Mountain Madness Preview

DAY 10 – SOUTH PARK
Tuesday June 28, Westcliffe to Fairplay (104 Miles)
No major mountain passes again today, but after Canyon City, the road will climb generally upward to Fairplay. Head east out of Westcliffe past Querida (an old mining district that once had a population of over 10,000). The road descends along Hardscrabble Creek before heading toward Florence and Canyon City. You can stop in Canyon City and tour the old Super-Max prison facility if you are so inclined. From Canyon City the route heads past the Royal Gorge before turning north on Highway 9 to South Park. South Park is notorious for some incredibly foul-mouthed little kids, and yes, the creators of the cartoon really grew up here. The final destination is Fairplay which is a turn-of-the-century mining town that was settled by miners from Cripple Creek who were looking for a better deal. Check out the South Park City Museum.

The principal difficulty of the day is the length of the stage which gradually climbs. Accommodations are at the Fairplay Hotel which was built in the late 1800’s. No hot tub, but you can get dinner and a drink in the lobby. You can also stick your finger in the elk’s nose if you want to.

Below you will find a view from Keyhole showing the start of the day at the bottom (with a larger pushpin) and the end of the day at the top (with a smaller pushpin).

*** Note These Satellite Photos and Maps are Only Suggestive of Our Route ***

*** Note These Satellite Photos and Maps are Only Suggestive of Our Route ***

*** Note These Satellite Photos and Maps are Only Suggestive of Our Route ***