Colorado Springs: Original 3-Hour Food Walking Tour

If you’re looking for a way to explore Colorado Springs that combines great food, local history, and a bit of adventure, then this 3-hour food walking tour might be just what you need. This tour, offered by Rocky Mountain Food Tours, promises enough tastings to feel like a full lunch, all while strolling through the lively downtown area. From hidden artisan shops to historic buildings, this experience offers a well-rounded taste of what makes Colorado Springs special.

What we love about this tour is the balance of culinary delights with storytelling. You get to sample at 4 to 5 local hotspots, and each stop is paired with fascinating tales about the city’s history—think gold rush, Pikes Peak, and the railroad. Plus, the insider info about art murals adds a vibrant visual dimension to your walk. The fact that many reviews highlight knowledgeable guides and delicious food shows this tour is well-loved.

A possible consideration is that the tour is 3 hours long, so if you’re tight on time or prefer a more relaxed pace, it’s worth planning accordingly. Also, since it’s a walking tour, comfortable shoes are a must. This experience works best for those who enjoy food, history, and exploring in an active, engaging way. It’s especially suited for travelers wanting to see downtown Colorado Springs in a fun, authentic manner.

Key Points

• Tasty local cuisine: Enough food to serve as a full lunch, with bites from 4-5 local eateries.
• Historical storytelling: Insightful stories about Pikes Peak, the gold rush, and the railroad.
• Hidden gems discovered: Visits to lesser-known spots and artisan shops that locals love.
• Knowledgeable guides: Well-reviewed guides who keep things entertaining and informative.
• Vibrant art scene: Insider info on murals and street art along the route.
• Flexible options: Add a drink package if you want to pair your bites with beer, wine, or cocktails.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Itinerary and What to Expect

This 3-hour walking tour is designed to maximize your enjoyment of downtown Colorado Springs’s culinary and cultural offerings. The itinerary is a surprise, but typically features tastings at 4 to 5 local spots. These stops are not just about food—they’re windows into the local scene.

One highlight, according to reviews, is the delicious tacos from Munchies. Guests have raved about the quality and flavor of the food, noting that there’s enough for a substantial lunch. It’s clear that the chefs here pride themselves on using fresh, high-quality ingredients with creative flavors.

Your guide will lead you through various neighborhoods, sharing stories about Pikes Peak, which dominates the skyline and symbolizes Colorado, as well as The Antlers Hotel and the historic gold rush. This context enriches the tasting experience, transforming it from a simple meal into a cultural exploration.

Discovering Hidden Gems and Local Art

A notable feature of this tour is its focus on art murals and street art. You’ll learn about the vibrant art scene that peppers downtown Colorado Springs, often overlooked by travelers. Travelers have appreciated the insider info on these murals, which makes the walk more engaging and visually stimulating.

Guide Quality and Tour Atmosphere

The reviews emphasize knowledgeable guides like Beth, Kathy, Amber, and Rger, who are praised for their storytelling skills and warm personalities. They not only explain the history but also offer tips on other restaurants to explore during your visit, making this tour beneficial beyond the scheduled time.

Guests have commented that guides take photos of their group, preserving memories of the day. Several reviewers mention that guides entertain with stories about the local architecture, history, and the passion of the chefs—adding layers of depth to the experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Food and Drink

The tastings are more than just bites; they constitute a full lunch for most participants. Expect a variety of flavors, from savory tacos to artisanal snacks. For those interested, there’s an optional drink package, which can include beer, wine, cocktails, or cider. It’s a great way to elevate the experience if you enjoy pairing food with drinks, though it’s an add-on you purchase at the start.

Value for Money

At $88 per person, this tour offers an impressive combination of culinary sampling, local storytelling, and art discovery. Considering the quality and quantity of food, plus the insider knowledge, it’s a solid value—especially for travelers who want to maximize their time in downtown Colorado Springs without the guesswork of visiting multiple restaurants alone.

