Fairplay is a destination on its own, but it's also one of the best basecamps in Colorado. Within an hour's drive, you can be soaking in natural hot springs, floating class III rapids, browsing art galleries in a mountain town, or driving over a 14,000-foot pass. The South Park basin sits at the center of some of Colorado's most interesting corridors.
Here are the best day trips from Skyfall Chalet — all doable in a half or full day with plenty of time to get back for the hot tub.
Buena Vista & The Arkansas Valley
Buena Vista
"BV" (locals say "Byoona Vista") is a charming river town at the base of the Collegiate Peaks. The main street has excellent coffee shops, restaurants, and gear stores. It's the launching point for whitewater rafting on the Arkansas River — everything from mellow family floats to intense Class IV rapids through Browns Canyon National Monument. Multiple outfitters run trips daily in summer.
Salida
Salida has one of the best downtown scenes in Colorado — a walkable grid of art galleries, restaurants, breweries, and shops in historic brick buildings. It's been named a Creative District and the vibe is more Austin than Aspen. Great for a lunch stop, gallery browsing, or a full afternoon of exploring. The Arkansas River runs right through town with a popular whitewater park.
Cottonwood Hot Springs
Natural hot springs pools at various temperatures nestled into the mountainside above Buena Vista. Low-key, not overcrowded, and deeply relaxing. There are also options at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort for a more upscale experience — their creek-side pools where hot springs mix with cold mountain water are unique.
Breckenridge & Summit County
Breckenridge Town
Even if you're not skiing, Breckenridge's Main Street is worth a visit. Historic Victorian buildings house restaurants, bars, and shops. In summer, take the free gondola up to Peak 8 for hiking and the alpine slide. The town also hosts events year-round — farmers markets, festivals, and live music. A good option for a day when you want a bit more bustle.
Frisco & Lake Dillon
Frisco is a quieter alternative to Breckenridge with great breweries (Outer Range is a standout) and a charming little downtown. Lake Dillon offers kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing in summer. The paved bike path around the lake is excellent for a leisurely ride.
History & Nature
Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
A hidden gem of the National Park system. Massive petrified tree stumps, ancient insect fossils preserved in shale, and easy hiking trails through meadows and forest. It's uncrowded, educational, and unlike anything else in the area. Combine it with a stop at Lake George on the way back.
Boreas Pass Road
A scenic dirt road that follows the old Denver, South Park & Pacific Railroad grade over Boreas Pass (11,481 ft). The drive is beautiful year-round but spectacular in fall when the aspens turn. At the top you'll find a restored railroad section house. The road is passable for most vehicles in summer but closes in winter. One of the best easy drives in Colorado.
Leadville
The highest incorporated city in North America at 10,152 feet. Leadville's Victorian-era downtown tells the story of Colorado's mining boom — the Tabor Opera House and the National Mining Hall of Fame are worth a visit. The town also serves as the starting point for hiking Mt. Elbert (14,440 ft), the tallest peak in Colorado.
Scenic Drives
Sometimes the best day trip is just getting in the car with no agenda. From Fairplay, US-285 south toward Buena Vista is one of the most scenic highway stretches in Colorado — Collegiate Peaks on your left, South Park basin opening up around you. Highway 9 north over Hoosier Pass to Breckenridge is gorgeous in any season. And Guanella Pass Road (about an hour north via Georgetown) is a famous scenic byway with alpine lakes, mountain goats, and access to Mt. Bierstadt.
Your Colorado Basecamp
Skyfall Chalet puts you within an hour of hot springs, whitewater, mountain towns, and some of the best scenic drives in the state. Explore all day, come home to the mountains.
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