Denver: After Dark Ghosts of the City Walking Tour

If you’re intrigued by Denver’s shadowy corners, tales of vice, crime, and ghosts, this adults-only ghost tour offers a captivating way to experience the city after sunset. For $35 per person, you’ll spend about 1.5 hours strolling through some of Denver’s most historic—and haunted—sites. Led by a knowledgeable guide, this tour promises a mix of spine-tingling stories and authentic history, making it an engaging choice for those curious about Denver’s darker side.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines storytelling with real landmarks, like Union Station and the Ice House, giving you a sense of walking through Denver’s secret past. The tour’s small group size (limited to 9 participants) helps keep the experience intimate and personalized, and since it’s adult-only, you can expect a more mature, no-kid-friendly atmosphere.

One thing to consider: this experience leans heavily toward stories of tragedy and ghostly legends rather than supernatural proof. If you’re a hard believer or craving tangible evidence, this might not meet your expectations. But if you enjoy fascinating tales of Denver’s history and ghostly lore, this tour is ideal. It’s especially suited for history buffs, ghost enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a different way to see the city after dark.

Key Points

• Authentic Landmarks: Stops include Union Station, the Ice House, and Market Street, blending history with ghost stories.
• Small Group Setting: Limited to nine participants, creating a more personal experience.
• Adult-Only Tour: Designed strictly for grown-ups, ensuring mature storytelling and atmosphere.
• Knowledgeable Guide: The tour’s success hinges on the guide’s expertise, as noted in reviews praising their local knowledge.
• Eerie Atmosphere: The tour is conducted in the evening, heightening the spooky vibe.
• Value for Price: At $35, it delivers a compact, themed experience with plenty of storytelling.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into Denver’s Haunted History

Walking tours are an excellent way to see a city from a different perspective—especially when they focus on stories of the past that are often hidden or forgotten. The Denver After Dark Ghosts of the City Walking Tour is no exception. It’s a well-paced, 1.5-hour adventure that visits some of Denver’s key historic sites, each with its own ghostly or tragic tale.

Starting Point: Union Station

Your journey begins at Union Station, a central Denver landmark with a storied past. Here, your guide uncovers dark tales dating back to the 1858 Gold Rush and the 1893 Silver Crash, events that helped shape Denver’s growth and, at times, its darker side. The station’s current grandeur hides stories of hardship, crime, and ghostly whispers—an intriguing introduction for those interested in Denver’s layered history.

The Crawford Hotel and Haunted Whispers

Next, you’ll explore The Crawford Hotel, located within the historic station. This site is said to echo with haunted whispers, remnants of Denver’s first railroad station’s lively and sometimes violent past. The sense of history combined with the dark tales makes for a compelling stop—not necessarily spooky but certainly atmospheric.

The Ice House: Denver’s Cold Storage

Venturing to the Ice House, the largest cold storage facility in the Rockies, adds a chilling element to the tour. While not explicitly haunted in the traditional sense, this place’s size and age contribute to an eerie mood. It’s a reminder of Denver’s industrial roots and the stories that come with old warehouses—stories that some say include ghostly sightings or unexplained sounds.

More Great Tours Nearby

Market Street (The Row): Jack the Strangler

A highlight for many is the walk along Market Street, also known as The Row, where the legend of Jack the Strangler still lingers. This notorious figure’s story is woven into the street’s history, adding a layer of true crime intrigue to the ghostly tales. The dark past of this area underscores how crime and violence have shaped Denver’s story.

18th and Lawrence: Denver City Cable Railway Co.

Moving on, you’ll learn about the Denver City Cable Railway Co. at the intersection of 18th and Lawrence. This segment offers a glimpse into Denver’s transportation history—and the ghost stories attached to old trolley lines, which, in some accounts, are haunted by restless spirits.

Bryan White US Courthouse and the Mysterious Floating Head

Finally, your guide will share the strange tale of the floating head at the Capitol, a story that captures the imagination and emphasizes Denver’s strange and spooky legends. It’s stories like these that add a fun, eerie twist for those who enjoy a bit of supernatural mystery.

Optional Haunted Hotspots

While the main tour covers iconic sites, you also have the chance to opt for visits to other haunted locations like The Oxford Hotel, The Equitable Building, or Mattie Silk’s House of Mirrors. These optional stops deepen the experience for those eager to extend their spooky adventure.

What to Expect and Practicalities

This tour is designed for adults, making it unsuitable for children under 16. It takes place rain or shine, so comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are a must. The small group size means you’ll get plenty of personal attention and opportunities to ask questions, but it also means booking in advance is recommended.

The meeting point is at the Flag Pole in front of Union Station on Wynkoop Street, and arriving 15 minutes early ensures you won’t miss the start. The guide remains in English, and while wheelchair accessibility is noted, it’s best to confirm any specific needs when booking.

The Price and Experience Value

At $35 per person, this tour offers a compact yet engaging experience. For that price, you gain access to a guide with local knowledge and stories that breathe life into Denver’s haunted past. While some reviews suggest that the storytelling could be more animated (“the guide could have expressed things with more passion”), overall, the guide’s knowledge is praised.

The tour’s duration of 1.5 hours hits a sweet spot—long enough to see several sites but short enough to keep your interest piqued without fatigue. You’ll walk through downtown Denver’s historic streets, soaking in the evening atmosphere that amplifies the spooky stories.

The Experience from Other Travelers

Reviewers commonly mention the quality of the guide’s knowledge as a real highlight. One reviewer described their guide as “excellent,” emphasizing that the stories, rather than the scares, made the experience memorable. Another mentioned that they wished the guide had been more expressive but still found the experience very good overall.

Many note that the tour isn’t about proving the supernatural—no ghost sightings or paranormal activity—but more about enjoying the stories and history that give Denver its unique character after dark. If you’re expecting tangible proof or ghostly encounters, you might find this tour a little tame. But if you love hearing well-told tales of Denver’s past and appreciate a spooky setting, you’ll likely leave satisfied.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This ghost tour appeals most to those with a curiosity for history blended with ghost stories, especially if you enjoy learning about the city’s darker moments. It’s perfect for adults who appreciate storytelling and aren’t looking for a haunted house or horror experience. It’s also a good choice if you want something engaging and different from typical city tours, with a focus on local legends and legends of crime.

Since the tour is limited in size, it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy intimate group experiences rather than large, noisy excursions. It’s ideal for night owls, history buffs, or anyone with a playful interest in the supernatural side of Denver.

The Sum Up

The Denver: After Dark Ghosts of the City Walking Tour offers a well-balanced mix of history, local legends, and spooky tales. Though it doesn’t promise ghost sightings, it provides a memorable way to explore Denver’s lesser-known stories and iconic landmarks after hours. The knowledgeable guide, small-group atmosphere, and atmospheric evening walk make it a worthwhile choice for those interested in Denver’s past, especially if you enjoy storytelling with a pinch of darkness.

While it may not satisfy hardcore paranormal enthusiasts, it’s a fun, educational, and atmospheric experience that adds a different flavor to your Denver visit. The price is fair for the value of tales and insights you’ll gain, and the small group size ensures an intimate, engaging experience. This tour is best suited for adults who love a good story and want to see the city in a whole new light—after dark.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s designed exclusively for adults over 16 due to its mature themes and storytelling style.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended since you’ll be walking outdoors for about 1.5 hours. Weather-appropriate gear is also advised, as the tour happens rain or shine.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the experience notes wheelchair accessibility, but it’s a good idea to confirm specific needs when booking.

What is the meeting point?
You meet at the Flag Pole in front of Union Station on Wynkoop Street, 15 minutes early.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours and takes place in the evening.

Will I see or experience anything supernatural?
No tangible proof is promised; the tour focuses on storytelling and local legends. If you’re looking for ghost sightings, this might not be the tour for you.

You can check availability for your dates here: