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

Exploring Denver’s Wild Side: A Deep Dive into the City’s Notorious Past

If you’re curious about Denver beyond its modern skyscrapers and craft breweries, the Self-Guided Audio Tour of Denver’s Notorious Past offers a fascinating way to uncover its more colorful history. This 45-minute experience takes you through the lively Lower Downtown (LoDo) area, blending storytelling with the chance to explore at your own pace.

What caught our attention? The tour’s affordable price of just $9.99, its rich narrative of scandal and intrigue, and the fact that it’s completely self-guided, allowing you flexibility and autonomy. However, since it’s a walking tour, be prepared for about an hour’s worth of strolling—so comfortable walking shoes are a must.

This tour is ideal for history buffs, urban explorers, or anyone who loves stories of Prohibition, ghostly sightings, and wild west showdowns. If you’re after a fun, budget-friendly way to learn about Denver’s more colorful chapters, this experience is well worth considering.

Good To Know

• Affordable Price Point: At just $9.99, it offers a lot of storytelling and exploration value.
• Self-Guided Flexibility: Explore at your own pace with offline maps and audio on your phone.
• Rich Stories: Includes tales of haunted hotels, old red light districts, and historic warehouse tunnels.
• Authentic Setting: Takes you through iconic LoDo landmarks that shape Denver’s identity.
• Knowledgeable Narration: The tour’s guides share insights that add depth to each stop.
• Suitable for Various Travelers: Perfect for solo adventurers, couples, or groups who want a personalized history walk.

Analyzing the Experience: A Practical Look

The tour begins at 1664 Market Street, setting the tone with intriguing stories that immediately pull you into Denver’s past of crime, prohibition, and lively nightlife. The starting point, close to the downtown core, makes it accessible whether you’re coming from a hotel or nearby attractions. The entire route is designed to be completed in 45 minutes to an hour and fifteen minutes—meaning it’s a quick yet informative journey.

The self-guided aspect deserves applause because it grants you the freedom to pause, re-listen, or skip sections as you please. The app is compatible with both Android and iOS, and offers offline access, which is handy when roaming through city streets that might lack reliable Wi-Fi. Plus, you get lifetime access to the tour, which means you can revisit Denver’s rougher side whenever you like.

The Tour Stops: A Closer Look

1. The Historic Tunnel Entrance
This is where the journey begins, revealing Denver’s underground coal transport routes that once served as conduits for illicit activities—think smuggling and secret meetings. The story here paints a vivid picture of how Denver’s underground spaces played a role in its notorious past. It’s a great visual anchor, especially since the tunnel remains sealed but still beckons with stories of shadows and secrets.

2. The Sugar Building
From the era when sugar beet production thrived in Colorado, this building stands as a symbol of Denver’s industrial past. The narrative gives you a sense of how commerce and industry shaped the city’s growth—something you might not see if you only walk by with no background story.

3. Haunted Oxford Hotel & Cruise Room
For fans of ghost stories, this stop is a highlight. The Oxford Hotel’s Cruise Room—opened during Prohibition—has a reputation for being haunted by the ghost of Florence Montague, who is said to linger in room 320. Reviewers note that the tour’s guide shares engaging tales about the hotel’s past and its ghostly residents, adding a spooky layer to the experience.

4. McGregor Square & Coors Field
These landmarks mark Denver’s transition from a gritty, industrial city to a vibrant sports and entertainment hub. The tour explains how the revitalization of LoDo was sparked by these attractions, showcasing Denver’s ability to reinvent itself while respecting its history.

5. Rockmount Ranch Wear
Known as the creators of the first snapped western shirt, Rockmount’s story ties into Denver’s western heritage. It’s a small yet telling detail that reflects the city’s deep roots in cowboy culture, now preserved in a modern fabric.

6. Dairy Block & Windsor Dairy Building
Walking through this European-styled alley gives you a glimpse of Denver’s redevelopment efforts—restoring historical buildings like the Windsor Dairy of 1918 into trendy retail and dining spots. It’s a reminder that Denver is balancing history with progress.

