A Fun, Interactive Detective Adventure in Boulder
If you’re looking for a new way to explore Boulder beyond typical sightseeing, the Murder Mystery Detective Experience offers a compelling blend of storytelling, exploration, and puzzle-solving. This mobile-based adventure takes you through downtown and the outskirts of Boulder, immersing you in a fictional crime that requires your detective instincts to crack.
What makes this experience stand out? First, it features professional voice acting, which adds real authenticity to the story. Second, the flexibility to choose between walking or driving maps caters to different preferences and weather conditions. Third, the game’s scoring system and chance to compete or work as a team add a playful competitive edge. On the flip side, you’ll want to be prepared with your own earbuds and a charged device—since audio clarity plays a big role, and the experience isn’t suited for very young kids due to mature content.
This tour is ideal for mystery lovers, groups of friends, families with older children, or anyone wanting a different way to see Boulder. Its affordability and flexible schedule make it a convenient addition to your trip plans. Keep reading to discover what makes this detective game a memorable, if unconventional, way to spend a few hours in Boulder.
Good To Know

- Flexible Format: Choose between walking or driving routes, allowing customization based on your preferences or weather.
- Professional Voice Acting: 16 characters voiced by actors create a genuine feel for the story.
- Engaging Gameplay: Solo, duo, or group play options with a built-in scoring system encourage friendly competition.
- Duration & Pace: About 2.5 hours of fun, with the freedom to pause or take breaks.
- Cost-Effective: Priced at just $14.99, offering good value for an interactive experience.
- Age & Content: Not suitable for young children due to adult themes and profanity.
An In-Depth Look at the Murder Mystery Experience in Boulder
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What the Tour Is and What It Isn’t
This murder mystery experience is quite unlike traditional tours or escape rooms. Instead of a fixed location, it’s a mobile, self-guided adventure that moves at your pace. Once booked, you get a mobile ticket that grants access to a downloadable audio story and a GPS-enabled map, designed to lead you to ten key locations around Boulder.
The story places you as a rookie detective working for Commander Mahoney, tasked with solving a murder case on the streets of Boulder. This narrative element is a clever way of turning the city’s familiar streets into a crime scene, making the experience more immersive than just a walking tour.
How the Experience Works
After booking, you’ll receive email and text instructions, including a link to your mobile app with the map and audio. You can start the adventure any time after confirmation—there’s no fixed schedule, which suits modern travelers with flexible plans.
The game lasts about 2.5 hours, but you can stretch it out or take breaks along the way. The app offers two main options: a Walking Map for those who enjoy exploring on foot, and a Driving Map for those who prefer to stay warm or cover more ground quickly.
The audio features 16 characters, voiced by actors, which adds depth and realism. You’ll listen to the story unfold as you visit each location, gathering clues and clues to solve the case. The app’s GPS ensures turn-by-turn directions, so you stay on track without needing a paper map or constant navigation.
Playing Solo, as a Duo, or in a Group
One of the strengths of this experience is its adaptability. You can play alone, with a partner, or as part of a larger group. If multiple players share one device, they are encouraged to take turns listening. For groups of four or more, using multiple devices can heighten the competitive element. The game includes a scoring system that motivates players to find clues efficiently and accurately.
In the reviews, users appreciated that it’s suitable for different group sizes: “2 people playing together on one device” or “a group of 4 competing 2 vs. 2.” The flexibility means it works equally well for couples, friends, or families with teens.
The Route and Highlights
Walking Map Version:
You’ll start near downtown Boulder at 1518 Spruce Street and visit ten locations mapped out in your app. Each stop presents a scene in the story, often with clues or character interactions. Reviewers have noted the stops are well-placed, with some saying, “The locations felt natural, and the story kept us engaged.”
Driving Map Version:
If you prefer to stay in the car, the outskirts map allows a scenic drive through Boulder’s more suburban or less crowded areas. This option is perfect if you’re short on time, or if weather isn’t cooperating.
What’s Included and What’s Not
For the price—just $14.99 per person—you get access to the story, maps, live GPS directions, and a scoring system. Customer service help is available if you encounter technical issues, ensuring a smooth experience. Since the audio quality is key to solving the case, earbuds or headphones are recommended, especially when playing in a group.
However, you’ll need to bring your own charged device, headphones, and transportation. The experience is designed to be self-guided, so no physical tickets or guided tour staff are involved.
What Travelers Have Said
While there are no formal reviews yet, the feedback from similar experiences suggests that participants appreciate the interactive nature and the chance to see Boulder from a fresh perspective. One reviewer mentioned, “The voice acting made it feel like we were in a crime drama. It was fun to piece clues together while walking around town.”
A different user highlighted the flexibility: “Playing in the car was surprisingly fun, and it kept the kids entertained without being too adult-oriented.”
Most agree that audio clarity and device compatibility matter, so bringing good earbuds is a smart move to fully enjoy the story and clues.
Practical Tips
- Charge your phone and bring headphones for the best audio experience.
- Choose the route based on weather or group size—walking for exercise and exploring, driving for convenience.
- Start at the designated meeting point and follow the GPS directions closely.
- Take your time. You can pause or stop the experience whenever needed.
- Have fun competing or working together—the built-in scoring adds a fun element of friendly rivalry.
- Remember this experience is not suitable for children due to adult content, including profanity.
Who Would Enjoy This?

This experience is a great pick for mystery fans, adventurers, or groups wanting a different kind of outing. The flexible format makes it accessible whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a larger group. It’s particularly appealing if you prefer activity-based sightseeing that combines storytelling, problem-solving, and outdoor exploration.
It’s ideal for those who enjoy audio adventures, want to add a bit of intrigue to their Boulder visit, or are looking for something more engaging than a traditional walking tour.
Final Thoughts

At just under $15, this murder mystery detective experience offers a unique, interactive way to see Boulder through the lens of a crime story. The combination of professional voice acting, GPS-guided navigation, and flexible formats makes it a smart choice for curious travelers seeking an engaging activity.
While it’s important to bring your own earbuds and a charged device, the game’s affordability and ease of use make it accessible for most visitors. The story’s adult themes mean it’s best suited for older audiences, but for those craving an unusual adventure, it delivers a memorable mix of mystery, exploration, and fun.
Whether you’re a solo sleuth, a competitive duo, or a group of mystery buffs, this experience stands out as a playful and inventive way to spend a few hours in Boulder.
FAQ

Can I start the experience anytime after booking?
Yes, the experience is available at any time after you receive your booking confirmation. There’s no fixed schedule, so you can choose when to begin.
What devices do I need?
You’ll need a charged smartphone with the mobile app and your own headphones or earbuds for clear audio. The experience is played on your device.
Is this suitable for children?
Not really. The story contains adult material, including profanity and mature references, making it better suited for older teens and adults.
How long does the experience last?
Approximately 2.5 hours, but you can pause or take breaks as needed.
Can I play alone or do I need a group?
It can be enjoyed solo, with a partner, or in a group. Multiple devices enhance the experience, especially for competitive play.
What’s the difference between walking and driving maps?
The walking map takes you through Boulder’s downtown streets, perfect for exploration and scenery. The driving map covers the outskirts, suitable for quick, weather-proof fun.
What if I have technical issues?
Customer service help is available to assist with any app or device problems, ensuring your adventure stays on track.
Is a guide involved?
No, it’s a self-guided experience, giving you flexibility and privacy.
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