Denver Ghosts: Haunts, Spirits, and Poltergeists Walking Tour

When it comes to exploring a city’s darker side, Denver offers more than just scenic mountain views and lively neighborhoods—it’s also home to stories of spirits, ghosts, and mysterious happenings that have persisted for decades. The Denver Ghosts tour, offered by Denver Terrors By US Ghost Adventures, promises a one-hour journey into the city’s haunted landmarks, blending history with spine-tingling tales. It’s a popular choice, often booked a week or more in advance, and offers both standard and extended options depending on how deeply you want to explore.

What makes this tour particularly appealing are the knowledgeable guides and the intimate group size, capped at 15 participants. This setup ensures you’re not just another face in a crowd but part of a small, eager group soaking in stories that really bring Denver’s ghostly side to life—or afterlife. The tour hits some of the most significant landmarks in Denver’s historic Capitol Hill neighborhood, from the stately Colorado State Capitol building to former hotels and speakeasies that whisper tales of scandal and tragedy. But keep in mind, for those who prefer a more hands-off, purely sightseeing experience, this isn’t a tour for you. It’s best suited to those with a curiosity for history and a taste for the eerie.

We love the way this tour combines authentic storytelling with a good dose of local lore. The guides are praised for their thorough research and friendly approach, making the ghost stories even more compelling. We also appreciate the focus on small groups, which fosters a more personal and engaging atmosphere. However, a consideration for potential participants is the one-hour duration—it’s quick, and if you’re hoping for a deeper dive into Denver’s haunted history, you might want to upgrade to the extended version.

This tour is ideal for history buffs, ghost enthusiasts, or anyone looking to add a little spooky fun to their Denver visit. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy walking and prefer stories rooted in real locations rather than fictional tales. If you’re seeking a lively mix of history, architecture, and ghostly legends, this tour offers a memorable hour that’s well worth the modest price.

Key Points

• Small groups (max 15) for a personalized experience
• Visits Denver’s historic and haunted sites in Capitol Hill
• Guides known for thorough research and engaging storytelling
• Approximate duration of 1 hour, with options for extended experience
• Tickets are typically booked at least 10 days in advance
• Cost of $32 per person offers good value for a guided ghost walk

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point and First Impressions

The tour begins at 200 E Colfax Ave, a central location easily accessible by public transport. From the moment you meet your guide, you’ll sense a focus on authenticity; reviews highlight guides like Jacob and Lauren for their knowledge and friendly manner. This initial impression matters because it sets the tone for the stories that follow. The small group size ensures you won’t be lost in a crowd, allowing you to ask questions or quietly soak in the eerie atmosphere.

Exploring the State Capitol

Your first stop is the Colorado State Capitol, built in 1894. This iconic building isn’t just a symbol of Denver’s political history but also one of its most haunted locations. Visitors have reported strange occurrences in the hallways and basement. Guides share stories of spirits lurking in the shadows, and one reviewer notes that they “learned of the State Capitol’s haunted history,” which adds an intriguing layer to your understanding of Denver’s political heart. The architecture itself, with its grand dome and classical details, makes an impressive backdrop for ghost stories that blend history with supernatural tales.

Historic Hotels and Apartments

Next, the tour takes you past former luxury hotels from the 1920s, sites that have witnessed scandals, secret meetings, and ghostly encounters. Guests and tenants are said to experience unexplained noises, apparitions, or cold spots. One reviewer described these as “creepy hotels and apartment blocks” where you can almost imagine the ghosts of scandalized patrons or past residents still lingering. The apartment house designed after an English Art Gallery is another highlight, with stories suggesting that the spirits of previous residents still walk the halls, adding a chilling touch to Denver’s urban landscape.

Haunted Speakeasy and the Father’s Day Massacre

The tour also ventures into the history of a once-secret speakeasy from the early 1900s. This site is reputedly haunted by the echoes of illegal activities and mysterious deaths, with guides recounting tales of death witnessed within its walls. The Father’s Day Massacre building, a prominent Denver landmark, is infamous for paranormal activity purportedly linked to violent events. Visitors often report strange encounters—something that has earned the building its reputation as one of Denver’s most haunted spots.

