Denvers Wild Side: Self-Guided Audio Tour of its Notorious Past

If you’re after a way to uncover Denver’s more colorful history without the hassle of group tours or guides, this self-guided audio experience might just be your ticket. Offered by VoiceMap Audio Tours, the “Denver’s Wild Side” tour promises a 45-minute journey through the city’s rough-and-tumble past, from underground tunnels to haunted hotels, and everything in between. It’s a budget-friendly way to explore at your own pace, with a lot of stories packed into less than an hour.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its attention to stories that breathe life into Denver’s history — especially the underground illicit activities and haunted spots. The second highlight? Its flexibility. You can take your time, pause when something catches your eye, and explore without the pressure of a scheduled group. That said, a possible consideration is that, since it’s a self-guided tour, you’ll need your own smartphone and headphones, and it might not suit travelers looking for a guided group experience with a live guide.

Designed for curious walkers who love a good story and a little adventure, this tour would suit history buffs, ghost enthusiasts, and anyone eager to see Denver beyond its modern skyline. It’s also perfect if you prefer exploring on your own terms and want a cost-effective insight into the city’s notorious side.

Key Points

Affordable: At just $9.99, this tour offers a lot of storytelling for a small price.
Flexible: Self-guided, so you can explore at your own pace and revisit sections.
Authentic stories: Includes tales of haunted hotels, underground tunnels, and infamous Denver spots.
Convenient access: Available on your phone with offline maps and audio, no Wi-Fi needed during the walk.
Rich in local color: Highlights Denver’s evolution from rough beginnings to vibrant neighborhood.
Knowledgeable narration: The stories are delivered in an engaging way, making history feel alive.

Discovering Denver’s Hidden Stories

We loved the way this tour takes you through some of Denver’s most intriguing and lesser-known stories. Starting on Market Street at a mysterious sealed tunnel entrance, you’re immediately transported to the city’s coal transport days, where underground illicit activities flourished. This tunnel isn’t just a relic; it’s a portal to Denver’s shadowy past, and hearing about the smuggling and secret dealings underground adds a layer of intrigue.

From there, the tour guides you past the historic Sugar Building, a reminder of Colorado’s sugar beet industry, and into the haunted Oxford Hotel’s Cruise Room — a bar that’s been serving since the Prohibition era. The stories of ghost Florence Montague haunting Room 320 add a spooky thrill, especially for ghost lovers. The narration balances spooky legends with historical facts, giving you a well-rounded picture of this iconic Denver spot.

We also appreciated the mention of Denver’s transformation. Places like McGregor Square and Coors Field are highlighted not just for their sports and entertainment value but as symbols of the neighborhood’s revitalization. Along the way, the tour shares colorful tales, like whisky parties, a rare gun duel between two women, and the old red-light district that once thrived in the city. These stories humanize the city’s development and make history feel more tangible.

The tour’s itinerary is well-curated. It covers critical landmarks and lesser-known corners, giving you a balanced view of Denver’s notorious reputation and its journey into modern vibrancy. Each stop is a chance to imagine what Denver was like when it was rougher around the edges. And the best part? You’re exploring at your own pace, pausing to take photos or soak in the atmosphere without a hurried schedule.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

Start at 1664 Market St: The tour kicks off from a spot close to a historic tunnel entrance. The story of coal transport under the city is fascinating because it offers a glimpse into Denver’s industrial roots and underground activities, which once included illegal dealings. The tunnel itself is a mysterious reminder of Denver’s secretive past, making it a compelling starting point for history buffs.

The Historic Mall: This area, once a main street, was transformed in 1982 into a pedestrian-friendly corridor of shops, restaurants, and attractions. We found it interesting how Denver repurposed its historic space into a lively pedestrian zone, blending the old with the new. Walking through it, you get a sense of how the city balances preservation with modern life.

The 1971 Recognized Landmark: Strolling along one of Denver’s most significant streets, you’ll learn why it was designated a historic landmark. The narration makes it easy to appreciate the street’s importance in Denver’s urban development, even for those unfamiliar with the city’s layout.

Rockmount Ranch Wear: This iconic western store, founded in 1946 by “Papa Jack,” is famous for creating the first snapped Western shirt and has appeared in Hollywood films. We loved the glimpse into Western fashion history, especially seeing the original shirts and learning about the store’s role in American cowboy culture.

The Oldest Hotel & Haunted Cruise Room: Opened during Prohibition, this hotel is Denver’s oldest and has a reputation for ghostly visitors. The Cruise Room bar, still operating today, is said to be haunted by a ghostly postman. The fact that entry fees aren’t included is worth noting, so plan accordingly.

Denver’s Historic Train Station: Pass by this station and hear about its history, including its involvement in major events like the great fire of 1890 and its connection to both World Wars. The curious “No Kissing” sign adds a bit of humor and human interest.

