Durango Ghost Walk Tour
Meeting point
Duration
90 Mins.
Start time
Tours depart nightly at 7 PM; check online calendar for availability.
Tour Operator
Overview
Walk Among the Restless Spirits of Durango’s Rail History
Under the flickering streetlights of one of Colorado’s most iconic railroad towns, the Durango Ghost Walk Tour reveals the dark secrets hidden behind Victorian facades. This isn't just a standard ghost tour; it is an immersive journey into 140 years of haunted history led by local experts who bridge the gap between folklore and fact.
As you embark on this haunted history tour, you’ll wander through the Historic District of Durango, exploring the sites of gunfights, lynchings, and the devastating fire of 1889. Whether you’re searching for ghost tours near you or looking to add a paranormal edge to your Colorado vacation, this ghost walk offers a perfect blend of mystery and local lore.
From the spectral whispers at the Old Durango High School to the legendary hauntings near the Strater Hotel, discover why this haunted Durango walk is considered a must-do "after-dark" experience in the Rocky Mountains.
What to Expect
Your evening of intrigue begins at the Old Durango High School (201 East 12th Street), a location with its own resident spirits and a history dating back to the town's early expansion. Over approximately 90 minutes, your guide will lead you on a one-mile loop through the most paranormally active streets of downtown.
- Historic Haunts: Stand before the majestic Strater Hotel, where the spirits of railroad magnates and Victorian socialites are said to still linger. You'll also explore the area around the Rochester Hotel and Main Avenue, hearing verified accounts of the "soiled doves" and miners who met "brutal fates."
- Authentic Storytelling: Your guide utilizes well-documented historical records and personal interviews with residents to provide paranormal experiences that feel grounded and real.
- Logistics & Prep: This is an outdoor tour that runs regardless of the weather. Because Durango's mountain air can turn chilly after dusk, guests should dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Family & Accessibility: The tour is specifically designed to be inclusive; it is wheelchair and stroller friendly thanks to its sidewalk-based route. With free admission for kids 10 and under, it is a budget-friendly way for families to explore the "wilder" side of the Wild West.
Free street parking available after 6 PM; arrive 15 min early for spots. Visit Parkopedia for the best parking information
No restrooms available; use public facilities downtown prior to tour. Visit Toilet Finder for restroom information
100% accessible for wheelchairs and strollers; 1-mile walking route.. (for more info contact tour operator)
Pets not explicitly allowed; contact operator for pet policy.
Stories told from public sidewalks; no indoor entry provided. (for more info contact tour operator.)
Family-friendly and free for kids 10 & under; spooky but not scary. (for more info, contact tour operator)
Get directions
Things to take on a ghost walk
Been on this ghost tour? Tell others what you think.
More Ghost Tours in Colorado
Story Coffee Company, located at 120 E. Bijou Street, Colorado Springs, CO
Read our Haunted Blogs
5 Best Ghost Tours in Minnesota
Uncovering the Spirits of the North Star State: From Lake Superior’s Misty Shores to the Gilded Age Secrets of St.
8 Best Ghost Tours in Maine
Walk Among the Restless Spirits of the Pine Tree State’s Most Historic Seaports and Haunted Coastal Districts Maine is a
Best Ghost Tours in Connecticut
Uncover Chilling Legends and Haunted History Across the Constitution State’s Most Spectral Cities Connecticut is a land of legends, where
FaQ's
what is a ghost tour
A ghost tour is a guided experience that explores haunted locations and shares stories of paranormal activity, local legends, and historical events. These tours often take place at night in historic towns, cemeteries, or old buildings, blending history with spine-tingling storytelling. Ghost tours offer a fun and immersive way to learn about a location’s past while enjoying a spooky adventure.
Why do people go on ghost tours?
People go on ghost tours to explore local history, hear chilling stories, and experience the thrill of the unknown. Ghost tours blend entertainment, folklore, and real historical events, making them popular with travelers, paranormal enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a unique nighttime adventure. They’re a fun way to discover hidden stories, learn about haunted locations, and enjoy a memorable, spine-tingling experience.
Is a ghost tour scary?
A ghost tour can be spooky, but it’s usually not overwhelmingly scary. Most ghost tours focus on storytelling, history, and exploring haunted locations rather than jump scares or intense horror. The level of fear often depends on the setting, the guide, and your own comfort with eerie tales. They’re designed to be enjoyable for most people, including beginners who want a fun, slightly spooky experience.
What is ghost tourism
Ghost tourism, also known as spooky tourism, is a type of travel focused on visiting haunted locations, paranormal sites, and historic places with spooky stories. It combines history, folklore, and supernatural experiences, attracting travelers who enjoy ghost tours, haunted attractions, and eerie adventures. Ghost tourism offers a unique way to explore a destination’s culture while experiencing thrilling, memorable moments.
What to Expect on a Ghost Tour?
A ghost tour typically combines history, storytelling, and paranormal legends as you explore haunted locations, old towns, and places known for unexplained activity. Expect your guide to share true local stories, including tragic events, mysterious sightings, and eerie folklore tied to the area’s past. Many tours visit historic buildings, cemeteries, alleyways, and landmark sites after dark to heighten the atmosphere.
Most ghost tours are walking tours, so prepare for 60–90 minutes of light to moderate walking, sometimes on uneven ground or dimly lit streets. Some guides may use ghost-hunting tools—like EMF meters or spirit boxes—to demonstrate paranormal investigation techniques, giving you an interactive experience.
You can expect a mix of education, entertainment, and spooky fun, but not guaranteed scares or staged jump moments. The goal is to immerse you in the history, mystery, and unexplained stories that shape each location. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, a ghost tour offers a unique way to discover a city’s hidden past and explore its most haunted corners.
What to Bring on a Ghost Tour?
Preparing properly can make your ghost tour safer, more comfortable, and far more enjoyable. Here are the key items guests are recommended to bring to any ghost walk, haunted history tour, or paranormal investigation.
Essentials:
Comfortable walking shoes for uneven or historic streets
Weather-appropriate clothing: jacket, hoodie, or raincoat
Fully charged phone for photos, notes, or emergencies
Small torch/flashlight for dark areas
Helpful Extras:
Portable power bank for devices or ghost-hunting apps
Bottle of water to stay hydrated
Bug spray for outdoor or older locations
Small backpack or crossbody bag to keep hands free
Optional Paranormal Gear:
EMF detector for interactive ghost-hunting
Thermometer for detecting “cold spots”
Notebook & pen for logging encounters
Red-filtered flashlight to maintain night vision
Safety & Comfort:
Small snacks for longer or late-night tours
Personal medication if needed
Hand sanitizer or wipes for older buildings and high-touch areas