Colorado Springs is a city that offers much more than its stunning mountain views. Its streets are filled with stories of gold rush prospectors, railroad barons, and ghostly legends—making it an ideal place for walking tours that reveal its character.
Among these, the Colorado Springs – Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour stands out for combining local legends with a bit of supernatural fun, especially if you’re intrigued by the city’s darker side.
We also love the small-group historic walk for history buffs who want a detailed look at the city’s past, and the food tour for those eager to taste Colorado Springs’ culinary scene. Each offers a unique perspective on this vibrant city.
Quick Overview
In this guide, we review three top walking tours in Colorado Springs. From a haunted ghost and history walk that gives you spooky stories and hidden spots, to a comprehensive historic tour exploring iconic landmarks, and a culinary walking experience that samples local flavors—all perfect for different interests and travel styles. Read on to find your best fit.
1. Colorado Springs – Guided Walking Ghost / History Tour
At number one, this ghost and history tour offers a captivating 1.5-hour walk through downtown Colorado Springs, combining paranormal tales with fascinating historical insights. The tour departs from the Hilton Antlers, and the guide takes you past some of the city’s most haunted sites, including the Old Depot and the Rabbit Hole.
What makes this experience particularly engaging is its participatory nature—you’re encouraged to listen for ghostly signs and perhaps even catch some action yourself.
The tour’s narratives cover over 150 years of Colorado Springs’ past, blending tales of cowboys, miners, and scandal. The guide, John, is praised for his enthusiasm, humor, and deep knowledge, making history come alive in a way that’s both fun and memorable. The tour is priced at $28 per person, making it an affordable way to spend an evening exploring the city’s darker side.
Its reviews are unanimously excellent, with many visitors noting how much they learned and enjoyed the stories, especially with the easy walking pace.
Bottom line: If you want a lively, entertaining blend of history and haunted lore—and don’t mind a bit of spooky fun—this tour is a top choice.
2. Colorado Springs Small Group Historic Walking Tour
For a deeper dive into Colorado Springs’ past, the small-group historic walking tour offers a 2-hour exploration of key landmarks and stories that shaped the city. Starting at the Antlers Hotel, known for its grand past, your guide shares tales of grandeur, destruction, and restoration that reveal how Colorado Springs grew from a frontier town into a bustling city.
You’ll also visit Acacia Park, once a desolate plot turned lively hub, and explore the original Opera House, which had its share of trouble during Victorian times.
This tour emphasizes local architecture, notable buildings, and urban development stories, giving you a well-rounded picture of the city’s evolution. With only 8 reviews and a higher price point at $54 per person, this experience is best suited for history enthusiasts who enjoy in-depth storytelling.
The guide’s personable approach and ability to answer questions make it feel more like a friendly chat with a knowledgeable friend than a formal tour.
Guests love the flexibility and richness of the stories told, and the tour’s focus on hidden details most visitors overlook adds extra value. If you’re interested in understanding the roots of Colorado Springs, this tour delivers.
Bottom line: Ideal for those craving a comprehensive and personal look at the city’s history, especially if you appreciate architecture and urban stories.
3. Colorado Springs: Original 3-Hour Food Walking Tour
For a different flavor, the food walking tour offers a tasty 3-hour journey through Colorado Springs’ culinary scene. You’ll visit 4-5 local hotspots, sampling everything from local snacks to signature dishes. This tour is perfect if you’re interested in food history, local flavors, and discovering off-the-beaten-path eateries.
During the walk, your guide shares stories about Pikes Peak, the Antlers Hotel, and the city’s gold rush days, tying in the culinary discoveries with historical context. The tour is highly rated for its delicious tastings and insider tips.
At $88, it’s a bit pricier than the others, but the interactive experience and variety of food make it worthwhile. It’s a great choice for families, foodies, or anyone who prefers their sightseeing with a side of local flavor.
Guests mention it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon and learn about Colorado Springs through its tastes and tales. This tour is best suited for those who want a relaxed, sensory experience blending food and history.
Bottom line: If you’re eager to explore Colorado Springs through its food scene and learn about local culture, this tour offers a memorable, flavorful experience.
How to Choose the Best Walking Tour in Colorado Springs
Picking between these tours depends on your interests and travel style:
- If you’re curious about ghost stories, paranormal phenomena, and enjoy a lighthearted spooky adventure, the Ghost / History Tour is perfect.
- For those who want a more in-depth historical overview, especially if architecture and urban stories excite you, the Small Group Historic Tour delivers detailed insights.
- If your goal is to taste Colorado Springs’ local flavors while learning about its past, the Food Walking Tour combines culinary delights with storytelling.
Consider your budget, time available, and specific interests. The haunted tour is a quick and affordable option, while the historic and food tours offer more detailed experiences at a higher price point. Booking early is wise, especially for the small-group and food tours, as they tend to fill up.
Final Thoughts
Colorado Springs offers a variety of walking tours that suit different tastes—whether you prefer spooky legends, historic landmarks, or local cuisine. For a fun, spooky evening, the Ghost / History Tour is hard to beat. History lovers will appreciate the depth and personal touch of the Historic Tour, and foodies will find a delectable adventure with the Food Tour.
No matter which you choose, each offers a peek into Colorado Springs’ colorful past and lively present. To ensure you get your preferred times, consider booking early—these tours are popular, especially during peak seasons. Get ready to explore, taste, and maybe even be a little spooked as you uncover the stories behind Colorado Springs’ streets.