7. The Site of a Women’s Gun Duel
This unique piece of history stands out. The story of Denver being home to the only known gun duel between two women underscores its wild, unpredictable past. It’s a quirky, unexpected detail that keeps the tour engaging.

8. The Red Light District & Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row
The tour ends at a lively spot in what was once Denver’s most notorious red-light district. The House of Mirrors brothel and other stories of vice and scandal give an unvarnished look at Denver’s bawdier days. Current reviewers note that the guide’s storytelling makes these tales come alive, turning history into entertainment.

Practicalities and User Experience

The price of $9.99 for lifetime access offers excellent value, considering you get a personalized experience with local stories and historical context. The tour’s duration is flexible, but most will spend about an hour walking at a leisurely pace, soaking in both the stories and Denver’s urban atmosphere.

Because it’s self-guided, you won’t be stuck in a large group or follow a fixed schedule. This can be a real advantage if you prefer exploring alone or with a small group. Some reviews mention that the guide’s narration is engaging and knowledgeable, making the stories feel authentic and well-researched.

The app functionality is crucial—offline access means you won’t worry about losing signal, and GPS ensures you stay on route without issues. Directions are clear, guiding you from one landmark to the next seamlessly.

What You Should Know

• The tour does not include entry fees for attractions like the Cruise Room or other sites, so budget accordingly if you plan to visit them.
• It’s a walking tour, so comfortable shoes are recommended—expect some urban strolling.
• You’ll be passing through historical landmarks, some with stories of hauntings and scandal, so be prepared for some spooky tales.
• The tour is designed for most travelers, but if you’re seeking a more passive experience, a guided tour might suit you better.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This self-guided audio adventure offers a unique way to connect with Denver’s rougher, more rebellious past. It’s perfect for history enthusiasts, urban explorers, and anyone interested in stories of Prohibition, haunted hotels, or cowboy legends. The affordable price combined with the flexibility makes it appealing for budget-conscious travelers who value storytelling and authentic sights.

If you’re after a personalized experience that you can pause and revisit, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy learning about a city’s underbelly without the constraints of a group or scheduled tour.

However, if you prefer guided commentary in a group setting or want to visit attractions included in the tour, you might want to consider additional arrangements or different tours.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour usually take?
Most travelers spend about 45 minutes to an hour and 15 minutes walking and listening, depending on how often they stop or linger at each site.

What’s included in the tour price?
The $9.99 fee grants you lifetime access to the self-guided audio, maps, and geodata, but it doesn’t include entry fees for attractions like the Cruise Room or other sites.

Is this tour suitable for kids or families?
While the tour is generally accessible, the stories of gun duels, scandals, and hauntings might be more suited for older children or teenagers interested in history and ghost stories.

Do I need a special app or device?
Yes, the tour uses a compatible app available on Android and iOS, which provides offline access to audio files and maps—no internet needed once downloaded.

Can I do this tour at night?
The tour operates anytime, as it’s self-guided. Nighttime might add a spooky vibe, especially with stories of ghosts and haunted sites.

Are there any group discounts?
The tour is designed as a private experience for your group; no mention of group discounts is provided.

What should I bring along?
Your smartphone, headphones, comfortable walking shoes, and some water. Keep in mind that some sites don’t include entry fees, so bring cash or cards if you plan to visit attractions.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
Since it involves walking along city streets, it’s best suited for those able to walk at a moderate pace on urban terrain.

What’s the best time to take this tour?
Any time of day works, but early or late afternoon can provide good lighting for photos and a more relaxed pace before or after sightseeing.

In summary, Denver’s Wild Side self-guided tour offers a rich mix of stories, history, and urban exploration at a wallet-friendly price. With engaging narration and the freedom to explore at your own pace, it’s a compelling way to uncover the city’s colorful past—perfect for curious travelers eager to see Denver through a different lens.