BEFORE THE GHOST TOURS, THERE WAS THIS
SALIDA OUTLAWS, WHORES & HISTORY TOUR
The Tour That Started It All
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outlaws • madams • saloons • GUNFIGHTS • true stories
Personally performed by Steve Chapman. Meet the outlaws, madams, lawmen, railroaders, and larger-than-life characters who built early Salida. After nearly a decade of public tours, Steve now offers the experience exclusively to 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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NOTORIOUS MADAMS
The women who ran some of Salida's bordellos - and the people who tried to shut them down.
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outlaws & gunfights
From barroom brawls to to deadly shootouts - true tales of crime in the Wild West
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saloons & scandals
Whiskey, poker, and trouble - the saloons where legends were made (and ruined).
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 like city in a movie theater. It's not simple narration - like old radio dramas. Such fun!"
- Tess & Tim, Grand Junction, CO
"Steve transports you back to the Wild West days with engaging storytelling, humor and all the best stories."
- Thomas K., Westcliffe, CO
"Who knew so much happened in Salida! Gunfights, murders, fires. Incredible."
- Kathryn T., Denver, 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. Limited schedule.
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
Award-winning radio producer
Questions & answers
Is the Outlaws, Whores, & History Tour based on real history? Yes. The 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 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 murders, the railroad, Wild West history, and the stories that still linger in Salida today.
What are some of the more scandalous stories you share? One of my favorite the conspiracy that led to the murder of the town marshal in 1883. Plus, one of the most famous madams in the U.S. lived in Salida.
What will we visit on the tour? So much! You'll see the location where two devastating fires started, a locals joke hidden in plain site, and you'll walk the infamous Tenderloin District.
Is the tour family friendly? The Outlaws, Whores & History Tour is recommended for ages 13 and up. While the tour does not include graphic imagery, it explores real stories, historical tragedies, violent crimes, murders, and other events from Salida's past that may be inappropriate for younger children. 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.
How long is the tour? The tour lasts around 90-minutes and covers twelve blocks in a slow walk along flat surfaces.
Do you have to be a fan of the Wild West to enjoy the tour? Absolutely not. Anyone who enjoys real stories about individuals overcoming odds, risking everything, and surviving repeated hardships will find something entertaining.