steve's original
THERE ARE GHOST TOURS & THEN THERE'S STEVE'S
The Tours the Locals Take
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the original salida ghost & murder tour since 2018
Walk Salida's dark side and hear of haunts, history, and the unexplained from the world of the paranormal. After nearly a decade of public tours, Steve now offers this experience only for private groups, by reservation.
ANY GROUP SIZE
Small to large
FLEXIBLE DATES & TIMES
LED BY LOCAL EXPERT STEVE CHAPMAN
100% PRIVATE EXPERIENCES
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some of the stories you'll hear
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the woman in white
Sightings, whispers, and the mystery of her appearance in Salida over the years.
THE PALACE HOTEL
Your guide has conducted firsthand paranormal investigations inside.
BRUTAL MURDERS
Hear the real stories of Salida's most notorious killings and their aftermath.
PERFECT FOR ANY GROUP OR OCCASION
BUS TOURS & TRAVEL GROUPS
Perfect for motorcoach tours, reunion groups, and sightseeing itineraries.
CORPORATE OUTINGS
Engaging, educational, and inspiring experiences for teams and company events.
BACHELOR & BACHELORETTE PARTIES
Celebrate history with laughs, and memories you'll never forget.
BIRTHDAYS
Make this special day even more memorable with a private tour.
ANNIVERSARIES & ROMANTIC OUTINGS
A unique and intimate way to connect and explore together.
FAMILY & FRIENDS
Reunions, celebrations, or just a fun day out with your favorite people.
why choose a private tour?
EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE
Your group enjoys a personalized tour without strangers.
FLEXIBLE & CONVENIENT
Choose your date, time, and start location that works for you.
EXPERT LOCAL GUIDE
Led by historian, author, and storyteller Steve Chapman.
CUSTOMIZED CONTENT
We tailor the tour to your group's interest and pace.
MEMORABLE & FUN
Stories, history, and local insights that create lasting memories.
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the tour locals recommend
"The audio tour was incredible. Full cinematic score, sound effects, and so easy to use. Best of all - no app!"
- Jason & Kim, Denver, CO
"If you're in Salida, this is a must-do!
Steve knows all the stories and tells them like no one else."
- Michelle R., Salida CO
"The perfect mix of history, mystery, and true crime. Couldn't believe I got spooked!"
- Sarah M., Buena Vista, CO
meet your guide
steve chapman
Historian, author, broadcaster, and Salida local, Steve Chapman brings Salida's dark past to life with a mix of history, humor, and deep respect for the people who lived it. Now available only for private groups.
Award-winning radio producer
Author of the Salida True Crime series
Award-winning podcaster
Thousands of tours led • Over 35,000 guests
Author of the Salida History series
Salida's storyteller since 2018
Questions & answers
Is the Salida Ghost Tour based on real history? Yes. The Original Salida Ghost Tour is built on documented local history, newspaper accounts, historic records, and stories connected to real places in downtown Salida. Rather than relying on invented legends or scripted ghost stories, the tour explores the people, businesses, tragedies, and mysteries that shaped Salida's past. Guests visit historic buildings and locations while learning about reported hauntings, unexplained events, Wild West history, and the stories that still linger in Salida today.
What Makes the Original Salida Ghost Tour Different? The Original Salida Ghost Tour offers a deeper look into Salida's haunted history through a 90-minute guided walking tour in historic downtown Salida. Guests explore real locations connected to local legends, unexplained events, Wild West history, and documented stories from the city's past. Led by a costumed guide and limited to small groups, the tour combines local history, storytelling, and immersive presentation to create an engaging experience for visitors and residents alike. Rather than focusing only on ghost stories, guests discover the people, events, mysteries, and tragedies that helped shape Salida into one of Colorado's most historic mountain towns. Locally owned and operated since 2018, the Original Salida Ghost Tour has welcomed thousands of guests seeking an authentic ghost tour experience rooted in Salida's history.
What haunted places will we visit in Salida? The Salida Ghost Tour explores historic locations throughout downtown Salida, including buildings connected to local legends, unexplained encounters, former hotels, saloons, and businesses with long histories. Specific locations may vary, but every stop is tied to real events, local history, and reported paranormal activity. Along the way, guests discover some of the most haunted places in Salida while learning how the city's railroad, mining, and frontier history helped create many of its enduring ghost stories.
Is the Salida Ghost Tour Family Friendly? The Salida Ghost Tour is recommended for ages 13 and up. While the tour does not include jump scares or graphic imagery, it explores real ghost stories, historical tragedies, violent crimes, murders, and unexplained events from Salida's past. Many families with teenagers enjoy the experience, but some stories involve mature themes that may not be appropriate for younger children. Parents are encouraged to use their discretion when deciding whether the tour is suitable for their family. The tour is designed for guests who enjoy history, local legends, true crime, and paranormal stories presented in an engaging and respectful way.
Is this one of the best things to do in Salida at night? Many visitors consider the Salida Ghost Tour one of the most unique things to do in Salida after dark. The tour combines local history, haunted stories, historic architecture, and the atmosphere of downtown Salida at night. Whether you're visiting for a weekend, exploring Colorado's mountain towns, or looking for a memorable evening activity, the tour offers a different perspective on the people and events that shaped Salida's history.
Why is Salida considered haunted? Like many historic Colorado towns, Salida experienced fires, accidents, violence, disease, and sudden deaths during its early years. As a railroad hub and Wild West community, the city attracted gamblers, outlaws, workers, travelers, and entrepreneurs whose stories still echo through historic downtown. Over the years, residents, business owners, and visitors have reported unexplained sounds, apparitions, strange encounters, and other paranormal experiences at several historic locations throughout Salida.
How long is the Salida Ghost Tour? The Salida Ghost Tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and takes place entirely on foot through historic downtown Salida. The walking pace is relaxed, with frequent stops for stories and discussion. Guests cover a manageable distance while visiting historic buildings, learning about local legends, and exploring some of Salida's most intriguing haunted locations. Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.
Do you have to believe in ghosts to enjoy the tour? Not at all. Many guests join the tour because they enjoy history, architecture, local legends, or learning about Salida's past. The stories are rooted in real people, real places, and documented events, making the experience enjoyable whether you're a paranormal enthusiast, a skeptic, or simply curious about the hidden history of downtown Salida. Some guests come for the ghost stories, while others leave talking about the history they discovered along the way.