walking tours colorado

All of our museums are currently closed. Go to  Hard at Work!  for the latest information.

• Museums & Sites
• Accessibility
• Field Trips
• Educator Resources
• Hands-On History
• We Are Colorado
• Bridging Borders
• The Collection
• Research Center
• History in the Making
• Museum of Memory
• Event Calendar
• Plan Your Event
• Speaker Series

Tours & Treks

• The Colorado Magazine
• The Weekly Digest
• About the State Historic Preservation Office
• Events & Education
• Grants & Incentives
• Office of Archaeology & Historic Preservation
• Review & Compliance
• Survey & Designation
• Internships & Fellowships
• Affiliate Network
• Nuestro museos y exposiciones
• Membresía gratis para juventud
• La historia en desarrollo

Event Series

Join us as we explore Colorado

History Colorado’s Tours & Treks has been offering a grand assortment of travels to enrich your understanding of our state’s history and beyond. Walk in the footsteps of those who came before and learn the stories behind the sights. In 2024, we are returning to our roots with the ever-popular Organ Crawl, as well as an international trek and a pair of train adventures!  We'll see how the past has informed the present, ponder how art helps us understand our history, and so much more on a series of trips specially designed to inspire wonder!

Purchase tickets to any of the 2024 Tours and Treks here!

Meet the guides .

Kevin Snow started his career as an ESL teacher, teaching on three continents.  His students in Denver, from more than eighty countries around the world, didn't know anything about the Mile High City, so he would give them tours to show them their new homes.  When the school closed, he just kept doing it.  He's been touring since 2005 and has worked with History Colorado since 2009.  He's up for any tour and any place, as long as it's not scary and as long as there is food.

Jack Wheeler-Barajas is a fourth generation Coloradan and a local historian on railroads. He has given talks, presentations, and facilitated programs for numerous national and local organizations, including the National Railway Historical Society, History Colorado, the Metropolitan State University of Denver, and Treasure Box Tours. He specializes in Colorado Railways and the history of passenger trains, and in advancing modern passenger rail solutions in the state of Colorado. An alumnus of Colorado State University, Jack Wheeler is trained in Spanish, Italian, Anthropology, Business, and Environmental Science.

Dr. Chris Juergens is the Anschutz Curator of Military History at History Colorado. He earned his PhD with a dissertation about Hessian troops in the American Revolution, though he is especially passionate about the history of the World Wars. In his free time, he is usually playing board games, falling down Wikipedia rabbit holes, or teaching for the Naval War College.

Tour Difficulty Scale

• Easy:  May include light physical activity including boarding a bus, short periods of standing, walking and some stairs.  
• Moderate:  Includes walking up to two miles on streets or easy trails, climbing stairs or spending several hours outside. 
• Ambitious:  May involve several nights away from home, long stretches on a bus, and activity-filled days. Be prepared to walk up to two miles a day on easy to moderate terrain or spend long periods outside. 
• Challenging:  Requires a high level of fitness and an adventurous streak! May include day hikes over potentially rough terrain, accessing remote areas in a vehicle, by foot, or by boat, and/or extended periods outside. 

Registration & Payment

Visit the tour listings above or click  here  to register for a tour online.

For additional assistance, call 303-866-2394 to register for tours over the phone with a credit or debit card. Note: The credit card will be immediately charged.    

Day tours require payment in full at the time of booking.  

Overnight tours require a refundable deposit at the time of booking to hold your spot. The balance is due by the tour registration deadline. Registration deadlines are specific to each tour and indicated in the tour description.  

Pricing for overnight tours is available for double occupancy (two people per hotel room) and single occupancy (one person per room). Roommates may be requested but are not guaranteed. If paired with a roommate, you will be notified and given information to get in touch prior to the tour. If paired with a roommate that cancels. after the registration deadline, you will not be charged the single occupancy rate.  

To request a roommate, select a single occupancy ticket online and check the “roommate requested” box during checkout. Should you be paired with a roommate, your remaining balance will be adjusted.  

Payments must be made by credit or debit card. History Colorado accepts all major credit cards.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel a day tour seven or more days prior to the tour and receive a full refund or credit. Cancellations with fewer than seven days’ notice are non-refundable. 

You may cancel an overnight tour without penalty before the registration deadline posted for each tour. Any payments taken before the registration deadline will be refunded in full. Cancellations after the registration deadline are non-refundable.

If History Colorado must cancel a tour or trek, all ticket holders will be notified via email and will be fully refunded. If a tour or trek is postponed, guests will be given the option to either keep their ticket for the rescheduled date or receive a full refund.

Weather Policy 

History Colorado tours and treks run rain/snow and shine! Refunds for tours due to weather are only given if History Colorado cancels the tour due to extreme weather.

Wheelchair Accessibility

All walking tours are wheelchair accessible. To request wheelchair accommodations for bus tours (including Overnight Tours), please note it on the registration form and we’ll do our best to accommodate the request.  

Tours sell out fast! Space is limited to ensure a safe, high-quality experience for all. If a tour sells out, a link to a waitlist will be added online. You will be notified if a spot becomes available. 

Start Locations 

Before the tour, a “know before you go” email will be sent with important information such as start/end locations, parking options and clothing/gear suggestions. Start and end locations can also be found in the tour descriptions.  

Itineraries  

Please note that all overnight tour itineraries are subject to change. Final itineraries are sent to registered guests 2-4 weeks prior to the start of the tour. 

Dietary Restrictions

Meal options for a variety of dietary restrictions are available for tours that include a shared meal. Please let us know about your restrictions at the time of booking.   

If guests have further questions not answered here, please email Emily Turner at [email protected] or Rebecca Chickadel at [email protected].

Irish Denver Bus Tour

March 9th, 2024

46th Avenue: A Long, Historic Road

March 22nd, 2024

April 3rd, 2024

Organ Crawl Bus Tour

April 12th, 2024

10th Mountain Division WWII Battlefield Tour of Italy

Friday, May 10th - Sunday, May 19th 2024

9th Avenue: Historic Houses on the Gardens

May 17th, 2024

River North Arts District Walking Tour

May 23rd, 2024

Arts District on Santa Fe Walking Tour

June 11th, 2024

Rails and Hot Springs of Southwestern Colorado Trek

Monday, June 24 - Thursday, June 27

Art of Allen True Bus Tour

July 24th, 2024

Bonnie Brae Alley Art Walking Tour

August 23rd, 2024

Front Range Winery Tour

Friday, September 6th - Saturday, September 7th

Cherry Creek Art Walking Tour

September 11th, 2024

Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad

Tuesday, October 1st - Wednesday, October 2nd 2024

Downtown Golden Walking Tour

November 1st, 2024

Holiday Splendors of Southern Colorado

December 16th - December 17th, 2024

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser or activate Google Chrome Frame to improve your experience.

• Trip Styles
• Destinations
• Colorado Hikes & Tours

• USA Hiking Vacations

COLORADO HIKING & BACKPACKING Trips

Our hiking trips in Colorado offer exceptional trekking and backpacking adventures in stunning, diverse mountains

You don’t need to be an expert or own special equipment to go on one of our Colorado hiking trips. Wildland Trekking excursions are all-inclusive! You’ll hike with an expert guide, enjoy delicious food, use the best gear and stay in wonderful accommodations, whether you’re at an inn or a camp. When you book a trip with us, it’s a one-and-done deal. We’ll work out all the details, so you don’t have to. We offer a variety of trips that vary based on the destination, difficulty, length of time, cost and type. Choose a Colorado hiking trip for your next great adventure!

World-Class Hiking Destinations

Flat Tops Hiking Tours

Rocky Mountain National Park Hiking Tours

All colorado hikes & tours trips ( 25 results), filter trips.

Trip Length

Alpine Peaks, Lakes and Waterfalls Thru Hike

Best of Rocky Mountain Tour

Mummy Mountain Llama Trek

Across the Divide

Rocky Mountain Basecamp Tour

Chinese Wall Loop

Flat Tops Explorer

Rocky Mountain Family Llama Adventure

Thunder Lake

Thunder Lake Llama Adventure

Longs Peak Loop

Wild Basin Explorer

More about colorado hiking vacations, guided backpacking & hiking trips in colorado.