The Itinerary in Detail

While the exact stops are not predetermined, typical visits include local eateries, artisan shops, and historic landmarks. The tour begins at a historic hotel—such as Kinship Landing, The Antlers Hotel, or the Mining Exchange Hotel—adding a sense of place right from the start.

As you walk, the guide points out art murals and murals’ stories, giving you a deeper appreciation of the local art scene. The stops are carefully selected to showcase diverse flavors and culinary styles, from casual bites to more refined offerings.

Guests have praised the attention to detail and the thoughtfully curated stops. For example, the tacos from Munchies are highlighted as a standout, with reviews mentioning that the food is “fabulous” and made with pride. Other stops include artisan shops and hidden gems that only locals typically know.

The Cultural and Historic Context

The storytelling component ensures that the food isn’t just about taste but about understanding Colorado Springs’ pioneering spirit. Your guide shares stories about the gold rush, railroad expansion, and Pikes Peak, connecting the city’s past to its modern-day cultural vibrancy.

The Pacing and Group Size

At a manageable pace, the tour covers downtown’s main highlights while allowing enough time at each stop for tasting and conversation. Group sizes tend to be small, which makes for an intimate experience where you feel free to ask questions and interact with your guide.

Why This Tour Works Well

This tour is particularly valuable for first-time visitors who want a comprehensive introduction to downtown Colorado Springs. It’s also perfect for food lovers who appreciate local ingredients and chef-driven dishes, as well as history buffs interested in the stories behind the city.

Because it includes enough food for lunch, it can replace a full meal, helping travelers save money and time. The combination of culinary exploration, historical storytelling, and art discovery makes for a well-rounded experience that’s both fun and educational.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience appeals most to those who enjoy active, engaging tours that combine food, story, and art. It’s ideal for adults or families with older children (over 5 years old), especially those eager to see downtown with a local guide. If you’re looking for a relaxed way to sample local cuisine while learning about Colorado Springs’ heritage, this tour hits the mark.

Travelers who are on a tight schedule might want to plan for this tour in the afternoon, as it typically lasts 3 hours. It’s a fantastic choice for foodies, history enthusiasts, and art lovers alike, offering a genuine taste of the city’s soul.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children over 5 years old can participate, but the tour is best suited for those who enjoy walking and tasting.

How much food is included?
You’ll get enough tastings at 4-5 stops for a full lunch, focusing on local flavors and quality ingredients.

Can I add drinks to the tour?
Yes, guests 21+ can purchase a drink package at the start, which includes beer, wine, cocktails, or cider.

Where does the tour meet?
The meeting point is at a historic hotel in downtown Colorado Springs—such as Kinship Landing, The Antlers Hotel, or the Mining Exchange Hotel—details are on your voucher.

What is the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately 3 hours and is usually scheduled in the afternoon.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews consistently praise the guides for their storytelling skills, local knowledge, and friendly demeanor.

Is this tour walkable for most visitors?
Yes, it involves walking through downtown, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this experience worth the price?
Considering the quality of food, storytelling, and insider tips, many find it a good value, especially since it covers a good part of downtown.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Yes, but keep in mind the walking length and the need for children to enjoy tasting and history discussions.

Final Thoughts

This Colorado Springs Food Walking Tour offers a well-rounded, delicious introduction to the city’s downtown area. The combination of tasty bites, engaging stories, and vibrant art makes it an excellent choice for travelers who want an authentic, fun, and informative experience. The guides’ passion and knowledge shine through, earning consistent praise while the variety of stops keeps things interesting.

If you want to get a true flavor of Colorado Springs beyond the typical sightseeing, this tour is worth considering. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy active tours with a foodie twist and appreciate a local’s perspective. With enough food to satisfy and stories to inspire, it’s a perfect way to spend an afternoon discovering Colorado Springs’ heart and soul.

Remember: Book in advance, arrive prepared with comfortable shoes, and be ready for a fun, flavorful adventure through downtown Colorado Springs.

You can check availability for your dates here: