Situated in the geographic center of Colorado, Park County offers a unique blend of western history and outdoor recreation. Hoosier, Kenosha, and Wilkerson passes provide highway travelers panoramic views of South Park and the high mountain ranges that surround this vast grassland basin, called a "park." Weston Pass, Boreas Pass and Guanella Pass trace historic railroad and stagecoach routes. Ghost towns, railroad artifacts and mining memorabilia are visible along these routes. Peaking at an elevation of 13,185 feet, Mosquito Pass is the highest automobile pass in North America providing a breathtaking route from Fairplay to Leadville. The South Park City Museum, located in Fairplay, contains Colorado's most authentic collection of buildings and artifacts, depicting the trades and professions of a 19th century mining town.

The Hartsel area was a summer destination for Mountain Utes who frequented the natural hot springs in Hartsel and hunted large herds of buffalo, deer and antelope that roamed South Park. Hartsel was founded in 1862 by Sam Hartsel, a Fifty-Niner who found gold in the area then turned to cattle ranching. This quaint town provides many amenities to visitors.

For the angler, Spinney Mountain Reservoir, Eleven Mile Canyon Reservoir and Antero Reservoir "Gold Metal" waters consistently produce the state's largest cutthroat trout, northern pike, rainbow and brown trout. The shallow waters and flood plain near the inlet of Spinney Mountain Reservoir support seasonal populations of white pelicans, blue herons, avocets, sandhill cranes, ibis, Canadian geese and several species of ducks.

Park County is near: Bailey & Pine Area, Buena Vista, Cripple Creek & Pikes Peak Area