Outlaws, Whores & History Tour

WHY JOIN THIS TOUR?

Details for this tour are based on the best-selling Salida Sam historical book series, written by local historian, Steven T. Chapman. 

Walk into wild west Salida on this intimate small-group experience. Relive our violent past, gain insights into the rowdy culture, and discover architectural wonders with your professional guide. Be captivated by fascinating tales of Salida's exciting, and sometimes vicious, history.

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• Learn why it's pronounced Sah-LIE-Dah, not Sah-LEE-Dah 

• Salida was originally named South Arkansas--what changed?

• Knife fights, brutal beatings, and the murder of a local Marshal

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• Experience the bawdy brothel district
• See the exact locations of horrific crimes and working women

"...lively, never was there a lull in the tour, nor was there a single moment less than entertaining and informative...stories of the struggles and scandals are brought to life all in the beautiful historical district of one of the most hip and upcoming little mountain towns in Colorado."
~Mare Schmidt

EXPERIENCE THE WILD WEST

Costumed guides lead this intimate, small-group walking tour. Almost immediately, you'll be transported into Salida's remarkable, often violent past. Visitors and residents alike are amazed to learn the many hidden secrets of Colorado's largest National Historic District.

• Learn why Salida's history was intentionally forgotten

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• Hear the touching story of Salida's most beloved dog

• See the location of devastating fires from 1886 and 1888

• Uncover a locals-only joke hiding in plain sight

• 136 preserved buildings (from 1883-1910) await you.

"A MUST WHEN VISITING! Our guide was knowledgeable and interesting...a plethora of knowledge, not just of the buildings and history, also of the local businesses and owners..."
~Aaron Casteel

100% OUTDOORS

Explore Salida and get a personalized experience on a small-group tour as your professional guide takes you back to Salida’s early days.

Hear amazing, true stories of our Old West history, including wild brothels, saloons, dance halls, gambling, and shoot-outs.

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• Learn how electricity arrived in 1887 (decades before most places)

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• Salida was once one of the most modern towns in the west? It's true. You'll uncover the details.

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• Relive the deadliest shootout in Salida history in graphic detail

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• Visit historic Salida Opera House--one of the finest anywhere

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• Our most famous marshal was gunned down in 1883

"This is easily one of the best and most informative tours I have enjoyed...knows the history of Salida and brings it to life at every stop. I highly recommend this tour to anyone seeking to understand the area and the development of not just Salida but how the town represents the history of this great state."
~Gregg Kunz

May 1 - September 1

 SPRING & FALL SCHEDULE

March 1 - May 1

September 1 - November 1

*For the safety & health of all, tours are NOT held if temperature/windchill is below 40 degrees

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PG-13 tour, covering murders, fires, and violence. The tour route covers about 12 blocks and is usually held regardless of weather conditions. 

Please dress appropriately.

KATHELEEN NICOLLS

We had out of town guests. The tour was a great outing, and a fun way to give them a little taste of Salida.

KAY FREVERT

A great tour, interesting stories and history, visual connections to history, and a fun guide.
Highly recommend doing this!!

GAYLE ANNE DUDLEY

It was FAB and even tho I thought I knew a LOT about Salida, I learned SO much more. AND it was fun fun fun!