McGregor Square & Coors Field: The latest addition to Denver’s entertainment scene, these spots are now central gathering places. The tour explains how these areas symbolize the neighborhood’s renewal, making it clear that Denver’s past is still very much alive in its modern sports and entertainment venues.

European-Vibe Dairy Block: Once home to the Windsor Dairy, this area’s restored buildings now offer a European-style atmosphere, complete with shops and cafes. It’s a striking example of Denver’s adaptive reuse projects that maintain historic charm while serving contemporary needs.

The Red-Light District & Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row: These spots showcase Denver’s seedier side from its frontier days. The stories of the red-light district and the infamous brothel House of Mirrors add spice to the tour, emphasizing the city’s rough-and-tumble history.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

This tour, with its flexible format, offers a mix of storytelling and scenic walking. Using the app on your smartphone, you’ll follow a series of waypoints, with audio narrations providing context. You’ll love how easy it is to navigate — the app offers clear directions and offline access, so no worries about losing signal.

The tour lasts roughly 45 minutes to an hour 15, depending on how long you linger at each stop. It’s perfect for an afternoon walk, especially if you want to mix history with casual exploration. You won’t be rushed, and you can stop to take photos or ask questions (if you’re with a guide or a friend).

The stories are delivered in a lively, engaging tone, turning Denver’s past into a series of vivid vignettes. From tales of illicit underground dealings to ghostly hauntings, the narration is designed to keep your interest piqued. The stories about historic buildings and neighborhoods help you understand how Denver evolved into the vibrant city it is today.

While the tour doesn’t include entry to attractions, it clearly highlights sites worth exploring further, like the haunted Cruise Room or Rockmount Ranch Wear. It’s a great way to identify interesting stops and plan additional visits.

Analyzing the Value

At just $9.99, this tour offers surprisingly good value. For less than the price of a coffee, you get a personalized, flexible experience that enriches your understanding of Denver’s wilder moments. The offline access means you can explore without concern about Wi-Fi, and the ability to revisit the tour later adds to its value.

We find self-guided tours particularly appealing because they give you control — you can linger at a spot or skip ahead if something doesn’t interest you. This tour’s focus on stories makes it a compelling choice for history enthusiasts who want to avoid cookie-cutter group tours.

However, keep in mind that since it’s a self-guided experience, you’ll need your own device, and it’s best suited for travelers comfortable navigating with maps and audio prompts. If you’re traveling with children or prefer guided tours with a live person, this might not be the best fit.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for independent travelers who enjoy history, storytelling, and walking tours. It’s ideal if you want a cost-effective way to learn about Denver’s notorious past at your own pace. It will particularly appeal to ghost hunters, history buffs, and urban explorers who appreciate stories of underground dealings, haunted hotels, and old Western culture.

Because it covers a variety of sites with vivid stories, it’s also good for families or groups of friends looking for a flexible, engaging activity. If you’re interested in exploring Denver’s evolution from rough-and-tumble origins to a lively modern city, this tour will give you a clear sense of that journey.

The Sum Up

This self-guided audio tour of Denver’s notorious past offers an engaging and affordable way to explore the city’s more shadowed stories. The ability to move at your own pace, combined with well-delivered narration, makes it a solid choice for those who enjoy history, ghost tales, and urban walking. It’s especially valuable for travelers who want to maximize their experience without the constraints of a guided group or rigid schedule.

The tour’s focus on authentic stories and its selection of iconic sites make it a comprehensive yet manageable introduction to Denver’s wild side. You can learn about underground tunnels, haunted locations, and the city’s colorful evolution from a rough frontier town to a modern Mile High city.

For travelers seeking a fun, flexible, and budget-conscious way to uncover Denver’s secret stories, this tour hits the mark. It’s a great addition to any Denver visit — especially if you prefer discovering the city’s character on your own terms.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but younger children might not find all stories equally engaging. It’s best for those interested in history and ghost tales.

Do I need my own device?
Yes, you’ll need a smartphone and headphones to use the app. The tour offers offline access, so no internet connection is required during your walk.

How long does the tour take?
The walking route lasts approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on how long you spend at each site and your personal pace.

Are there any additional costs?
Entry fees to attractions like the Cruise Room or Rockmount Ranch Wear are not included. You’ll pay separately if you visit those locations.

What landmarks are included?
Highlights include the sealed tunnel entrance, the Sugar Building, the haunted Oxford Hotel’s Cruise Room, McGregor Square, Coors Field, Windsor Dairy, and Denver’s historic train station.

Can I revisit the tour later?
Yes, your access is lifetime, so you can listen again or share it with friends after your initial booking.

This tour is a smart, engaging way to uncover Denver’s hidden stories and colorful past. Whether you’re a history buff, ghost hunter, or city explorer, it offers a window into the city’s wild side — all on your own schedule.