Salt Lake City: Haunted Walking Tour

If you’re curious about the darker, ghostly tales hiding behind Salt Lake City’s historic facades, this haunted walking tour offers a fascinating glimpse into its spooky side. For just $24, you’ll spend an hour wandering through downtown Salt Lake City, hearing stories of murder, forgery, and restless spirits that have left their mark on the city’s buildings and streets. The experience is led by knowledgeable guides who blend history, true crime, and ghostly legends into a compelling and chilling narrative.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how well-researched and credible the stories are—it’s not just campfire tales, but authentic accounts backed by history. Plus, the chance to explore six different haunted spots in a compact, walking format makes it both engaging and manageable, especially for those who prefer a more intimate, story-driven adventure.

One thing to keep in mind: the tour involves walking for about a mile, so comfortable shoes are essential, and the experience takes place rain or shine, meaning weather gear is a good idea. This tour is best suited for history buffs, true crime enthusiasts, or anyone who loves a good spooky story—and who isn’t afraid of a little ghostly energy.

Key Points

• Authentic Stories: The guide shares well-researched, credible tales, including infamous forger Mark Hofmann and a courthouse ghost.
• Historic Locations: Each stop offers a glimpse into Salt Lake City’s eerie past, from the Judge Ritter case to the Capitol Theater fire.
• Engaging Guides: Reviewers highlight guides like Cathy and Art, who bring knowledge and personality to the storytelling.
• Short and Sweet: The 1-hour duration makes it easy to fit into a day without feeling overwhelmed.
• Walking Tour: Expect to walk approximately a mile, so comfortable shoes are a must.
• Evening Atmosphere: The tour begins at Gallivan Plaza and ends on Whiskey Street, adding a lively, urban backdrop to ghost stories.

A Detailed Look at the Haunted Salt Lake City Tour

Meeting Point and Overall Setup

Your haunted adventure begins on the bridge in Gallivan Utah Center at 239 S Main St. Here, your guide—easily recognizable in a US Ghost Adventures t-shirt and lantern—sets the tone for the evening. It’s advisable to arrive about 15 minutes early to settle in and get ready for the spooky stories ahead.

This meeting location is central, making it easy to navigate to from downtown accommodations or other attractions. The tour’s intimate size, paired with a knowledgeable guide, ensures you’re not just another face in a crowd but an engaged listener, immersed in the stories of Salt Lake’s haunted past.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Hear

The tour covers six historically haunted spots, each with its own tale to tell. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

Gallivan Plaza & Starting Point
The tour kicks off with a brief overview of Salt Lake City’s dark side, setting the stage for what’s to come. Guides like Cathy have been praised for their warm personalities and deep knowledge, making historical details engaging rather than dry.

The Federal Courthouse & Judge Ritter
One of the most talked-about locations is the courthouse, where the angry spirit of Judge Ritter is said to linger. Guests have appreciated the authenticity of this story—“You can almost feel the ghost’s presence,” one reviewer mentioned. This site offers a glimpse into the real-life drama and the supernatural tales woven around legal cases.

Mark Hofmann’s Forgeries and Crimes
Hofmann’s story is a highlight, especially for true crime fans. He was a notorious forger whose criminal activities shook Utah’s religious community. The guide provides insights into his bizarre, sinister life, making this segment both chilling and fascinating.

The Capitol Theater & Fire
The historic theater is a favorite for its eerie energy. A tragic fire claimed a teenager’s life here, and the atmosphere still seems to whisper of that tragic event. Guests report feeling a “chilling energy,” and it’s easy to imagine the flickering ghosts of performances past.

The Judge Building & Bombing
In 1985, the Judge Building was bombed—a dark event that still resonates today. Tour guests learn about this real act of violence, connecting past trauma to the present haunting stories.

Whiskey Street & The Ghost Girl
The tour wraps up on Whiskey Street, where a mischievous ghost girl is said to run along the bar shelves, knocking over bottles. You might even catch a glimpse of her if you’re lucky. Many reviews mention how lively and fun this ending feels, with the added thrill of spotting a playful spirit.

The Atmosphere and Experience

The tour’s evening setting enhances the spooky vibe, but it’s not just about scares. It’s a walk through Salt Lake City’s history, infused with ghost stories that make you look at familiar buildings in a new, eerie light.

The guides do an excellent job of balancing storytelling with credible history, making it suitable even for skeptics or those new to ghost tours. The stories are vivid, and the energy of the guides—especially Cathy and Art—keeps the experience lively and engaging. You’ll get a mix of true crime, local legends, and supernatural tales, all delivered with genuine enthusiasm.

Practical Details and Value

At only $24 per person, this tour offers solid value for those interested in a short, engaging, and authentic ghost experience. The 1-hour length makes it easy to add into an evening without taking up your whole night.

Since the tour involves walking about a mile, comfortable shoes are a must—think sneakers or flats, especially if you plan to explore downtown before or after. Weather can be unpredictable, so bringing rain gear or layers is wise—though the tour is held rain or shine.

The group size tends to be small, which means more personalized attention and a better chance to ask questions. The tour is wheelchair accessible, but if mobility is an issue, it’s worth considering how much walking is involved.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for history buffs, true crime fans, and lovers of ghost stories. It’s also a good pick for those who enjoy urban exploration and want a different perspective on Salt Lake City’s past. Families with older children or teens might find it entertaining, especially if they’re interested in spooky stories or local legends.

It’s not ideal for people with mobility issues or those who aren’t comfortable walking or standing for about an hour. Also, if you’re seeking intense scares or highly theatrical haunted houses, this more subdued walking tour offers a grounded, story-driven approach.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For just $24, this haunted tour provides a memorable, authentic snapshot of Salt Lake City’s darker side. The blend of credible history and ghostly tales makes it a compelling choice for curious travelers who want more than just sightseeing. The guides’ enthusiasm and knowledge shine through, making each story come alive, whether it’s about a notorious forger, a courthouse ghost, or a fire that still echoes in the theater halls.

The tour’s intimate size, central location, and manageable length make it a great option for an evening activity—especially if you love stories that mix true crime with a dash of supernatural. Plus, ending on Whiskey Street gives you the chance to soak in some local nightlife, perhaps spotting that mischievous ghost girl in action.

All in all, if you’re after a fun, slightly spooky, and well-researched experience that goes beyond the usual tourist fare, this haunted Salt Lake City tour is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

How long is the haunted walking tour?
It lasts about 1 hour, covering six historic and haunted locations in downtown Salt Lake City.

Where does the tour start and end?
The meeting point is on the bridge in Gallivan Utah Center at 239 S Main St. The tour ends back at this same location.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While it’s not explicitly stated, the stories involve some dark themes like murder and violence, so it might be best for teens and older children.

Do I need to prepare or bring anything?
Comfortable shoes are essential, as the tour involves walking about a mile. Weather-appropriate clothing is also recommended since the tour happens rain or shine.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, but keep in mind the walking involved.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans shift.

Is this tour good for someone interested in history?
Absolutely. The guides share credible, well-researched stories that provide insight into Salt Lake City’s past, blending history with ghostly legends.

Getting a glimpse into Salt Lake City’s haunted side offers more than just chills—it’s an opportunity to see the city through a different lens, learning about its dark chapters and spectral inhabitants. Whether you’re a believer or simply a lover of good storytelling, this tour promises a memorable, spine-tingling experience that reveals the city’s mysterious and eerie history.