Art-Inspired Apartment Building

Another stop features a fashionable apartment complex inspired by English art galleries, which has become a focal point for ghostly sightings. Some believe the spirits are the lingering souls of past residents, adding a layer of personal history to the ghostly tales. Stories include chilling presences and unexplained noises, making it a must-see for those intrigued by spirits tied to specific buildings.

Denver’s Skyline and Paranormal Activity

The final highlight is the iconic Denver skyline, where the tour touches on notorious incidents like the Father’s Day Massacre—events that have supposedly left residual energies behind. Many visitors report strange encounters in the vicinity, and guides share documented accounts of paranormal activity. This gives the tour a satisfying mix of history, architecture, and supernatural stories all in one walk.

The Experience and What You Get

The tour includes a professional guide who is well-versed in Denver’s haunted lore, along with detailed, researched stories of hauntings and paranormal activities. The stories are based on documented accounts, which helps lend credibility to the ghostly tales. This is not just a spooky story session; it’s a walk through Denver’s past, told with care and a touch of theatrical flair.

Pricing at $32 per person offers good value, especially considering the personalized attention and the depth of storytelling. This is not a tour that drags on; it’s a quick, engaging hour that packs in a lot of spooky history, making it perfect for those with limited time or for adding a fun, eerie highlight to your Denver itinerary.

Timing and logistics are straightforward. The meeting point is centrally located, with the tour lasting about an hour. You’ll want to book at least 10 days in advance as it’s a popular experience, and tickets tend to sell out quickly. The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness levels, as it involves walking around the neighborhood, often on uneven surfaces or in darker settings.

Authentic Perspectives from Travelers

Multiple reviews praise the guides’ knowledge and personality. One guest noted, “Our guide Jacob was very knowledgable and personable,” emphasizing the importance of a good storyteller. Others appreciated the spooky stories and the historic locations, with one stating, “Really fun ghost tour complete with interesting stops, spooky images, and history.” That combination of history and ghost stories is what gives the tour its charm.

However, not all reviews are glowing. A few travelers found the experience disappointing because of guide unpreparedness or misleading expectations. One review mentioned, “The guide didn’t show up,” which highlights the importance of booking with a reliable operator and checking reviews before reserving. But overall, the majority of feedback confirms that this is a well-researched, entertaining tour suitable for those who love ghost stories woven into a walk through Denver’s historic streets.

The Bottom Line

This ghost tour offers a fun and atmospheric way to see Denver’s historic Capitol Hill neighborhood through a slightly spooky lens. It’s a mix of history, architecture, and ghost stories delivered in a personal setting—thanks to small groups and guides who genuinely know their stuff. At $32, it presents good value for those interested in ghost lore or simply looking for an unusual way to explore Denver’s past.

Ideal for curious travelers who enjoy a little scare, history buffs who appreciate well-researched stories, or groups seeking a memorable evening in Denver. The tour’s brief duration makes it accessible and perfect for an evening activity or as a fun complement to a day of sightseeing.

In essence, this ghost walk invites you to see Denver in a way few visitors do—through its haunted corners, spectral legends, and storied pasts.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children? While the tour is generally family-friendly, the spooky stories and dark locations might be best suited for older children or teenagers who can handle mild ghostly themes.

How long is the tour? The standard tour lasts about an hour, but there’s an option to upgrade for a longer experience if you want to explore more sites and stories.

Where does the tour start? The meeting point is at 200 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80203, a convenient central location near public transportation.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues? The tour involves walking around, so travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level. For specific accessibility concerns, contacting the operator beforehand is advisable.

What’s included in the price? The cost covers a knowledgeable guide, detailed researched stories, and documented accounts of hauntings. It does not include dinner or transportation.

Can I cancel if I change my mind? Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, allowing flexibility if your plans change.

Are pets allowed on the tour? Service animals are permitted, but pets are not explicitly mentioned. It’s best to check with the operator if you plan to bring a pet.

In the end, whether you’re a seasoned ghost hunter or just looking for a unique way to see Denver’s historic streets, this tour offers a blend of storytelling and atmosphere that’s hard to beat. Its intimate size, knowledgeable guides, and compelling stories make it a worthwhile addition to any Denver itinerary—especially if you’re ready for some friendly frights.