You’re driving up Hoosier Pass, the wind is howling, and your ears are popping like bubble wrap. At 10,578 feet, Alma, Colorado, isn’t just "up there"—it’s officially the highest incorporated town in North America. It’s a place where the air is thin enough to make a single beer feel like three and the winters last about eight months. Right in the middle of this rugged, slightly oxygen-deprived landscape sits the South Park Saloon Alma Co, a spot that looks exactly like what you’d imagine a Rocky Mountain outlaw hideout to be.
It's grit. It’s wood. It’s loud.
Most people blowing through on their way to Breckenridge or Fairplay miss it. They see the weathered wood and the eclectic signage and keep driving. That’s a mistake. Honestly, if you want to understand what Colorado used to be before the multimillion-dollar condos and the $20 artisanal toast took over, you have to pull over here. The South Park Saloon isn't trying to be "rustic" for an Instagram aesthetic; it’s rustic because it has survived decades of brutal alpine weather and a rotating cast of miners, skiers, and local legends who don't care about your follower count.
The Reality of Drinking at Two Miles High
Let’s talk about the altitude. It’s the elephant in the room. When you walk into the South Park Saloon Alma Co, you are roughly two miles above sea level. This changes things. Science says your blood oxygen levels are lower here, which means alcohol hits your system with the subtlety of a sledgehammer. You’ll see tourists walk in, order a heavy IPA, and find themselves spinning before the basket of fries hits the table. Locals call it "getting Almad," and it’s a real thing.
The interior is exactly what you want. It’s dim. There’s a lot of history etched into the bar top. You’ve got local memorabilia, stickers from travelers who’ve passed through over the last thirty years, and a vibe that says "come as you are, but don't be a jerk." It’s the kind of place where a muddy mountain biker might be sitting next to a guy who’s lived in a cabin without running water for twenty years, and they’re both arguing about the best way to skin a deer or which trail is currently washed out.
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What’s Actually on the Menu?
People expect "bar food," and yeah, they have that. But it’s better than it has any right to be. The pizza is the secret weapon here. In an environment where dough rises differently because of the atmospheric pressure, they’ve managed to dial in a crust that is actually respectable.
- The Nachos: They are massive. Don't order them alone unless you haven't eaten since yesterday.
- The Green Chili: It’s a Colorado staple, and their version has that specific kick that clears your sinuses—necessary when it’s ten below zero outside.
- The "Shot and a Beer" special is basically the unofficial uniform of the establishment.
There’s no pretense. You won't find a foam-topped cocktail with a sprig of hand-foraged lavender here. You get a cold glass, a sturdy plate, and a nod from a bartender who has seen it all.
Why the South Park Saloon Matters to Alma
Alma is a tough town. It’s a community of about 300 people who choose to live in one of the harshest environments in the lower 48. The South Park Saloon Alma Co serves as the de facto living room for these people. When the power goes out during a blizzard—which happens—people gravitate here. It’s the hub.
It's also a temple of live music. You wouldn't think a tiny town at 10,000 feet would attract serious talent, but the Saloon has a reputation. Bluegrass bands, rock outfits, and traveling folk singers often stop here because the crowd is actually listening. There’s an intimacy in a room that small, surrounded by that much snow, that you just can't replicate in a Denver club. The acoustics are surprisingly decent, mostly because the room is packed with bodies and heavy wood that soak up the sound.
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The South Park Connection
Yes, that South Park. Trey Parker and Matt Stone based their famous show on the real South Park basin where Alma and Fairplay sit. While the show is a cartoon caricature, the Saloon feels like the spiritual home of that irreverent, slightly chaotic energy. You might see a "ManBearPig" reference or two, but the bar exists entirely outside of the show's shadow. It was here before the show, and it’ll be here long after the cultural zeitgeist moves on.
Surviving the Visit: A Local’s Perspective
If you’re planning to stop at the South Park Saloon Alma Co, you need to be prepared. This isn't a suburban Applebee's.
- Hydrate. Drink twice as much water as you think you need. The altitude will dehydrate you before you even finish your first drink.
- Parking is tight. The lot is small and often muddy or icy. Be careful where you put your car; the town marshal is around, and they don't love it when people block the main drag.
- Respect the locals. This is their spot. If you walk in acting like a "city slicker" or complaining about the wait time, you’re going to get some side-eye.
- Check the weather. Seriously. A sunny day in Alma can turn into a whiteout in fifteen minutes. Hoosier Pass is no joke, and if the road closes while you're having a burger, you're staying in Alma for the night.
The staff is hardworking. They’re dealing with high-volume crowds in a tiny kitchen and a bar that gets packed to the gills on weekends. Be patient. Tip well. They’re the ones keeping the spirit of the Old West alive in a world that’s increasingly sterilized.
Beyond the Bar: What Else is Near?
If you use the Saloon as your base camp, you’re minutes away from some of the best hiking in the state. Decalibron—the loop that lets you hit four 14ers (Mount Democrat, Mount Cameron, Mount Lincoln, and Mount Bross) in one go—is right there. Most hikers hit the trail at 4:00 AM and end up at the Saloon by 2:00 PM for a "victory beer." It’s a rite of passage.
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There's also the Ghost Forest and the Windy Ridge Bristlecone Pine Scenic Area nearby. These trees are thousands of years old. They’re twisted, gnarled, and look like something out of a fantasy novel. It puts things in perspective when you realize those trees have been standing there since the Roman Empire was a thing, and here you are, worrying about your Wi-Fi signal.
The Verdict on South Park Saloon Alma Co
Is it the fanciest place in Park County? No. Is it the cleanest? Probably not. But it is authentic. It’s a place where the floorboards creak, the stories are tall, and the atmosphere is thick with the smell of woodsmoke and hops.
In a state that is rapidly changing, the South Park Saloon Alma Co is a time capsule. It represents the rugged individualism that Colorado was built on. It’s not for everyone—if you need a quiet, temperature-controlled environment with a wine list organized by region, you’re in the wrong place. But if you want a burger that hits the spot, a story to tell, and the feeling of being at the top of the world, this is it.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
- Check their Facebook page: They don't have a high-tech website. If you want to know who is playing music or if they're closing early for a private event, Facebook is where the updates happen.
- Bring a physical map: Cell service in the South Park basin is notoriously spotty. Don't rely on your GPS to get you back over the pass if you've been relying on a weak signal.
- Dress in layers: It can be 60 degrees in the sun and 30 degrees in the shade. The Saloon is warm inside, but the walk to your car will be freezing.
- Try the local brews: They often have taps from nearby breweries like Outer Range or HighSide. Supporting the local mountain economy is part of the experience.
Go for the pizza, stay for the music, and make sure you have a designated driver who can handle the mountain curves. There is truly nowhere else like it.