STR Owner Resource
The Park County Guest FAQ Hosts Can Actually Use
The questions your guests will ask — answered in one place, ready to send.
Every Park County STR host knows the messages. The ones that arrive at 7pm on a Friday. Where is the nearest grocery store? Is the road to the cabin paved? My phone has no signal — is the WiFi down? What do we do if we see a bear?
These are not bad guests. They are guests who have never stayed in a mountain cabin at nearly 10,000 feet before. Park County is remote, high altitude, and genuinely different from anywhere most guests have stayed. The questions are predictable because the experience is predictable — and most hosts answer them one by one, every week, from scratch.
This is a resource built to change that. Copy it into your welcome book. Drop the link in your check-in message. Share it with guests before they arrive. Everything below is factual, locally specific, and ready to use.
A note for hosts
Feel free to copy any section of this guide directly into your Airbnb or VRBO listing, welcome book, or pre-arrival message. The more your guests know before they arrive, the better the stay — and the better the review.
How high is Park County?
Fairplay, the county seat, sits at 9,953 feet — making it the highest county seat in the United States. Alma, just north of Fairplay, is one of the highest incorporated towns in the country at approximately 10,578 feet. If your cabin is in the mountains above town, you may be at 10,500 feet or higher.
What should we expect from the altitude?
Most guests feel some effect from the elevation, especially in the first 24 hours. Common symptoms include headache, mild fatigue, shortness of breath during activity, and disrupted sleep. These are normal and typically resolve on their own as your body adjusts. Drink more water than you think you need, avoid heavy alcohol consumption on the first night, and take it easy on physical activity your first day.
Drink water before you feel thirsty. Altitude dehydrates faster than most guests expect.
When should we be concerned about altitude sickness?
Mild symptoms are common and typically pass within 24 hours. If symptoms are severe — confusion, inability to walk straight, persistent vomiting, or chest tightness — descend to a lower elevation and seek medical attention. South Park Medical Center is located in Fairplay. For serious emergencies, St. Anthony Summit Medical Center in Frisco is approximately 45 minutes away.
Will my phone work in Park County?
Cell coverage in Park County is limited and varies significantly by location. Verizon has the most reliable coverage in the county. AT&T and T-Mobile are inconsistent outside of Fairplay and along Highway 285. Many areas — including mountain roads and remote cabin locations — have little to no signal. Do not rely on cell service for navigation once you leave the highway.
Download your maps offline before you leave the Denver metro area.
Does the cabin have WiFi?
Check your listing for WiFi details. Many Park County properties use Starlink satellite internet, which provides reliable service even in remote locations. Internet speed and reliability can vary with weather conditions. If your cabin does not have internet service, that will be noted in the listing.
What if we have an emergency and no cell service?
If your cabin has internet service, you can reach 911 via WiFi calling on most smartphones. Make note of the cabin's physical address before you arrive — emergency responders need a street address, not a GPS pin. Park County Sheriff dispatch can be reached at 719-836-2494 if you have any signal.
What is the weather like in Park County?
Park County weather is highly variable and changes quickly. Summer days can be warm and sunny in the morning and bring afternoon thunderstorms by 2pm. Snow is possible in every month of the year at higher elevations. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero at night. Whatever season you are visiting, bring layers — temperatures can shift 30 degrees or more in a single afternoon.
Where can we check road conditions before we drive in?
Colorado Department of Transportation maintains real-time road and weather information at cotrip.org. You can check conditions on Highway 285 and other major routes before you leave. For county road conditions, call Park County Road and Bridge at 719-836-4255.
Do we need four-wheel drive or an AWD vehicle?
For summer visits on paved roads, a standard vehicle is typically fine. If your cabin is accessed by a dirt or gravel county road, four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive is strongly recommended, especially in spring when roads are muddy and in winter when roads can be icy or snow-packed. Check with your host about the road conditions to your specific property.
Are there bears in Park County?
Yes. Black bears are active throughout Park County, particularly from spring through fall before hibernation. Bears are attracted to food, garbage, and scented items. Keep all food stored securely inside the cabin or in bear-proof containers. Never leave food, coolers, or trash outside overnight. If your property has a bear box, use it.
A bear that finds food at your cabin will return. Secure everything — including dog food and birdseed.
What do we do if we see a bear?
Stay calm. Do not run. Make yourself appear large, speak in a firm voice, and back away slowly. Never approach a bear, and never get between a mother and her cubs. If a bear enters your cabin, do not try to corner it — open a door or window and give it a way out. Report aggressive bear behavior to Colorado Parks and Wildlife at 719-539-4171.
What other wildlife might we see?
Park County is home to elk, mule deer, moose, pronghorn, coyotes, foxes, and a variety of raptors including eagles and hawks. Moose are most commonly seen near marshy areas and streams. Elk are often visible at dawn and dusk, particularly in open meadows. Mountain lions are present in the county but rarely seen. Enjoy the wildlife from a safe distance and do not attempt to feed any wild animal.
Where can we get groceries?
Fairplay has South Park Market (a smaller local grocery) and a Dollar General for basic supplies. For a full grocery store, Breckenridge is approximately 45 minutes north via Highway 9 and has a City Market. Buena Vista, about 45 minutes south on Highway 24, has a full grocery option as well. Plan your supplies before you arrive, especially if you are staying through a weekend.
Is there a gas station nearby?
Yes. Fairplay has gas stations with regular hours. Alma also has a gas station. Do not count on finding gas on mountain roads beyond these towns. Fill up in Fairplay if you are heading into more remote areas.
Is there a hardware store or pharmacy if we need something?
Fairplay has a True Value hardware store. For a full pharmacy, Breckenridge has a City Market pharmacy. For urgent prescriptions, call ahead to confirm hours and availability before making the drive.
Can we have a fire outside?
Outdoor fires in Park County are subject to seasonal fire restrictions that change based on drought and fire danger conditions. Before lighting any outdoor fire, check the current fire restrictions at parkcountyco.gov or call the Park County Sheriff non-emergency line. Restrictions can change quickly, particularly in summer. Violations carry significant fines.
When in doubt, do not light it. Park County fire danger can escalate in hours.
Can we bring our own firewood?
No. Colorado law prohibits transporting firewood from outside the local area to prevent the spread of bark beetles and other invasive pests that have devastated Colorado forests. Use only the firewood provided at the property or purchase locally sourced firewood in Park County. Do not move firewood from one county to another.
How do we use the wood stove or fireplace?
Your host should have instructions specific to the fireplace or wood stove at your property. In general: use only dry, seasoned firewood. Never use accelerants. Ensure the damper is fully open before lighting. Never leave a fire burning unattended or while sleeping. Make sure ash is completely cold before disposing of it — ash can stay hot for 72 hours.
Emergency and Essential Contacts
Park County Sheriff (non-emergency)
719-836-2494
South Park Medical Center (Fairplay)
719-836-2531
Nearest ER: St. Anthony Summit Medical (Frisco)
~45 minutes north via Hwy 9
Poison Control
1-800-222-1222
Colorado Parks and Wildlife
719-539-4171
Road Conditions
cotrip.org
Park County Road and Bridge
719-836-4255
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