Discover the Dark Side of Denver with a Murals and True Crime Tour

If you’re visiting Denver and want to combine a taste of its street art with stories of its notorious past, the Dark Side of Denver RiNos True Crime and Murals Tour is an excellent choice. This 1.5-hour adventure, led by a knowledgeable guide (Jeremy, in reviews), takes you through the lively RiNo district, famous for its colorful murals and gritty stories. The tour costs a modest fee, offers flexible options to include craft beers and local food, and is perfect for travelers wanting an authentic, slightly edgy experience.

What really makes this tour stand out is its balance of art and history. We love how it highlights Denver’s vibrant murals—by both local and international artists—while also unmasking some of the city’s darker moments, from historical scandals to modern crimes. Plus, the tour’s small group size ensures an intimate, engaging experience. A possible drawback? The 1.5-hour duration means it’s not a deep dive into any one story, but that’s also part of its charm—light enough to enjoy without feeling overwhelmed.

This tour is ideal for history buffs, art lovers, and anyone curious about Denver’s hidden stories. If you’re traveling with a group that appreciates a mix of visual art and true crime tales, you’ll find it both fun and enlightening. Travelers who enjoy local food, craft beers, and a flexible itinerary tailored to their interests will also appreciate the options for snacks and drinks along the route.

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Key Points

Balanced Experience: Combines murals and street art with captivating true crime stories.
Flexible Tour: Can be tailored to focus more on history, art, or crime, based on your interests.
Local Flavor: Includes options for craft beers and local cuisine along the route.
Knowledgeable Guide: Jeremy is praised for his engaging storytelling and personalized approach.
Rich Cultural Context: Explores Denver’s past, from red-light districts to infamous crimes.
Accessible & Small Group: Limited to 10 people, ensuring personal attention and easy conversation.

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An Authentic Dive Into Denver’s Art and Dark History

When we think of Denver, we often picture its stunning mountain views, thriving arts scene, or vibrant downtown. But this tour offers a different perspective—one that reveals the shadier, more complex side of the city. In just 1.5 hours, you’ll see dozens of murals—some bright and playful, others more provocative—by talented local and international artists. The murals are an eye-catching backdrop as you listen to stories that range from historical tragedies to modern crimes.

The Murals: A Visual Feast

The RiNo district is a canvas of creativity. We loved the way the tour stops at some of the neighborhood’s best murals, giving you a chance to admire large-scale street art that turns alleyways into outdoor galleries. These murals aren’t just decorative; they tell stories, challenge norms, and reflect the city’s dynamic culture. If you’re into street art, you’ll appreciate how the tour seamlessly weaves the visual with the historical.

True Crime and Dark Stories

The real “dark side” part of the tour covers some of Denver’s most gripping and often tragic stories. You’ll hear about events like the Sand Creek Massacre and the efforts of Silas Soule to expose the truth—stories that reveal the violence and injustice woven into Colorado’s past. The tour also discusses more recent events like a 2022 shooting rampage by a misogynist, adding a modern context to the darker themes.

A highlight for many is the story of Market Streets’ once large red-light district, where over 1,000 prostitutes worked—an insight into the city’s less-glamorous but historically significant side. The guide also offers optional stories about infamous cases like JonBenet Ramsey, Columbine, and Ted Bundy, depending on the group’s interest.

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Who’s the Tour For?

This experience suits curious travelers eager to learn about Denver beyond the usual tourist highlights. It’s especially appealing to those who enjoy street art, local stories, and true crime. The tour’s flexibility means you can focus more on art, history, or crime stories, making it a versatile choice for different interests.

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Practical Aspects

Starting point is in front of the Wonderyard Garden + Table, a lively spot in RiNo that’s easy to find. The tour is wheelchair accessible and limited to 10 participants, which keeps things intimate and manageable. While the duration is brief, it packs plenty of stories and visuals into a compact route—roughly 2 miles of walking, with stops for snacks and drinks if you want to indulge.

The cost includes the guide and the storytelling, with optional additions like craft beer tastings or food from local restaurants and food trucks. Many reviewers, like Chase, praised Jeremy for tailoring the tour to their interests and for sharing great recommendations for food and activities, adding value to the experience.

Value for Money

Considering the personalized approach, small group size, and the mix of art and storytelling, the tour offers excellent value. It’s a unique way to explore Denver’s cultural fabric while also learning about its less-glamorous side. Plus, the flexibility to include food and drink makes it even more appealing.

Final Thoughts

The Dark Side of Denver tour is a smart pick for those who want to blend visual art, history, and true crime stories into a manageable, engaging walk. It’s a well-balanced experience that brings to life the city’s colorful murals alongside its darker chapters, making history feel immediate and real.

If you’re someone who appreciates guided storytelling with a focus on local culture and authentic experiences, this tour will satisfy your curiosity. It’s also perfect if you’re traveling with a small group and want an intimate, flexible exploration of Denver’s less obvious stories.

For travelers eager for something different, that’s informative but fun, and that respects local art and history, the Dark Side of Denver tour is a compelling choice. It offers a thoughtful, balanced glimpse into the city’s complex identity—all wrapped up in a lively, accessible package.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts about 1.5 hours, covering roughly 2 miles of walking through RiNo.

Can I customize the focus of the tour?
Yes, the guide can tailor the experience based on your interests, whether more on murals, history, or true crime stories.

Is the tour suitable for all mobility levels?
Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible, making it accessible for most travelers.

Are food and drinks included?
Food and craft beer are optional add-ons; the tour itself covers the storytelling and murals. You can choose to stop at local restaurants or food trucks.

Where do we meet?
In front of the Wonderyard Garden + Table, at coordinates 39.75475311279297, -104.98974609375.

What is the group size?
Limited to 10 participants for a more personal experience.

What kind of stories will I hear?
Stories range from Colorado’s historical tragedies, like the Sand Creek Massacre, to modern criminal cases, and local red-light district history.

Is it suitable for kids or families?
While not explicitly stated, the dark themes might be better suited for older teens and adults.

What language is the tour conducted in?
English, with a small group setting ensuring clear communication.

In summary, this tour offers a refreshing and authentic way to see Denver—combining visual artistry with fascinating, sometimes unsettling stories. Whether you’re a fan of street art, history, or true crime, it’s a ride that’s both informative and fun, with just the right touch of Colorado’s darker side.