the Distinction Between “Towns” Matters
Incorporated Towns (Fairplay, Alma): These have municipal charters, elected officials, and specific boundaries within the county.
Unincorporated Communities: These may have strong identities but rely on county governance and may not show up on every map as “towns.”
Historic/Mining Ghost Towns: Many early settlements in Park County are now ghost towns or historic sites (for example, Tarryall).
Understanding this helps when looking at services, governance, property options, or simply navigating which areas are “towns” vs. informal communities.
Takeaway
If you ask “What towns are in Park County?”, the simple answer is: the two incorporated towns — Fairplay and Alma — stand out officially. But a full understanding also involves a dozen or more smaller communities that enrich the county’s character. From historic mining hubs to high-mountain ranching outposts, each place contributes to the story of Park County.
FAQ
Q: Are there more than two towns in Park County?
A: While only Fairplay and Alma are incorporated municipal towns, Park County includes many unincorporated communities and historic settlements.
Q: What’s the population size of the incorporated towns?
A: As of the most recent census, Fairplay has about 724 residents, while Alma has roughly 300.
Q: Why is Alma considered unique?
A: Alma is the highest incorporated town in North America at roughly 10,578 ft elevation.