Wildland Trekking offers trips in two Unique Colorado destinations:

• Rocky Mountain National Park : This national park is in many ways the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. On a hiking trip to this beautiful park, you can see wildlife, waterfalls, pristine rivers, lakes and creeks, sweeping views, snowy mountain peaks, glaciers and much more. During every moment of a hiking or backpacking trip in Rocky Mountain National Park, you will be captivated by the incredible landscapes around you.
• Flat Tops Wilderness : You’ll become familiar with this Colorado secret gem if you join one of our Flat Tops backpacking trips. This destination is home to more than 100 lakes, volcanic peaks, waterfalls and more.

Whichever destination you choose, you’ll have an unforgettable experience exploring the sweeping beauty of Colorado.

types of colorado hiking tours

At Wildland Trekking, we know everyone is a little different. To make sure we have a trip that anyone can enjoy, we offer a variety of different types of hikes and tours in Colorado. Here are some of the options you can choose from:

• Colorado Backpacking Trips : With so many beautiful trails and sites, you’ll feel like a part of the scenery during a backpacking trip. These trips are best for guests looking for a demanding, adventurous wilderness experience.
• Colorado Basecamp Hiking Tours : we have one basecamp tour in Colorado – our Rocky Mountain National Park Basecamp Tour. This trip combines a series of adventurous day hikes with comfortable frontcountry camping, fantastic outdoor cooking, and access to showers.
• Colorado Inn-Based Hiking Tours : Similar to the basecamp tour, these trips combine adventurous day hikes with accommodations and meals on a multi-day tour, except that these are based in lodges, hotels and inns instead of camping. Meals are a combination of restaurant/lodge meals and picnic meals prepared by your guide.
• Rocky Mountain Snowshoe Tours : Hiking isn’t just for warmer weather. Available only in Rocky Mountain National Park, you’ll see the park in a whole new light, covered in pristine snow! You can even take a snowshoe tour over several days or experience the fun during a day hike.
• Rocky Mountain National Park Day Hike Tours : Finally, we offer day hike tours in Rocky Mountain National Park. With several options ranging from easy to moderate hikes all the way up to a highly adventurous 1-day summit attempt of Longs Peak (12-14 hours), we have offerings for all skill and fitness levels. All of our day hike tours are private, so they are exclusively limited to your group and a guide.

When to Hike Colorado

The state of Colorado offers a diversity of hiking opportunities, from high in the Rocky Mountains to low down in the deserts of Western Colorado, near the Utah border. We are focusing this information on when to do trips that Wildland Trekking offers in Rocky Mountain National Park and the Flat Tops. Both of these areas are high up in the mountains, where the scenery that Colorado is most famous for is at its best.

The short answer of when to hike Colorado is “summer.” But it is more nuanced than that because the summer months each offer a different experience. And winter months offer snowshoeing and skiing opportunities that are magnificent. To help understand the nuances of when to visit, we have provided descriptions below of the primary hiking/snowshoeing months in Colorado:

• June marks the beginning of the summer hiking season in the Rocky Mountain State. It is great for hikes below treeline, but above treeline there can often be quite a bit of snow. Also, the creeks and rivers that drain the Rockies can be swollen in June, making river crossings more difficult. All in all, June is an excellent month to get your walking legs under you in Colorado.
• July is the first month of the year when the alpine snowpack is mostly gone, rivers and creeks are back to lower levels, all trails are open, and the hiking is at its peak. Think about alpine treks this time of year, hikes to the tops of 14ers like Longs Peak , and long wilderness hikes like our Alpine Peaks, Lakes and Waterfalls Thru-Hike .
• August is arguably the best month of the year to explore the Rockies on foot. Warm days and cool nights make for excellent hiking and sleeping, so a Rocky Mountain backpacking trip is a great option. Day hiking is also fantastic though. By mid August the crowds (especially on weekdays) are thinning out, most bugs are gone, and the mountains are at their prime.
• September is perhaps the most under-appreciated month for hiking the Rockies and for Colorado backpacking trips. The days are still warm, and the nights are getting cooler which can be lovely. Fewer people are in the mountains since schools are in full swing. By late September the elk can be “in the rut” and bugling, which is a joy to hear. Finally, also by late September, the Aspen are often beginning to show the first signs of fall colors.
• October is good for hiking through the first week or possibly into mid October. Days and nights are cool, the backcountry will be quite empty, and the Aspen will will be in their full autumn glory with yellows, reds and oranges exploding across the mountains.
• November-March , i.e. winter months in the mountains, are of course not good months for hiking. But they offer the joys of skiing and snowshoeing instead. The mountains in winter are quiet, peaceful and astonishingly beautiful with frozen lakes and creeks and active winter wildlife (never guaranteed of course.) We offer half-day, full-day and multi-day snowshoe tours in Rocky Mountain National Park .

I’ve Never Heard of the Flat Tops – Are They Worth It?

Yes! The Flat Tops Wilderness is a remote, off-the-beaten-path range in northwestern Colorado. The Flat Tops rise out of the lower country as a magnificent plateau with an abundance of alpine lakes, high ridges and summits above treeline, pristine creeks and wonderful mountain solitude. If you’re looking for a more unique experience with fewer people, the Flat Tops offer a wonderful opportunity.

Safety Considerations in Colorado

As mentioned above, our Colorado hiking and backpacking tours feature both backcountry trips (backpacking, portered and llama treks) and frontcountry trips (inn-based and basecamp tours.) The safety considerations will vary depending on which option you go with.

On backcountry trips the primary safety considerations are black bears , lightning storms when above treeline, and river crossings. Of these 3, lightning is the main one that also applies to frontcountry trips. We use bear cannisters to securely store food, and we keep very clean camps to avoid attracting bears into camp. We have never had a serious bear incident in Colorado. To avoid lightning storms, we leave camp early when we know we are going to be hiking above treeline. Thunderstorms often form in the afternoons, so the key is being up and over any high passes or plateau before the storms set in. And river crossings on our trips tend to be quite manageable; the main consideration is using your trekking poles effectively to avoid slipping on wet rocks. If needed, your guide can also ferry your backpack across the river so you can cross less encumbered.

wildland Wires

Sign up to receive our exclusive Wildland Wire emails and stay up to date with Wildland Trekking's promotions, discounts, contests, outdoor tips and tricks, trip reports and more!

Historic Denver Walking Tours

LoDo Walking Tour | Capitol Hill Walking Tour | Larimer Square Walking Tour | The Daniels & Fisher Tower Tour | Tour Times and Prices | Group Tours

In purchasing a Walking Tour Ticket, you agree to all terms and conditions. Please view our Ticket Disclaimer Document   to read all terms and conditions.

Walking Tours

Our schedule is open to book your walking tour tickets. Reserve your tickets today so you can join us for a tour and explore Denver by foot!

LoDo Walking Tour

From Union Station to Wynkoop, Rockmount Ranchwear to Warehouse Row, learn how the largest collection of historic warehouses in the West transformed from railroad hub to skid row to urban hot spot.

Capitol Hill Walking Tour

Explore the beautiful and charming historic mansions of Capitol Hill and uncover the stories of families who lived in these homes at the end of the 19th century. Tours begins at Molly Brown House Museum.

Larimer Square with the Daniel’s and Fisher Clock Tower

With exclusive access to the 1911 D&F Clock Tower on the 16th Street mall, as well as an in-depth look at Denver’s oldest block, Larimer Square, this tour is a delightful way to explore Denver’s early history.

Five Points Walking Tour

Walk along Welton Street with Terri Gentry to learn about the people, places, and neighborhood history. Offered the last Saturday of the month June-Sept

Mansions of Quality Hill Walking Tour

Just south of Capitol Hill is Quality Hill. Boasting architectural gems like the Governor’s Mansion, Malo Mansion and the Zang Mansion, this tour explores the individuals behind the homes, and their legacy in Denver. This tour is offered the 1st Saturday of the month.

Potter Highlands Walking Tour

Join us to explore the Town of Highlands. Incorporated in 1875, Highlands was promoted as having clean air, clean water and high morals. Explore the mansions, bungalows, cottages and four squares, uncover the families who lived here in late 1800s and early 1900s. Offered the first Saturday of the month May – Oct.

Scavenger Hunt

Back by popular demand, this June we will once again launch our Scavenger Hunt. Follow about a dozen clues and wind your way through Denver’s history, learning about historic buildings along the way.  The hunt takes place from June 16-19, and you can participate whenever is convenient for your team. It’s a fun way to uncover more about Denver, while enjoying a fun activity with family, friends, or even on your own.

