Historical Tours

Historical tours in Colorado offer a wide look at the state’s past, from Gold Rush boomtowns to modern downtowns and mountain landmarks. With 190 options—nearly one in five tours sold here—there’s a huge range, from classic walking tours and ghost stories to food, beer, and even e-bike adventures. Most visitors book these tours to get the stories behind the scenery, whether they’re first-timers in Denver or returning to dig deeper.

These tours appeal to all ages and interests. Families, solo travelers, and groups join for everything from haunted mansions to the history of craft beer. 91% of historical tours are rated 4 stars or higher, and the most-reviewed options see thousands of guests each year. Whether you want a quick city walk or a full-day trip to the mountains, there’s a tour—and a price point—to match.

Historical tours make up 18% of everything sold in Colorado, with 190 products to choose from. Prices start at $21 and go well over $250, but the median is $63—far lower than the $125 median for all Colorado tours. This puts historical tours among the most affordable ways to explore, on par with walking and cultural tours, and much less than bus, food, or luxury options.

Almost a third of historical tours are under $30, and nearly half fall below $60. Only about 15% cost more than $120, usually for longer day trips or private experiences. Most tours are priced per person, with a few exceptions at the higher end. Ratings are strong: only 9% score below 4 stars, and several of the most popular tours have thousands of positive reviews.

Compared to the rest of Colorado’s offerings, historical tours are more accessible in both price and range. You’ll find everything from short themed walks to all-day excursions to places like Pikes Peak or Mesa Verde, making it easy to match your interest and budget.

For travelers who want a sense of place, walking tours in downtown Denver and Boulder offer the best value and the most variety. Many are under $30, last 1–2 hours, and cover everything from city origins to haunted history. These are ideal for first-time visitors, families, or anyone with limited time. The 2 Hour LoDo Historic Walking Tour in Denver, for example, is consistently praised for guides who adapt to different ages and interests, and for showing off hidden corners of the city.

If you want something more specialized, ghost tours like the Twilight Ghost Tour are highly rated for their storytelling and atmosphere, though some guests are surprised by the focus on paranormal photos rather than pure history. Food and drink tours—such as the Downtown Denver Food Tour and Denver Craft Beer Tour—blend local flavors with local stories. These cost more ($58–$85), but reviewers highlight the quality of guides and the chance to sample multiple venues. Just note that some food tours charge extra for drinks, and portions can be small.

For those looking to get out of the city, mountain and regional excursions like the Shared Half-Day Mountain Tour or the Small Group Tour of Pikes Peak and the Garden of the Gods offer dramatic scenery and local lore. These run $99–$189 and fill a half or full day. They’re popular with visitors who want to see Colorado’s landscape without driving, but some reviews mention issues with vehicle comfort or last-minute schedule changes.

What disappoints people? Some walking tours have been canceled at short notice due to low bookings or weather, and a few guests on city tours found the audio equipment lacking or guides hard to hear. On the BEYOND Light Show & Meditation, several reviewers warn that the experience is not as family-friendly as advertised, due to the strong cannabis theme and atmosphere. Beer and food tours occasionally get negative feedback about hosts’ attitudes or missing inclusions. On longer excursions, complaints focus on cramped vehicles or poor communication about changes. Still, the vast majority of reviews in this category are positive, especially for guides who bring history to life.