Denver: After Dark Ghosts of the City Walking Tour

The Denver: After Dark Ghosts of the City Walking Tour offers a 1.5-hour journey through Denver’s darker history, focusing on its tales of vice, death, and hauntings. Priced at $35 per person, this tour is designed exclusively for adults, making it a perfect choice for those seeking spooky stories with a mature twist. The tour departs from Union Station, a historic hub that itself is woven into Denver’s ghostly legends, and continues through landmarks such as the Ice House, Market Street, and the Bryan White US Courthouse.

The experience is led by a live English-speaking guide and is limited to 9 participants, ensuring a small, intimate group. While some reviews highlight the guide’s knowledge, others note that the tour may not satisfy those looking for tangible proof of the supernatural. Still, for those interested in Denver’s shadowy past and ghostly stories, this tour offers a well-structured, spine-tingling walk through the city’s haunted side.

Key Points

• Price and Length: The tour costs $35 per person and lasts 1.5 hours.
• Adult-Only Experience: Designed exclusively for participants over 16, making it ideal for mature audiences.
• Start and End Point: Begins at Union Station on Wynkoop Street, with a meeting a 15 minutes early.
• Notable Stops: Includes The Crawford Hotel, Ice House, Market Street, 18th and Lawrence, and the Bryan White US Courthouse.
• Optional Hotspot Visits: Guests can choose to visit haunted locations like The Equitable Building, The Oxford Hotel, and Mattie Silk’s House of Mirrors.
• Accessibility and Flexibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Review Summary: While guided by knowledgeable storytellers, some reviews suggest the tour might not appeal to those seeking concrete proof of ghosts or supernatural activity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point at Union Station and Its Dark Tales

The tour kicks off at Union Station, a historic Denver landmark with its own haunted lore. As the guide shares stories from Denver’s 1858 Gold Rush and the 1893 Silver Crash, participants learn how these events contributed to the city’s shadowy past. The Crawford Hotel, located inside Union Station, is also included in the tour, where faint whispers of ghostly presence are believed to echo from Denver’s first railroad station.

This initial stop sets the tone for an evening of exploring Denver’s haunted history, blending historical facts with spine-tingling ghost stories. The group’s small size makes for an engaging, personalized experience, and the guide’s expertise helps bring these dark tales to life.

Exploring Denver’s Red-Light District and Its Dark Secrets

One of the tour’s highlights is uncovering the notorious tragedies of Denver’s former red-light district. The guide narrates tales of vice, crime, and violence that once thrived along Market Street, also known as The Row. The story of Jack the Strangler continues to haunt this area, with legends suggesting ghostly sightings and eerie sounds still lingering in the streets.

Participants get a vivid glimpse into Denver’s less-glamorous past, with stories of hardship and violence that left behind restless spirits. The walk through this area offers a mix of history and ghost lore, perfect for fans of crime stories and haunted stories alike.

The Ice House: Denver’s Cold Storage and Ghostly Whispers

Next, the group visits the Ice House, described as the largest cold storage in the Rockies. It’s a building with a chilling reputation, where ghostly whispers are said to echo from Denver’s early days. This stop emphasizes the eerie atmosphere, contrasting the cold storage’s industrial history with ghost stories that suggest spirits may still linger in the shadows.

The Ice House’s significance in Denver’s history adds depth to the ghostly tales, making it a memorable stop for those intrigued by haunted industrial sites. The guide shares stories that blend historical facts with supernatural speculation, enhancing the spooky vibe.

The Haunted Past of 18th and Lawrence Streets

The tour then heads to 18th and Lawrence, where the Denver City Cable Railway Co. once operated. According to legend, spirits associated with the railway’s history haunt the area, with reports of strange noises and apparitions. This stop highlights how Denver’s transportation history intertwines with ghost stories, adding a unique layer to the tour.

Participants learn about the ghostly activity linked to this historic transportation hub, making it a compelling stop for those interested in how city infrastructure can leave behind restless spirits.

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Stories from the Bryan White US Courthouse and the Floating Head

A particularly eerie story unfolds at the Bryan White US Courthouse, where the legend of a floating head persists. The guide recounts how this ghostly apparition is said to appear in the courthouse’s windows or shadows, adding a chilling element to the tour. This site exemplifies how Denver’s judicial history is connected to ghostly lore.

The floating head story stands out as one of the most spine-tingling tales on the tour, captivating participants with its mysterious nature. It’s a perfect example of the dark stories woven into Denver’s modern landmarks.

Optional Haunted Hotspot Stops for Extra Chills

For those eager for more, the tour offers optional stops at some of Denver’s most haunted locations. These include The Equitable Building, known for its ghostly sightings, The Oxford Hotel, reputedly haunted by former guests, and Mattie Silk’s House of Mirrors, where reflections and shadows are said to be haunted.

While these stops are optional, they allow guests to extend their spooky adventure and explore more of Denver’s haunted sites. Each location adds a different dimension to the ghostly tales, enriching the overall experience.

Practical Details: Meeting Point, Group Size, and Accessibility

The tour begins at the Flag Pole in front of Union Station on Wynkoop Street. It’s recommended to arrive 15 minutes early to meet the small group, limited to 9 participants for a more intimate experience. The guide speaks English and is described as knowledgeable, though some reviews note that enthusiasm levels may vary.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a wider range of participants. Since the tour occurs rain or shine, attendees should dress comfortably with appropriate shoes and clothing, especially considering the outdoor stops.

The Experience from a Review Perspective

While reviews show a 3.8-star rating based on 6 reviews, insights reveal that the guide’s knowledge is highly valued, with some noting that the storytelling could be more passionate. The tour is described as more about storytelling and history than about proving supernatural activity, making it suitable for those who are true believers in the supernatural or enjoy ghost stories rooted in history.

It’s a family-friendly, adult-only experience, with the caveat that children under 16 are not allowed. The tour’s pacing and focus make it more suitable for those interested in Denver’s haunted past rather than thrill-seekers expecting tangible proof of ghosts.

The Final Word on Denver’s After Dark Ghost Tour

This tour offers a well-structured glimpse into Denver’s haunted history, blending landmarks, ghost stories, and local legends with historical context. Its small group size and knowledgeable guide create an engaging environment, perfect for those interested in urban ghost lore.

While the tour may not satisfy visitors seeking definitive proof of the supernatural, it excels at storytelling and atmospheric exploration. The $35 price point makes it an accessible way to experience Denver’s spooky side after dark. It’s best suited for adults who enjoy history, ghost stories, and a bit of eerie fun in a city filled with haunted tales.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the Denver After Dark Ghosts of the City Walking Tour is designed exclusively for guests over 16 years old.

What should I bring on the tour?
Guests should wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for outdoor walking, as the tour takes place rain or shine. Recording video is not allowed.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if canceled up to 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

What locations are included in the tour?
Stops include Union Station, The Crawford Hotel, Ice House, Market Street, 18th and Lawrence, and the Bryan White US Courthouse. Optional visits include The Equitable Building, The Oxford Hotel, and Mattie Silk’s House of Mirrors.

How large are the groups?
The tour is limited to 9 participants, ensuring a more personal experience with the guide.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby