Exploring Leadville’s storied past doesn’t have to be confined to dusty museums or silent history books. This tour, called From Gunfighters to Ghosts, offers an engaging 2.5-hour walk through some of the most iconic and haunted taverns in Colorado’s high-altitude town. We’re reviewing this experience based on accounts from travelers who’ve experienced its charm, and it certainly looks like a fun, atmospheric way to bring the town’s frontier past alive.
What we love about this tour is how it blends genuine history with spooky ghost stories—all set inside historic saloons that still carry bullet scars and creaky floors. The tour’s small-group format promises an intimate experience, with guides who know the backstories behind each haunted corner and dusty barstool. The only potential drawback? Because the tour takes place at 10,200 feet elevation, you’ll want to come prepared for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for walking.
This experience is perfect for history enthusiasts, ghost story lovers, and anyone looking for a memorable evening filled with authentic local flavor. If you enjoy stories with a bit of a chill, a taste of frontier life, and a dash of atmospheric adventure, this tour is likely to be a highlight of your visit to Leadville.
Key Points
- Authentic Wild West ambiance inside original frontier saloons
- Rich storytelling that brings to life real gunfighters, gamblers, and ghosts
- Small group size enhances intimacy and personalized storytelling
- Historic landmarks with century-old secrets and bullet scars
- High-altitude atmosphere adds a spooky, immersive feel
- Family-friendly considerations – suitable for older travelers and ghost story fans
An In-Depth Look at the Leadville Historic Bar Crawl
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Leadville.
What Makes This Tour Special
The true charm of From Gunfighters to Ghosts lies in its ability to mix history with a ghostly sense of the past. The tour takes you through authentic Leadville landmarks, each with its own story and haunted reputation. Participants walk through streets at 10,200 feet, where the thin mountain air seems to carry whispers from the old frontier.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on telling stories exactly where they happened, inside legendary bars like the Pastime Saloon and the Silver Dollar Saloon. The storytelling is delivered by guides who know the town’s secrets and share them in an engaging, approachable manner. As one reviewer, Javier, said, “This tour really brought the town to life and helped to show its true character.”
Tour Stops and Highlights
Pastime Saloon – Known for frontier chaos, miner lore, and Lydia the ghostly pianist, this bar is a lively start to the evening, where stories of Old West miners and ghostly piano music fill the air. The building’s historic scratches and bullet holes hint at its wild past.
Silver Dollar Saloon – One of Leadville’s most famous establishments, it boasts tales of Doc Holliday and Oscar Wilde, along with a mysterious mirror figure that reportedly appears and disappears. The ambiance here is both historic and ghostly, making it perfect for spooky stories.
Before & After – A Prohibition-era hideout that served crafted drinks and contains stories of secret raids and daring escape attempts. It offers a glimpse into a turbulent chapter of Leadville’s history.
The Delaware Hotel – Victorian elegance meets haunted halls in this stately hotel, with the legend of the Blue Lady adding a ghostly touch. The hotel’s architecture and stories make it a memorable part of the tour.
What To Expect
The tour lasts 2.5 hours, during which you’ll walk through authentic buildings that still retain their century-old charm. Expect small groups, typically around a dozen or fewer participants, allowing for a relaxed pace and personal storytelling. Guides speak excellent English and are well-versed in both the history and ghost stories of Leadville.
Weather in Leadville can change quickly, especially at high altitudes—be sure to bring comfortable shoes, a hat, a jacket, and gloves. The tour operates rain or shine, so you’ll experience the atmospheric streets regardless of weather. Since the tour is held at night, it’s advisable to have appropriate clothing to stay comfortable and safe.
More Great Tours NearbyWhy It’s Worth the Price
While the tour does not specify exact costs, its value lies in authentic storytelling, the historic setting, and the high-quality guide. You’re paying for not just a stroll through town but an immersive experience that combines history, local legends, and a spooky atmosphere. Because the tour is limited in size, you’ll get more personalized attention and richer stories.
Authenticity and Atmosphere
The saloons still carry bullet scars and creaking floors, making the stories feel real and immediate. You’re not just hearing tales; you’re experiencing the ghosts and gunfighters’ world where they once roamed. The atmospheric streets at 10,200 feet add a layer of spooky eeriness that enhances the storytelling.
Reviews and Feedback
One verified traveler, Javier, raved about the experience, saying, “This tour really brought the town to life and helped to show its true character.” The small-group format, knowledgeable guides, and authentic venues are often highlighted as key strengths. Travelers appreciate that the stories are told where they actually happened, creating a sense of connection to the past.
Practical Considerations
- Duration & Timing: 2.5 hours, check availability for starting times
- Meeting Point: Zaitz Park in downtown Leadville, a central, easy-to-find spot
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, which broadens its appeal
- Weather: Tours run rain or shine; don’t forget weather-appropriate gear
- Age Restrictions: Not suitable for children under 18, given the ghost stories and nighttime setting
Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?
If you love history and want to experience it in a lively, atmospheric way, this tour offers genuine and entertaining insight into Leadville’s past. Ghost story fans will find plenty to thrill them, as the guide’s tales are both spooky and rooted in real events. The walk through historic saloons offers a tangible connection to the frontier days, and the small-group format ensures a personal, engaging experience.
However, if you prefer a more relaxed, museum-style visit or have young children, this may not be the best fit—it’s designed for those comfortable with walking, high altitude, and a bit of ghostly spookiness. The tour’s focus on authentic venues and stories makes it ideal for travelers who crave local flavor and a peek into the untamed Old West.
Overall, From Gunfighters to Ghosts promises an evening full of history, atmosphere, and stories that stick with you long after the last ghostly whisper fades into the night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not recommended for children under 18 due to its ghost stories and evening setting.
How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 2.5 hours long, giving enough time to enjoy the atmosphere and stories without feeling rushed.
Where does the tour start?
It begins at Zaitz Park in downtown Leadville, a convenient and central meeting point.
Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for a broader range of travelers.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, a jacket, and gloves are advised, especially since weather can change quickly at 10,200 feet.
Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What makes this tour unique?
The combination of authentic, historic saloons, real ghost stories, and guides who know every whisper of Leadville’s past creates a truly immersive experience that’s both spirited and spooky.
In the end, if you’re after a lively, authentic slice of Leadville’s past wrapped in a ghostly atmosphere, From Gunfighters to Ghosts offers a memorable night out. It balances history and storytelling beautifully, giving you a chance to see the town through the eyes of those who once roamed its streets—and perhaps, those who still do.
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