Historical Tours

Historical tours in Colorado cover a wide range of experiences, from ghost walks and walking tours in Denver to day trips into the mountains and visits to sites like the Garden of the Gods. With 189 options, they make up 18% of all tours offered in the state. These tours attract visitors interested in Colorado’s mining, Wild West, and indigenous histories, as well as those who want a deeper look at the state’s evolving cities.

The median price for a historical tour is $63, matching walking, food, and cultural tours, but notably lower than the overall destination median of $94. While most tours are well-rated, 10% fall below 4 stars, so checking reviews is essential to avoid disappointment.

With 189 products, historical tours are one of Colorado’s largest tour categories, second only to private and luxury offerings. They range from $19 for short, quirky experiences to $142 for full-day group excursions. The median price of $63 is on par with walking, cultural, and food tours, but much less than bus or private tours, which both have a $125 median.

Most historical tours are priced under $60, with 74 under $30 and another 34 between $30 and $60. Only 23 break the $250 mark, and those tend to be longer or private experiences. The wide spread means there’s something for every budget, but the median is kept low by the many affordable walking and themed tours.

Compared to other categories, historical tours offer more variety in format and content—ranging from ghost stories and food tastings to mountain drives and beer walks—making them a flexible choice for solo travelers, families, and groups alike.

Choosing the right historical tour in Colorado depends on your interests and group. Short walking tours like the 2 Hour LoDo Historic Walking Tour in Denver ($20) or the Twilight Ghost Tour ($20) are budget-friendly and highly rated, appealing to visitors who want a quick dive into city history or local legends. These tours tend to attract solo travelers and couples, and their strong ratings (4.91★) suggest consistently good guides and engaging stories. However, some reviews mention last-minute cancellations or disappointment with the focus on ghost photography, so read the itinerary and recent reviews before booking.

For those wanting a broader overview or traveling with family, bus tours such as the Best of Denver Bus Tour ($29) offer a comfortable way to see more in less time. While most reviewers praise the guides, some found the commentary lacking in depth or the air conditioning inadequate on hot days. If you value historical detail over sightseeing, a walking tour may be a better fit.

Food and drink-themed historical tours, like the Downtown Denver Food Tour ($64) and Denver Craft Beer Tour ($44), blend local flavors with stories from the city’s past. These are popular with groups of friends and foodies, but some guests felt portions were small or expected more historical content. Alcohol is sometimes an extra charge, so check what’s included.

Longer excursions into the mountains, such as the Small Group Tour of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods ($142) or the Shared Half-Day Mountain Tour in Red Rocks Evergreen and Echo Lake ($75), are best for those wanting to combine scenery with history. These tours earn high ratings, but negative reviews mention uncomfortable vehicles, communication issues around cancellations, or guides who stray into personal opinions. For the higher price, expect a full day and entrance fees included, but check recent feedback for operational reliability.