Private Spaces: Queer Capitol Hill Walking Tour

Explore Queer Capitol Hill with David Duffield, co-founder and coordinator of the Center LGBTQ History Project for Colorado on Colfax. The tour will take guests through Bachelor’s Row and look at how single apartments offered privacy for a closeted community. We’ll explore how public spaces were a refuge and places to connect for LGBTQ people. And we will look at how laws and zoning kept queer Denver heavily policed and segregated. From within the spaces of Capitol Hill came the hearts and activism of generations of queer people. A legacy born of streets, parks, and private spaces.

Staying Safe on Walking Tours

Looking to give the experience of a walking tour, but not sure someone’s preferred tour and date? Grab a gift card from our store, and let them pick out the tour for themselves.

Walking Tour Sponsors

Walking Tour Information

Book your in-person tour today.

In-person guided tours are available for private groups with advanced registration. Contact us and let us know which tour you are interested in, and your preferred date, and we will match your group with a guide that can meet your needs.

All participants and guides will be required to wear masks for the duration of the tour.

To schedule, please email [email protected] .

From Union Station to Wynkoop, Tattered Cover to Warehouse Row, learn how the largest collection of historic warehouses in the West transformed from railroad hub to skid row to urban hot spot. The tour starts and ends at the historic Denver Union Station, lasts approximately 90 minutes, and covers about a mile.

Meets in front of Union Station at the Flagpole.

Read reviews from those who have taken the LoDo Walking Tour!

Explore the beautiful and charming historic mansions of Capitol Hill and uncover the stories of families who lived in these homes at the end of the 19th century. This tour begins and ends at the Molly Brown House Museum, lasts approximately 90 minutes, and covers about 1.2 miles.

Meet your tour docent on the sidewalk in front of the Molly Brown House Museum by the Denver Story Trek sign.

Read reviews from those who have taken the Capitol Hill Walking Tour!

Larimer Square Walking Tour  With exclusive access to the D & F Tower

At the site of Denver’s founding, you will explore Larimer Square “Then & Now,” learning about the first bustling city center, which eventually turned into skid row. Local citizens saved the block of buildings from demolition, and it became Denver’s first historic district. This tour includes access to the historic Daniels & Fisher Tower where guests will see Denver from the Tower’s 20th floor.

Meet your tour guide at the D&F Tower (1601 Arapahoe St), where the tour will begin. The tour will end at the Kettle Arcade in Larimer Square (1424 Larimer St), after covering about one mile of walking, and lasting approximately 90 minutes.

Read reviews from those who have taken the Larimer Square Walking Tour!

Join us to explore one of the oldest parts of Denver. The Town of Highlands, incorporated in 1875 and was promoted as having clean air, clean water and high morals. On the hill above Denver’s smog of coal smoke, it featured artesian wells and no watering holes, there were no saloons in Highlands until after Prohibition. Many doctors came to Highlands to open sanitariums for those with tuberculosis. Explore the mansions, bungalows, cottages and foursquares, uncover the families who lived here in late 1800s and early 1900s. This tour is a 1.5 mile, level walk.

ADD A REVIEW

Did you enjoy the LoDo, Capitol Hill, or Larimer Square Walking Tour? If so, feel free to add a review here:

TripAdvisor

The Daniels & Fisher Tower Tour For Group Reservations Only

Group Tours of the D & F Tower (8 or more people) may be scheduled year round, in coordination with the Clock Tower’s availability .   We ask for two weeks notice to coordinate the tour.

The tour lasts 45-60 minutes.

The Daniels & Fisher Tower Tour will explore the history of Denver, the development of 16th Street as a shopping destination, and the Daniels & Fisher Department Store. Hear William Daniels vision for “a monument by which Denver shall be known”.

Interested in becoming a Walking Tour Docent?

Historic Denver, Inc. partners with  VISIT DENVER . You can find additional information on our tours at the Visitor’s Center, 1575 California St., Denver, CO 80202.

THE 10 BEST Colorado Walking Tours

Walking tours in colorado.

• Walking Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Mesa Verde Express Tour

2. 2 Hour LoDo Historic Walking Tour in Denver

3. Twilight Ghost Tour

4. Craft Beer Tour in Lower Downtown Denver

5. RiNo Arts District Food Tour

6. Step Through Time: Colorado Trivia Trek

7. Hiking Adventure in Rocky Mountain National Park from Denver

8. Mesa Verde National Park Highlights Tour

9. Downtown Denver History & Highlights - Small Group Walking Tour

10. Real Gold Mine Tour with, gold panning and more

11. Denver Haunted Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour - Lower Downtown

12. Denver Terrors Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

13. Self Guided Driving and Walking Tour in Garden of the Gods

14. Colorado Springs - Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour

15. Colorado Springs Hands-On Falconry Class and Demonstration

16. 700 Year Tour - Half Day Mesa Verde Cultural Tour

17. Scenic Photoshoot in Denver's Foothills

18. Denver - Capitol Hill Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour

19. Breckenridge Tours - Ghostly Tales

20. Classic 3-Hour Food Tour in Colorado Springs

21. Denver History and Highlights Walking Tour

22. Best of Denver Tour

23. RiNo Beer and Graffiti Walking Tour in Denver

24. Downtown Colorado Springs 2.5-Hour Brewery Tour

25. Aspen's Past to Present Historic Tour

26. Denver Terrors Ghost Tour

27. Guided 3-Hour Fort Collins Old Town Food Tour

28. Cocktails & Tastes Tour in Colorado Springs

29. Wild West Pub Crawl in Golden

30. Denver Cocktails Tour

What travelers are saying.

Denver Local Tours

City tours in denver, colorado, experience denver through the eyes of a local.

• MOST POPULAR!

Cheesman Park Ghost Tour

What lurks beneath the surface of Denver’s beautiful Cheesman Park? During this 1.5 hour spooky ghost tour you will uncover the eerie history and haunting tales behind the park (Denver’s first city cemetery).

• User All Ages
• Hour Glass 1.5 Hours

We offer fun and exciting walking tours of Denver’s iconic neighborhoods.  Let us be your insider guide to the Mile High City. TripAdvisor Travelers Choice award winner 2021, 2022, 2023!

• User Ages 21+ MUST HAVE VALID I.D. (Vertical ID's are not accepted in Co.)
• Hour Glass 2.5 - 3 Hours

Whiskey and History Tour

On this 3 hour walking tour of Downtown Denver, you’ll find out about Whiskey and Denver History! Denver was truly the Wild West, founded over a barrel of whiskey where dreams and fortunes were made, won, and lost.

RiNo Walking Tour

Experience Denver’s hippest neighborhood on our new 1.5-hour RiNo (River North) walking tour. From urban charm to industrial revival, learn firsthand why Lonely Planet has named RiNo one of the top 10 must-visit neighborhoods in the US.

• Hour Glass 2 Hours

LoDo Walking Tour

LoDo is Denver’s oldest neighborhood which is home to some of the best restaurants and attractions in Denver. On this 2 hour walking tour your savvy local guide will share fascinating history and point out local hot spots.

About Our Denver Tour Company

Will Olson here! Thanks for stopping by and we can’t wait to meet you.

Denver Local Tours was formed through our genuine love for the city and our desire to create unforgettable experiences for visitors and locals alike.  With over 20 years of combined hotel and restaurant management experience— we know the city inside and out. 

We LOVE our city and we are committed to creating community driven experiences where you know that by eating at a local restaurant, drinking at a local bar, and shopping local you are not only supporting our community— you are now part of our community. #DenverlikeAlocal  

TripAdvisor Awards

Tours with a Purpose

Tours with a Purpose donates $1 per person of every tour ticket sold to a local non-profit organization that is impacting Denver’s community on a daily basis. Each month we partner with a different organization, volunteer at the organization and donate $1 per guest that attended a tour during that month. For us, it’s all about community, connection and the impact we can have on each other’s lives.

By attending one of our tours you can know that you are not only supporting our community, but you are now part of our community. #Denverlikealocal

#1 out of 175 tour companies in Denver!

First time visiting Denver and it was such a great tour with Will! Really appreciated how in depth he went in describing the historical context and giving us some cool details on the buildings. He was very funny and intriguing in his storytelling. I would highly recommend!

I loved learning about the formation of the Dairy Block, brothels, and under ground rails in Denver. My second time on this trip...I brought my Denver family along to learn about their town... highly recommend!!!

Our whole family really enjoyed the walking tour. Will, our guide, was both entertaining and informative. We learnt and saw so many things about Denver. Highly recommend!

What a wonderful introduction to Denver. Rachel is so knowledgeable about the local history and food, and is full of warmth, fun, and energy. We loved our introduction to downtown Denver and would recommend this to anyone.

Such a great experience! Thank you for bringing the history to life for us and showing us around. The whole group had a wonderful time. Highly recommend!!

Will gave a friendly, informative experience. Well worth the time. The walk is not strenuous and is nicely paced. Even went into the bar afterwards which sells Coloradan oyster beer after hearing what its ingredients are - only to find they'd sold out!

Book Your Tour Now!

9 Best Denver Walking Tours to See Historic Downtown [2023]

This website may contain affiliate links and we may be compensated (at no cost to you!).

If you’re looking for the very best Denver walking tour available, keep reading. 

As locals living in Colorado, we love exploring Denver and there’s no better way to experience it than one of these guided walking tours.

From small group tours to art walks and food tastings, here is a list of the best and most historic Denver walking tours that we recommend.

We even took the time to chat with a local tour company and get the lowdown on what makes each tour a must-do.

What are the top Denver walking tours?

✔️ History & Highlights Walking Tour: Best for history buffs 🤩

✔️ Downtown Food Walking Tour: Best for foodies

✔️ LoDo Denver Walking Tour: Best for small groups

Each of these Denver walking tours, and lots more options, are listed below with more detailed information.

Thinking of living in Colorado? This guide will help you avoid costly mistakes and remove the stress of planning so you can experience the joys of mountain living.

Keep reading to find out which Mile High City walking tour is the best one for you and your loved ones.

1. Denver History & Highlights Tour

Dive deeper and explore all that the city has to offer on this Downtown Denver History & Highlights Tour .

Join a local Colorado guide to check out the city’s historic artichecture and listen to engaging stories. The capital of Colorado has come a long way from being a Pioneer town!

This 2-hour walking tour gives you a deeper look into Denver’s history so you can see why locals love it so much.

Plus, this is a kid-friendly tour as it’s wheelchair accessible and perfect for families with strollers.

What stops are included with this History & Highlights walking tour?

✔️ Colorado State Capitol

✔️ LoDo (Lower Downtown)

✔️ Brown Palace Hotel

✔️ Denver Union Station

✔️ Larimer Square

Throughout the tour you’ll also learn about the best places to eat, drink, shop, and play in and around the city of Denver.

This History & Highlights tour is also capped at a maximum of 12 travelers per session, making it the perfect activity for small groups.

And we’re not the only ones who think this Denver walking tour should make your list. Read nearly 200 five star reviews from other visitors and tourists.

Book this Denver History & Highlights Tour 🤩 5/5 stars (170+ reviews)

2. Downtown Denver Food Tour

What is better than a Denver walking tour enjoying a delicious bite to eat along the way? 

Eat and walk your way through the city on this Downtown Denver Food Tour over a relaxing 3-hour period.

Sample yummy food from five different award-winning restaurants like wood-fired pizza, fresh empanadas, and local Colorado pork green chile.

Alcoholic drinks are available for additional purchase with each food tasting as an expert pairing (for adults only).

What’s included with this downtown Denver walking food tour?

✔️ 5 food tastings

✔️ Exclusive discounts

✔️ Insider’s guide to dining

✔️ 3-hour guided experience

Still not convinced this tour is for you? With more than 900 five star reviews you really can’t go wrong. 

Discover award-winning eateries and authentic local food all while learning about Denver’s Wild West history.

Get insider tips for where to eat during the rest of your visit during this Denver food tour.

Book this Downtown Denver Food Tour 🤩 5/5 stars (900+ reviews)

3. LoDo Walking Tour

If you’re looking for a shorter and less expensive walking tour in the city, check out this Denver LoDo Walking Tour . 

With more than 575 five star reviews, this Denver walking tour has been named Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best in 2022. 

It’s a fun 1.5 hour tour where you and your group will discover the lowdown on one of Denver’s oldest neighborhoods.

LoDo is short for Lower Downtown and is home to some of the city’s hippest bars, best restaurants, and quirky hotels.

As you make a loop around LoDo you’ll see interesting landmarks and hear tales from Denver’s Wild West and gold rush days.

Stops along this Lower Downtown walking tour include:

✔️ The Dairy Block

✔️ Coors Field

✔️ 16th Street Mall

✔️ Oxford Hotel

If you want tips for where to dine, drink and party, this tour has it all. A local tour guide who knows the area well will divulge the best places to eat and drink in the Mile High City.

Book this budget-friendly walking tour in Denver’s LoDo neighborhood today. It’s been given the Badge of Excellence from TripAdvisor!

Book this LoDo Walking Tour in Denver 🤩 5/5 stars (575+ reviews)

4. Denver Terrors Ghost Walking Tour

If you’re into spooky stories and ghostly sightings then check out this Denver Terrors Ghost Walking Tour . 

For one hour you and a small group will venture into one of Denver’s most historic neighborhoods.

Visit the unique highlights of the Capitol Hill neighborhood and check out long-time landmarks like the Molly Brown House. 

Along this walking ghost tour, you’ll hear detailed accounts of hauntings past activities from thoroughly researched true stories.

Plus, you’ll see creepy hotels and spooky apartment blocks with their own ghostly myths.

Stops along this Denver ghost walking tour include:

✔️ Acacia Apartments

✔️ Molly Brown House Museum

✔️ Newhouse Hotel

✔️ Grosvenor Arms

You may even have a chance to see real-life ghost sightings or other paranormal activity.

And if you need to cancel your plans you can do so 24 hours before the event and still get a full refund. 

This Denver Terrors walking tour is a fun activity for both kids and adults.

Book this Denver Terrors Ghost Tour 😃 4.5/5 stars (100+ reviews)

5. “Best of” Denver Walking Tour

See the most popular landmarks in the Centennial State on this Best of Denver Walking Tour . 

Check out the biggest attractions like the The Brown Palace Hotel, Alma Temple, the United States Mint and 12 other historical stops.

You and your family can explore Denver like a true local thanks to unique details about the city and tips for where to dine, drink, and hidden gems.

You’ll also learn the history and culture of the Mile High City and learn juicy trivia from decades past to its modern society.

Finally, this tour will stop at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory for a tasty treat.

Stops along the “Best of” Denver walking tour include:

✔️ Civic Center Park

✔️ Denver Art Museum

✔️ Firefighters Museum

✔️ United States Mint at Denver

✔️ Paramount Theatre

In just over 2 hours you and your group will be able to enjoy the best of what Denver has to offer.

But don’t wait too long as this Denver walking tour is likely to sell out quickly, especially during the summer months.

Book this “Best Of” Denver Tour 🤩 5/5 stars (99 reviews)

6. Denver Graffiti Tour

If you’re looking for a less touristy walking tour then we highly recommend this Denver Graffiti Tour . 

Receiving the Badge of Excellence from TripAdvisor and 100+ five star reviews, this tour shares the Colorado stories that aren’t mentioned in the guidebooks.

You and a small group will spend about 2 hours walking around the RiNo Art District, the city’s prominent graffiti and street art location. 

Learn about the art and artists whose cultural underground is hiding in plain sight. 

Check out some of the most incredible murals, street art and legal graffiti available in this newly hip Denver neighborhood.

What’s included with this Denver graffiti tour?

✔️ Paved walking path

✔️ Nearly 100 murals

✔️ Private tours

✔️ Wheelchair accessible

Once the tour is complete you’ll end at the Denver Central Market which is a large food hall with 10+ gourmet restaurants for snacks or drinks.

And the best part is that this tour is designed for wheelchair accessibility so it’s perfect for all fitness levels.

Explore a different side of Denver in the River North Art District with this unique graffiti tour.

Book this Denver Graffiti Tour 🤩 5/5 stars (100+ reviews)

7. Haunted Pub Walking Tour

The city of Denver is home to some of the most haunted parks, museums, and mansions. 

And there’s no better way to explore these historic buildings and addresses than on this Haunted Pub Walking Tour . Who doesn’t love a haunted pub crawl while listening to ghost activity and spooky stories?

Meet up with local, friendly guides dressed in full costume as you explore Denver’s trendy Lower Downtown neighborhood. 

Over 2.5 hours you’ll visit four of the city’s historical bars and haunted pubs, all while listening to spooky ghost stories.

This tour is not wheelchair accessible but service animals are allowed. You must also be 21 years of age or older, with a valid photo ID.

Stops along this Ghost & Pub walking tour include:

✔️ Daniels Fisher Tower

✔️ The Oxford Club

✔️ Cruise Room Bar

This small group tour is capped at 10 people for a unique and customized experience. 

Drinks can be purchased along the tour and you’ll even be able to take home a free commemorative can or cup!

Book this Denver Ghost & Pub Walking Tour 😃 4.5/5 stars (160+ reviews)

8. Private Walking Tour of Denver

If you really want to see all that the Mile High City has to offer, then check out this Private Walking Tour of Denver .

In about 2.5 hours you’ll explore historic Denver gems like the Colorado Capitol, Union Station, and the Molly Brown House Museum. 

Then it’s onto more modern landmarks like the big blue bear at the Denver Art Museum. 

You’ll also pass by the United States Mint, which is one of six places in the country where money is printed.

Make the most of your time on this tour with a local guide who is knowledgeable about the city, the history and culture.

What’s included with this private walking tour of Denver?

✔️ 3-hour private guided tour

✔️ 1x beer or soft drink

✔️ Admission tickets

✔️ 7 popular Denver landmarks

Plus, since this is a private tour you won’t have to worry about too many people and can even create your own custom, personalized experience.

Included with your booking is a local snack and drink as well as plenty of time to take photos at each stop.

Book this Private Walking Tour of Denver 🤩 5/5 stars (likely to sell out)

9. Whiskey and History Tour

Due to popular demand this Whiskey and History Tour from Denver Like a Local Tours is back this year!

This walking tour is about 1.5 miles but is completed over three hours so it’s a slow-paced tour of the city.

Along the way you’ll stop at Nallen’s Pub, Denver’s oldest Irish Pub to sample some Irish Whiskey.

Then it’s onto Modern Saloon for some Whiskey, Bourbon and Rye then ending at a Denver distillery for a sample of spirits.

In between stops you’ll hear tales of the Wild West and the Outlaws who had dreams of making whiskey in Denver.

After speaking to Will, the owner of Denver Like a Local Tours , we learned very quickly how much there is to see and to learn about Denver. 

And this Whiskey and History Tour does not disappoint!

With nearly 600 five-star reviews on TripAdvisor , it’s no wonder that this is one of their most popular Denver walking tours.

This Whiskey and History Tour is for adults only ages 21 or older. It’s a great activity for a small group tour with friends or a night out on a date as a couple. 

Book this Whiskey & History Walking Tour 🤩 5/5 stars (100+ reviews)

Is downtown Denver a walkable area?

Yes, the city of Denver is very walkable and is bicycle friendly as well. It also offers additional transportation available via railway or bus.

The famous 16th Street Mall is an outdoor mall that caters to being outdoors and walking from shop to shop.

Getting around on foot in Denver is one of the best ways to see the streets and local sights.

Denver also makes a great base for exploring the local museums and historic buildings as well as the vast Rocky Mountains.

Most of the day trips from Denver can be reached within a 1 hour drive from the city.

Does Denver have a historic district?

Denver is actually home to two different historic districts! The first is LoDo or the Lower Downtown Historic District which hosts many of the coolest restaurants, bars, and shops.

The second is Denver’s Downtown Historic District which consists of 40+ buildings that are classified as architecture or historically significant to the state.

There are also many historic homes and neighborhoods in Denver that were built in the late 1800s to the early 1900s.

The downtown area of Denver is thriving with retail shops, delicious local cuisine, and rich history from the gold rush days.

To best explore any of Denver’s historic districts, I highly recommend booking a walking tour to take in the epic sights and sounds.

From historic downtown tours to ghost stories and street art, there are so many amazing walking tours available, it can be hard to choose. 

Not to mention there’s always something new to see and to do along the historic 16th Street Mall.

But we hope this list helped narrow down the very best walking tours in Denver that have hundreds of five-star reviews from locals and visitors alike.

Colorado Native & Personal Chef

Ryan Nicholson is a homegrown born and raised Colorado native. Being a rare unicorn to have grown up in CO, he has a unique perspective on the changes here and knows all the hidden spots to get outside in this state. Ryan's a classically French trained chef so he LOVES to try new foods and places to eat. When he's not experimenting in the kitchen or working as a personal chef along the Front Range, he loves to get outdoors and away from it all hiking, camping and backpacking.

Similar Posts

7 Best Hot Springs in Glenwood Springs, Colorado

13 Top Colorado Springs Tours That Locals Love [2024]

11 Unique Winter Date Ideas and Activities for Everyone to Enjoy

13 Best Denver Cocktail Tours & Hottest Bars for Drinks

9 BEST White Water Rafting Trips in Colorado for Summer 2023

Don’t Regret Moving to Colorado: 11 Things You Might Hate (or Love)

Dean's Aspen Walking Tours

Dean's Aspen Tours

An aspen experience, darkside ghost tour, tour tickets, tour calendar, fun & engaging aspen tours.

Classic Walking Tours

Evening Ghost Tours

Aspen Hiking Tours

Aspen Biking Tours

Guest reviews.

View more reviews here

Popular Aspen Tours

Aspen’s Dark Side Ghost Tour

Aspen’s Past to Present Tour

Aspen Private Tours

Highlights of Aspen Tour

Aspen’s Off the Beaten Path Tour

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

From self-guided walking tours to day-long excursions to the Rocky Mountains, explore the best Denver Tours showcasing The Mile High City. 

Beer Walking Tour

It is estimated that more than 200 different beers are brewed in Denver every single…

Denver Brewery Tours

Get behind-the-scenes looks at Denver’s thriving beer scene, including the largest…

Historical Downtown Walking Tour

This walking tour will take you to some of the best spots in Downtown Denver, where…

Free Denver Tours

For the budget-minded, Denver is the perfect spot for an affordable vacation getaway.

Fall & Winter

Spring & summer, plan your getaway, basecamp denver, attractions, arts & culture, family friendly, day trips & around colorado, sports & recreation, health & wellness, itineraries, booking widget added to footer panel.

• Skip to right header navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

• Trip Planner

Steve’s Original Salida Walking Tours

For anyone looking to learn about Salida’s past, Steve’s Original Salida Walking Tours is the perfect way to explore the city. With four different tour packages to choose from, guests are sure to learn something new about the city.

Taking guests across Salida to multiple locations, both day and night tours are offered. While some experiences are great for the entire family, others are more suited for older individuals. With five tours running daily, you’re sure to learn a little something about Salida before heading home.

Ghost & Murder Tour

A 90-minute walking tour with a 5-star rating, visitors will be escorted around Salida by a costumed guide during the Ghost & Murder Tour. Your guide will go tell 21 ghost stories including ones about a famous serial killer, a murdered madam, current hauntings, and why paranormal investigators love Salida.

Not for the weak of heart, it should be mentioned that ghosts are known to appear on the tour and follow guests home from time to time.

Outlaws, Whores & History Tour

A small-group experience that lasts 90 minutes, the Outlaws, Whores & History Tour unravels Salida’s darker past. Going over the area’s rowdy culture, brutal beatings, and knife fights as well as the murder of a local Marshal and other crimes, Salida’s wild past will be explored. Guests will also get to go to the bawdy brothel district and specific locations of working women.

Expanded Salida History Tour

Double the time of the previous tours, the Expanded Salida Walking Tour is meant for serious history buffs. Going over as much as possible, this slow-walking tour is based on local historian, Steven T. Chapman’s best-selling book The Salida Sam Historical Book Series .

Taking you into the past, your tour guide will talk about the area’s shootouts, culture, brothel district, and architecture. This tour is meant for those who want to take their time getting to know the ins and outs of Salida.

Craft Beer and Brewery Tour

A tour for those looking to sip a few beers, the Craft Beer and Brewery Tour is for those looking to drink their way around town. With a great brew community, the tour provides guests with a behind-the-scenes look into Salida’s craft and pub scene. Going over how they get the hops from plant to can, the tour includes eight 5-ounce local pours.

Address: Salida , CO

Phone: 719-497-9444

Season: Year-round

Website: salidawalkingtours.com

Get In Touch

• Privacy Policy
• Disclaimer—Terms of Service

Things To Do

• Travel Blog
• Colorado Activities
• Colorado Events
• Colorado Towns
• Colorado Hotels
• Colorado Restaurants
• Colorado Transportation
• Made in Colorado

Fall Activities

• Federal Lands
• Ghost Towns
• Hot Springs
• Ski Resorts
• State Parks
• Train Rides

MEET YOUR GUIDES | FAQs

Free denver  tours.

