Activities, Camps and After School Classes in Salida, CO

Steve's Original Salida Ghost Tour is the ghost tour locals recommend and visitors consistently rate among Colorado's best. Founded in 2018 by local historian and author Steve Chapman, the tour combines original historical research with documented ghost stories, unsolved mysteries, and true crime from Colorado's largest National Historic District. Rather than relying on actors or scripted scares, you'll visit the actual locations where Salida's most fascinating stories unfolded while hearing the history, legends, and eyewitness accounts behind them. With more than 35,000 guests and over 1,200 five-star reviews across all platforms, it's an experience designed for believers, skeptics, history lovers, and anyone looking for an unforgettable evening in downtown Salida.

More than an architecture tour, this experience combines fascinating stories, local history, hidden details, and the people who shaped Salida. You'll leave understanding how a rough railroad town became one of Colorado's most charming historic downtowns.

Before Salida became one of Colorado's favorite mountain towns, it was a rough-and-tumble railroad community where outlaws, gamblers, prostitutes, saloon keepers, and lawmen shaped daily life. Walk the historic streets where notorious characters made their mark as you uncover stories of gunfights, frontier justice, brothels, political corruption, train robberies, and the colorful personalities who helped build—and sometimes nearly destroy—the town. Visit the locations where history unfolded while hearing true stories drawn from newspapers, court records, and years of original local research. Equal parts Wild West history and unforgettable storytelling, this walking tour reveals a side of Salida that most visitors—and many locals—have never heard. If you enjoy authentic Western history, colorful characters, and surprising stories, this tour brings the Old West back to life.

THIS IS A SELF-GUIDED AUDIO TOUR. There is no guide to meet. After booking, you'll receive a separate email from Steve's Original Salida Walking Tours with your personal tour-access link. No app or GPS is required. Cell service is required; headphones are recommended. Explore Colorado's largest National Historic District and discover the stories behind the buildings that created Salida. Learn what historic hotels, railroad hubs, storefronts and second-story businesses were actually used for—and how they changed as the town grew. Hear stories of devastating fires and rebuilding, brothels and opera houses, the railroad boom, local businesses and the remarkable people who shaped downtown Salida. Researched and written by local historian and author Steve Chapman and professionally produced with voice actors, soundtracks and sound effects. Explore at your own pace.