Common Questions
Where do tours start? Tour meeting locations are listed on each tour booking page and included in your confirmation email after booking.
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.
How can I pay for tours? At checkout, you'll have the option to use most major credit and debit cards, PayPal, or even cash.
Do I need to book in advance? Advance booking is highly recommended because many tours sell out, especially during weekends and peak travel seasons.
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.
Do drinks come with the Haunted Pub Crawl ticket? No, drinks are purchased separately.
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.
Is the cemetery tour available year-round? No. The Cleora Cemetery Tour is a seasonal experience and is only offered Saturdays in September.
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.
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.
How much walking is involved? Most tours cover approximately 12 blocks on level surfaces at a casual pace through downtown Salida.
Can you accommodate large groups? Yes. We can arrange tours for group events, reunions, educational groups, and corporate gatherings.
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.
Can I bring my dog? No pets are allowed on any tour. ADA-compliant service dogs, trained for a specific disability, are always welcome.
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.
Can I book online? Yes. All tours can be booked online through our website.
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.
Must I be 21 to attend the Haunted Pub Crawl? Yes. Participants must be at least 21 years old and bring valid identification.
What is the True Crime Tour? The True Crime Tour examines real criminal cases, mysteries, scandals, and lesser-known stories from Salida's past.
Who are the tour guides? Our guides are local historians and storytellers with extensive knowledge of Salida history, ghost stories, railroad history, and local folklore.
How many guests have taken your tours? Salida Walking Tours has welcomed more than 25,000 guests since 2018.
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.
Can children attend? Children are welcome on most tours unless age restrictions are specifically listed for the experience. Some tours are not suited for younger children. Check tour specifics for details.
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.
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
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 are the most popular tours? The Original Salida Ghost Tour, Salida Haunted Pub Crawl, Salida Wild West History Tour, Salida Historic Downtown Tour, and Salida True Crime Tour are among our most popular experiences.
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.
What is the Haunted Pub Crawl? The Haunted Pub Crawl combines ghost stories and local history with visits to historic bars and saloons in downtown Salida.
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 Cleora Cemetery Tour? The Cleora Cemetery Tour explores local history, notable residents, and stories connected to one of Chaffee County's historic cemeteries.
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 reviews do you have? Salida Walking Tours has earned more than 1,200 five-star reviews from guests.
What should I wear? Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for Colorado weather conditions.
Do you offer private tours? Yes. Private tours are available for families, groups, corporate outings, and special events.
Q: How do I cancel or reschedule my tour? Your confirmation email contains our contact details.