Dear guests, friends, and family,

We've updated our operations as a result of the previous pandemic and we do now need to implement a reservation system . This is to help with: 

Ensuring group sizes are smaller and within recommended maximums (our pre-pandemic, walk-up, no reservation free tours often had 50+ guests)

Scheduling extra guides on busier days to ensure you aren't turned away whenever possible due to the tours filling up

Allowing you to e-sign the waiver upon website checkout vs. taking time at the start of the tour and having lots of people touching the pen & paper.

To ensure we reach the 4 guest minimum. Tours with fewer than 4 guests will be cancelled and guests will be contacted with alternative options.  

Communication: you're sent helpful tour information and your guide will text you the morning of your tour to ensure you have everything you need for a great tour day and our team has a way to reach you if the starting location needs to change due to an event at the Capitol or your guide has an emergency and there's a change to the departure time or a guide change. 

While our 10 a.m. Denver downtown tours are operate under a pay-what-you-like tipping model, our third-party ticketing and booking system does have a $2.00 booking fee per guest. Thank you so much for your support and understanding, as this goes to TicketingHub, not Denver Walking Tours or your guide. 

Cheers and we hope to see you soon!

Jill, Matt and the entire DWT team

Tour Details:

Departure Time:

2-2.5 hours

May  1-Oct. 31: 7 days/week

Nov. 1-Apr. 30: Fridays,   Saturdays & Sundays

No tours: Thanksgiving Day, or Dec. 25.

Difficulty:

1.7 miles; plenty of stops

Meeting Place:

F ront steps of the Colorado State Capitol

Ending Location:

Union Station

1701 Wynkoop Street

Free Walking Tour Overview:

Join us in exploring Denver the best way possible: on foot and through our unique pay-what-you-wish model! We'll see and experience downtown Denver's unique sights, landmarks and history, plus hear the fun stories behind the landmarks that many locals don't even know. You’ll see and learn more in 2-2.5 hours than you thought possible!

We kick things off at the famous Mile High Steps of the Colorado State Capitol, then hit the streets to wind through the heart of downtown Denver for our walking cultural & history adventure. The tour will include 11 of our favorite sights, while digging into the great culture & history that make our Mile High City so unique. If you're the type that likes a little bit of everything - history, culture, art, & architecture - this is the tour for you! You’ll have plenty of time to chat with your guide, ask questions, take pictures, and learn more about the Mile High City, past and present! We'll explore Denver's gorgeous Civic Center, hip LoDo (Lower Downtown) and the famous Big Blue Bear, plus Larimer Square - the city’s oldest block, with historic architecture and landmark 19th century buildings. Carnegie Library, the eye-catching Art Museum complex, the Parisian-inspired Civic Center Park, and the famous U.S. Mint, where you'll hear some epic heist stories, are also on our route.

We give great recommendations and, along the way, enjoy plenty of time to chat with your guide, ask questions, take pictures, and learn more about the Mile High City, past and present,  than you thought possible in 2-2.5 hours! After your experience wraps up at the iconic Union Station, you decide how much the experience was worth to you (pay-what-you-wish) via a tip to your guide.

Additional Tour Info:

The front steps of the Colorado State Capitol face west, towards the mountains and towards Lincoln St.

Be sure to arrive by 9:50 a.m., at least 10 minutes prior to the tour departure time to meet your guide, check-in and introduce yourself. Tours do start and depart on time.

State Capitol address: 200 E. Colfax Ave., Denver, CO, 80203. You can use this address to guide you to the Capitol, but your GPS will likely take you to the north side of the building, NOT to the front steps and front of the building, so b e mindful to navigate to the front steps when you arrive.

Tours still operate rain, snow, or shine and when events are happening at the Capitol or in Civic Center Park, and there are events almost every weekend in our warmer months. ​

Your local tour guide will be wearing a neon yellow Denver Walking Tours shirt and in less than ideal weather they may also be carrying a small green Denver Walking Tours sign. 

Denver Walking Tours does not charge an up-front price for our 10 a.m. walking tours - we operate on a "pay-what-you-wish" gratuity model. Why? We aim to make experiencing Denver accessible to all guests, regardless of budget, and we think that you should decide how much your Denver tour experience was worth to you and what your guide's time, talent and expertise were worth to you when your tour is finished and that what you choose to give should go directly to your guide.

With your local tour guide (Jill, Alyce, Brian, Jimmy, Anthony, or Janine) depending on the day you join us) working for gratuities only, you know we are going to go the extra mile to make sure that you have a GREAT Denver walking tour, enjoy your experience, learn something new, answer any questions you have, and give great local recommendations. If you enjoyed your tour experience, just tip your amazing guide what you feel their time was worth to you! 

All ages are welcome!  Will your kid(s) like the downtown Denver tour and exploring LoDo and other areas of Denver? That really depends on your kiddo(s)! Our Denver sightseeing tours are suitable and designed to be enjoyed by all ages. Your guide is trained and experienced in working with youth. Youth ages 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Odds & Ends: ​

Wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Reservations are required. Reserve your spot here . 

Parties of 7+ guests must book a private, pre-paid Denver tour , as our 10 a.m. tours are designed for individual visitors or small groups of six or less visitors to ensure a safe and engaging tour experience. 

There is the Free 16th St. Mall shuttle that can take you back to the start of the historic Denver tour, if needed.  It runs every few minutes.  

Don't forget to bring water, wear very comfortable walking shoes, and dress in layers for Denver's ever-changing weather! 

Also, see our FAQ page for a ton more info on our walking tours.

Touring with a local is a great activity to do on one of your first days in town! Please note that due to the Denver walking tour duration and building regulations, we're only able to go inside Union Station.

If you are not feeling well or have any cold or flu-like symptoms, please stay home and follow government guidelines for self-isolation and medical care.

This walking tour has a four guest minimum in order to operate. Although it's rare, tours with less than four guests will booked will be cancelled and guests will be contacted by 8:30 a.m. the morning of the tour with alternate options.

The temperature must be above 20 degrees in order for this walking tour to operate. 

Tour Itinerary:

  10 am.  start: the colorado state capitol & famous mile high steps,  the eye-catching denver public library,  the one-of-a-kind denver art museum and denver's amazing public art,  the european-inspired civic center park,  the striking city and county building,   approximately   11 am.  the heists of the u.s. mint,  snap a photo with the big blue bear at the denver convention center,  the denver performing arts complex's history & beauty (and restroom break),  the historic, must-see larimer square,  the bustling 16th street mall,   12 - 12:30 pm.  free denver tours end: the iconic union station.

Tickets for the free/pay-what-you-wish tours are non-refundable and non-transferrable. 

Ruben B. "Our tour guide was Sherry Moon and she was an absolute pleasure! Very knowledgeable and truly loves the city's history. Recommended to all our friends and anyone going as their first event to get familiar with the city and it's little secrets including the free buses for mall street which came in VERY handy! Thank you guys!"​ Read full testimonial.

Denver tours, free denver tours.

Private Tours

Ghost Tours

Cortez Tours

Discover · Learn · Explore

Cortez tours discover · learn · explore.

Mesa Verde Sunrise Tour

$ 28  per person · 2 hour s

Hawkins Preserve, Cor tez, Colorad o

Wild West Ghost Tour

$25 per person · 2 hours

Cortez, Colorado

Nature & History Tour

$25 per person · 1.5 hours

Hawkins Preserve, Cortez, Colorado

First Friday Art Tour

Free • 2 hours

Downtown Cortez, Colorado

Personalized  Hiking Tour

From $200 • Half or Full Day

Within 2-drive of Cortez, Colorado

Tour Schedule

Things to Do

LEARN WHAT PEOPLE SAY

DON'T MISS THIS EXPERIENCE!!

This was amazing! So much more than expected, easily worth every penny and more,

Amazing end to our time near Mesa Verde! Helen was a great guide and we had a wonderful walk at sunrise together.

All-around a great experience! Helen has designed a very relaxed & accessible outing in a beautiful place.

Loved it!! 

Easy Mountain Biking Trails

Mountain biking doesn't have to be hard...and you don't need to be an expert to enjoy the trails in Mesa Verde Country! Cortez Tour guides aren't the greatest mountain bikers, but we LOVE riding - and we hope you do too! Check out this list of easy to moderate trails for the less extreme bikers.

Mesa Verde Country

Are you looking for things to do in southwest Colorado? Check out Mesa Verde Country, your one-stop site for all activities in Montezuma County. From places to eat to do to 10-day itineraries Mesa Verde Country has you covered! And when you are town, stop by the visitor center in Cortez to say "hello"! 

Hiking in Montezuma Colorado

We want our guests to get outside and enjoy the public lands of southwest Colorado. We've cultivated our favorite trails (from 1-hour strolls to 9-mile treks) just for you!

719-497-9444 call or text

[email protected]

Meet The Team

Steve Chapman

Uncover the hidden gems of Salida alongside Steve, a multifaceted expert in history, writing, and entrepreneurship. As your knowledgeable guide, Steve brings his passion for the past to life, leading captivating walking tours that will leave you enthralled.

Beyond his role as a tour guide, Steve is a renowned author, penning the acclaimed 'Salida Sam' historical book series and the Salida Walking Tours biographical series. His dedication to preserving and sharing the city's rich history extends further as the producer of the award-winning radio program, 'A Salida Moment in History.' His commitment to heritage is also evident through his involvement on the esteemed Salida Historic Preservation Commission.

When Steve isn't immersed in unraveling fascinating historical narratives, you'll find him exploring the majestic mountains alongside Gina, his trusty 2005 Jeep Wrangler, and Rez, his spirited 2018 Red Heeler/Basenji mix.

Join Steve on an unforgettable journey through Salida's past, guided by his expertise and infectious enthusiasm. Book your tour today and discover the remarkable stories that shape our vibrant town.

Step into the rich tapestry of Chaffee County's history alongside the vibrant D.J., a former Denver teacher turned passionate local storyteller.

After dedicating 25 years to education, D.J. chose to make Chaffee County her home upon retirement. Her roots in the area run deep, with her family having built a cherished cabin here back in 1968. Currently, she resides in Buena Vista and contributes her talents as a reporter for The Mountain Mail in Salida.

With an innate love for the region, D.J. finds joy in sharing the captivating history and cherished stories she grew up with. Brace yourself for a blend of enthralling tales and spine-tingling accounts of old Buena Vista, as she delves into the mysterious and sometimes eerie aspects of the area's past.

Join D.J. on an unforgettable walking tour, where her passion and intimate knowledge of the region shine through. Book your spot today and embark on a journey filled with history, nostalgia, and a dash of chilling tales that will leave you captivated.

• Summer Camp
• GHS Yearbooks
• Online Collection

Walking Tour

Home » Learn & Do » Walking Tour

Golden, Colorado, Historical Points Walking Tour

1.5 miles; approximately 35-50 minutes.

Wind your way through Golden’s history by checking out our 16-point walking tour, starting at the Golden Visitors Center, at 1010 Washington Ave, Golden, CO 80401 . Navigate using your smartphone and the customized Google map below.

Click the photographs to connect with the Museum’s Online Collection and learn more about selected stops through images, artifacts, and more.

Looking for the detailed 24-page Tour of Historic Golden booklet published in 2011? Download the PDF here .

1. Boston Company

2. Goosetown

Goosetown is Golden’s historic German district, having come into its own during the 1870s as immigrant railroad workers settled around the main works of the Colorado Central Railroad on its north side. The area is roughly bounded by Ford Street, Clear Creek, the eastern city limits, and Highway 58.

The origin of the name “Goosetown” is thought to have been inspired either by the nearby large flock of geese Adolph Coors kept, or the cackling of the female inhabitants of the locality. Goosetown was home to a rowdy set of blue-collar German families, as well as a scattering of other immigrants including persons from Sweden, Poland and England. Goosetown, being near the freight depot, had a number of hotels, including the Burgess House, Omaha House, Pennsylvania House, and the German House which had earlier served as Germania Hall.

At the corner of 10th and Vasquez Streets once stood Goosetown Tavern, Colorado’s oldest continuously operating bar. In 1998, the bar was demolished, but not before some of its interior was saved by John Hickenlooper, Colorado’s brewer-turned-Governor, who installed them in a new Goosetown Tavern in the Congress Park district of Denver.

3. Burgess House

4. Vanover Hanging

Golden—and much of Colorado—in the 1850s and 60s was a booming and frequently lawless place. In the absence of an established police, local townspeople occasionally resorted to frontier vigilantism to settle disputes and serve justice.

In 1859, a young tavern owner named Edgar Vanover, who had earned a reputation as an ill-tempered drunk, began making personal threats to a number of townspeople. According to one newspaper account, an inebriated Vanover began shooting wildly, pointing his weapon at people, and making himself a general menace. A mob of angered people chased after Vanover, who fled to a nearby cabin. The mob openly debated how to handle the threatening young man and debated whether to deport him from town or hang him. Concerned that an evicted Vanover would only return for retribution, the mob took the extralegal option of condemning the man to death without so much as an indictment or trial. Vanover was brought to a beef gallows that stood at the southeast corner of Ford Street and Clear Creek and was summarily hanged.

In 1990, the City of Golden dedicated a park named for the subject of this gruesome act.

5. Coors Brewery

In 1873, German immigrants Jacob Schueler and Adolph Coors opened a small brewery at the base of South Table Mountain in Golden. They began producing beer following a Czech Pilsner recipe which Coors had obtained through his experiences as a brewer. Their enterprise, which began in an abandoned tannery, has grown to become the largest single-site brewery on the planet.

Coors and Golden have been synonymous for more than a century. The iconic Castle Rock formation atop South Table Mountain was used on the company logo from the earliest times. The company was one of only a handful of breweries nationally to outlast Prohibition and did so by turning to the production of malted milk, which Coors supplied to the Mars Candy Company.

Before it reached the scale it is today, the Coors Brewery was a social space for Goldenites. A lovely park and reservoir on the Ford Street side was a favorite spot for local families to stroll, picnic, and rowboat.

6. Greeley’s Crossing

Horace Greeley, the famed author and publisher of the New York Tribune who famously popularized the saying “Go West, young man, and grow up with the country” himself visited Colorado in 1859. Intent on thoroughly exploring the Pikes Peak gold region, Greeley came to Golden to see the supply town that sprang up along Clear Creek.

A toll bridge crossing the stream was still under construction, so Greeley decided to ford the creek, swollen with spring runoff. Capt. Edward Berthoud, a founder of Golden and Greeley’s companion during his exploration, wrote of the crossing:

“Horace Greeley, mounted on a mule, dressed in a rough garb of a traveler, with his old white hat firmly pressed on his head, rode up to the bank of Clear Creek, where now stands Capt. Berthoud’s barn. In view of this, he had sallied out; and now before him roared a vicious, impetuous mountain torrent, that must be passed. Fearless he plunged in, mule and all, and right manfully he did buffet the angry waves; but the waves prevailed; mule, rider and old white hat stood not on the order of their going, but danced merrily down to swell the turbid Platte. Horror struck at the accident, and the whole population rode or rant to the rescue. The mule first landed, and Charity or the Good Samaritan, in the shape of a sturdy miner with a boat-hook soon rescued the now half-drowned author, and by the seat of his unmentionables, dragged him safely to shore.”

7. Welcome Arch

In 1948, Holland asked his friend, Paul Reeves—a Coors ad man who had recently designed the company’s first aluminum can label in 1948—to come up with a concept for the arch. Reeves designed a modern, steel framework structure that arced 58 feet over Washington Avenue, lit with neon, and emblazoned with the words “Howdy Folks! Welcome to Golden.” At a cost of $7,500 the arch was dedicated on March 24, 1949.

During a renovation in 1979, the last word in the tagline “Where the West Remains” was changed to “Lives,” feeling that the former sounded unpleasantly similar to mortal remains. Now a local landmark, the Welcome Arch is arguably the most photographed spot in Golden.

8. Jolly Rancher

Dorothy and Bill Harmsen opened their first ice cream store at 1113 Washington Avenue in June 1949. Called Jolly Rancher , the name was intended to evoke a fun, Western hospitality. Jolly Rancher ice cream and confections were a terrific hit, but sales slumped during the cold winter months. So, the Harmsens turned their attention to making hard candies in fruit flavors. One of their “hottest” lines were the ever popular cinnamon Fire Stix.

Jolly Rancher expanded rapidly and opened franchised stores in multiple locations, including Nebraska and Wyoming. In 1951, candy production was moved to the Sugar Bar Ranch factory in Wheat Ridge. That plant, at 5060 Ward Road, closed for good in 2002 and was finally demolished in 2005 to make way for new residential development.

The parent company changed several times. In 1966, Jolly Rancher merged with Beatrice Foods Company of Chicago. Leaf Brands purchased Beatrice Foods in 1983, which was subsequently bought by Hershey Foods Corporation on Dec. 30, 1996. As of 2022, Jolly Rancher is manufactured in Quebec, Canada, and remains one of America’s most iconic candies.

9. Loveland Cottage

William Loveland, often called the “Prince of Pioneers” in his day, was one of the most important settlers of Golden and the State of Colorado. Loveland arrived in Golden in 1859 during the Pikes Peak gold rush. When the Colorado Territory was established in 1861, Loveland was one of the biggest promoters of making Golden its capital, which happened the following year.

Loveland was a forward-thinking entrepreneur and civic leader. He was a founder of the Colorado Central Railroad, trustee of the Colorado School of Mines, mayor of Golden, and Lieutenant Governor of Colorado, among many other notable achievements.

Constructed in 1859, Loveland’s Cottage that stands at 717 12th Street is Golden’s oldest building.

10. Old Capitol

As part of William Loveland’s plan to lure the territorial capital to Golden, he offered the Legislature free use of his property. In 1864, the Legislature met in Loveland’s original wooden mercantile on the east side of Washington Avenue. Upon completion of improvements to his new brick storefront at 1122 Washington Avenue, the Legislature moved to the second floor of Loveland’s Mercantile in 1866.

The battle to choose a permanent home for the capital pitted wealthy Denver businessmen who wanted a convenient, civilized seat of power in Denver against rural agrarian and mining communities opposed to handing more power to the big city. On December 9, 1867, the legislature met in Loveland’s building and heatedly debated where to place the capital. A vote was taken and the decision to relocate the capital to Denver was decided by a single elector. Goldenites were aghast and alleged bribes bought the deciding vote.

11. Foss Drug

Built in 1913, The Armory Building is one of the most identifiable buildings in Golden. Constructed entirely from river rock drawn from Clear Creek, the Armory is believed to be the largest cobblestone building west of the Mississippi. The Armory was designed by Golden architect James Gow and was built to house Company A Engineers of the Colorado National Guard and the Colorado School of Mines ROTC Unit. During the 1917/1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic that swept the country after WWI, the Armory was temporarily converted into an emergency hospital for the Red Cross.

13. Astor House

During the gold and silver rush years, boarding houses like Astor House provided a temporary home for thousands of treasure seekers who flooded Colorado seeking their fortunes. Astor House was built in 1867 from locally quarried sandstone. It was enlarged in 1893 and featured a large dining room, a modern kitchen, some of the first indoor plumbing, and thirteen rooms that housed guests and the landlord. During most of the 20th century, Astor House was home to hundreds of School of Mines students. Having fallen into a state of serious disrepair, it was slated to be demolished in 1970. A group of concerned people rallied to preserve the building, and in 1972 was purchased and saved by a public vote.

14. 12th Street Historic District

In contrast to the rowdier immigrant neighborhoods like Goosetown on the north side of Clear Creek, 12th Street on the south side of the creek was Golden’s genteel neighborhood. Featuring some of the best examples of Victorian and Italianate architecture in the City, 12th Street was home to some of the City’s prominent businessmen, civic leaders, and educators.

The home at 1018 12th Street was built by George West, one of Golden’s earliest founders. West was a member of the Boston Company and most notably the publisher of the Colorado Transcript , Colorado’s second oldest continuously published newspaper. The brick Italianate house at 920 12th Street was the home of Dr. James Kelly, a physician and territorial legislator. Today, the home is best known as the Golden City Brewery—one of State’s first microbreweries founded by Charlie and Janine Sturdavant in 1993.

15. Golden History Park

The History Park is home to many of the original buildings from the historic Pearce Ranch in Golden Gate Canyon (about fifteen miles away as the crow flies). The Pearce and Reynolds Families were Cornish immigrants who settled in the hills west of Golden in the 1870s to mine, ranch and farm.

When a housing development threatened the ranch buildings in the early 1990s, the community rallied to save this piece of Golden’s history. Beginning in 1994, the buildings were moved to this piece of land in Golden, log by log, where they were lovingly reconstructed over the course of four years. The parkland was once a neglected salvage yard that was painstakingly cleaned and reclaimed. Today, Golden History Park is one of the most popular and scenic gathering spots in Golden.

16. Golden History Museum

The Golden History Museum is a warm, welcoming, and vibrant public space for uncovering and sharing our past. The exhibits at Golden History Museum include versatile programming spaces, a hands-on gallery for families with young children, and dynamic displays that highlight the City’s collection of 15,000 historic objects. Discover your own favorite artifacts in-person and then continue your learning journey at home or in your local coffee shop using our  extensive online collection .

Back to the Starting Point

Want to learn more about Golden’s rich history? Besides the last stops at Golden History Museum & Park, you can also visit the Colorado Railroad Museum, Buffalo Bill’s Grave, or many others. Get more information from Visit Golden .

Learn & Do

• Building Colorado: Communities
• Building Colorado: Cities
• Ute Knowledge: STEM Kit
• Teacher Resources
• Field Trips
• After School
• School Breaks
• Programs and Events
• Discover Magazine
• Native American Ethnography

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Downtown walking tours

Explore your city center.

Sponsored by Maggie Turner, Realtor with LIV Sotheby’s International Realty , these hour-long guided tours introduce the historic landmarks, contemporary artwork, and cultural highlights of Downtown. Catch a public tour for $15 one Saturday each month, or email [email protected] to reserve a private tour for 10 or more. Student and corporate tours also available.

Pre-registration strongly recommended.  Tours frequently sell out in advance. Click individual dates below to purchase tickets.

Starting times & locations

Tours are held one Saturday each month, departing at 10 a.m. from various Downtown coffee shops (check individual dates for location details). Participants are encouraged to arrive 30 min. early to enjoy a free beverage of their choice (included in ticket price) . 

Cancellation Policy

Tickets are non-refundable. Given 24 hours cancellation notice (call 719-886-0088 or email [email protected] ), tickets may be transferred to a later tour date.

Upcoming events

Events search and views navigation, event views navigation, walking tour: historic architecture & murals.

Past meets future in this behind-the-scenes tour of Downtown’s historic architecture and contemporary murals. Hear the stories of these iconic urban artworks and learn how both contribute to a more walkable, inviting environment for all.

Walking Tour: Secret Selfie Spots: Downtown Edition

Grab your phone and your bestie and join us for a fun tour of some of Downtown’s best photo ops. You’ll explore public art while learning about lighting, angles, and more from a professional photographer.

Walking Tour: Art on the Streets 2024!

The annual Art on the Streets program transforms Downtown streets into an outdoor gallery. Explore the currently installed artworks and get firsthand insight into the artists who created them. NOTE: This public art exhibition changes each June, so this is the first 2024 walking tour showcasing the new works of art! 

Walking Tour: Law & Disorder

Facilitated by staffers of the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, Law & Disorder explores how Colorado Springs officials fought to remain a dry town in wet times; the captivating story of how law enforcement, citizens and the Gazette newspaper worked to run the KKK out of town in the 1920s; and an infamous gun battle with train robbers in the streets of Downtown.

August 2024

Walking tour: on a cough and a prayer.

In this tour facilitated by staffers of the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, you’ll explore both the reputable and infamous people, places, and treatments that made Colorado Springs famous as a health resort in the late nineteenth century.

September 2024

Walking tour: what’s up downtown.

Get the lowdown on some of Downtown’s unique businesses while exploring the city center. You’ll learn more about the people who make up the culture of Downtown and get the inside scoop on what it takes to build a vibrant urban environment.

October 2024

Walking tour: ghosts of downtown.

Hear spooky stories from Colorado Springs’ early days in this interactive tour. Some stories are real; some are fake — can you tell which is which? Hear untold stories of historic buildings and get to know the Ghosts of Downtown.

November 2024

Walking tour: art on the streets.

The annual Art on the Streets program transforms Downtown streets into an outdoor gallery. Explore the currently installed artworks and get firsthand insight into the artists who created them.

December 2024

January 2025.

• Google Calendar
• Outlook 365
• Outlook Live
• Export .ics file
• Export Outlook .ics file

Privacy Overview

Discover downtown pass, first friday, hidden gems & local faves, visitor info, add to home screen.