Common Questions
Booking
Do I need to book in advance? Advance booking is highly recommended because many tours sell out, especially during weekends and peak travel seasons.
Q: Do I get a refund if I must cancel? We plan staffing and logistics based on advance booking. Tours cancelled 24 hours before tour time or more will receive a complete refund. Tours cancelled less than 24 hours before tour time will receive a raincheck credit, good for one year.
Can I book online? Yes. All tours can be booked online through our website.
Q: How do I cancel or reschedule my tour? Your confirmation email contains our contact details.
What is the cancellation policy? Tours cancelled at least 24 hours before tour time will receive a full refund. Tours cancelled less than 24 hours before tour time will receive a raincheck credit, good for one year. You'll receive a contact email address with your purchase confirmation.
Do you offer private tours? Yes. Private tours are available for families, groups, corporate outings, and special events.
Are tours suitable for children? Tours are G-rated and PG-13 rated. The ghost tour may be too intense for younger children. The Wild West History Tour covers a few adult topics.
Can I bring my dog? No pets are allowed on any tour. ADA-compliant service dogs, trained for a specific disability, are always welcome.
Are tours wheelchair accessible? Yes, Salida has wheelchair ramps installed at all intersections. One or two brief stops require climbing stairs, but most of every tour is wheelchair accessible.
Tour Experience
How long are the tours? Every tour is a bit different, varying from 1.5 to 2 hours. Check the specific tour page for details.
Where do I park? Depending on the time of day, plan for a short walk. Free public parking is available at: a) the south end of North F Street b) beside the Conoco station near I Street and First Street c) opposite the west side of Safeway d) the corner of D Street and First Street e) throughout all neighborhoods
How much walking is involved? Most tours cover approximately 12 blocks on level surfaces at a casual pace through downtown Salida.
What happens if the weather is bad? With the exception of lightning, we tour in all weather. If there is a delay, you'll be notified by text message at least one hour in advance.
What should I wear? Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for Colorado weather conditions.
Q: How do I contact you if I’m running late? A: All tours start on time. Your tour time is your start time. Unfortunately, guides cannot be contacted once they are on site and we cannot delay the start. If you are running late, arrive as soon as you can and look for your costumed guide. We’re usually easy to spot.
Ghost Tour
Is the ghost tour scary? The ghost tour focuses on historical storytelling, local legends, and reported paranormal encounters. It is also covers a few gruesome murder stories which may be too intense for younger children. Overall, it is rated PG-13.
Are your ghost stories based on real events? Yes, all stories are based on documented local history, eyewitness accounts, folklore, and reported paranormal experiences connected to Salida as researched by local historian, Steve Chapman.
What is Steve's Original Salida Ghost & Murder Tour? Steve's Original Salida Ghost & Murder Tour explores Salida's haunted history, local legends, paranormal stories, and historic downtown locations.
Are your tours family-friendly? Most tours are family-friendly. However, some stories on the True Crime Tour and Ghost Tour may be better suited for adults.
History & Specialty Tours
What is the Historic Downtown Tour? The Historic Downtown Tour focuses on Salida's architecture, local landmarks, railroad heritage, and the people who shaped Salida, Colorado’s largest national historic district.
What is the Outlaws, Whores & History Tour? The Outlaws, Whores & History Tour explores Salida's railroad history, frontier era, outlaws, lawmen, brothels, and early violence..
What is the True Crime Tour? The True Crime Tour examines real criminal cases, mysteries, scandals, and lesser-known stories from Salida's past.
What is the Cleora Cemetery Tour? The Cleora Cemetery Tour explores local history, notable residents, and stories connected to one of Chaffee County's historic cemeteries.
About Steve Chapman & Salida Walking Tours
Who is Steve Chapman? Steve Chapman is a local historian, author of six books on Salida history, and founder of Salida Walking Tours. He has welcomed more than 35,000 guests since founding the company in 2018.
How many guests have taken your tours? Salida Walking Tours has welcomed more than 25,000 guests since 2018.
How many reviews do you have? Salida Walking Tours has earned more than 1,200 five-star reviews from guests.
Why choose Salida Walking Tours? We are Salida's original locally owned walking tour company, founded in 2018, with more than 25,000 guests and over 1,200 five-star reviews.