Top Colorado Cultural Tours

See the UNESCO World Heritage–listed sites of Mesa Verde National Park on a tour of the park's Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. A guide provides insight into the history, architecture, and spiritual features of these ancient homes and how they were lived in hundreds of years ago. Please note, this tour starts inside the park; you must already be in the park after paying your own national park entrance fee.

Head south from Denver on a small group tour to two of Colorado’s most majestic places. First, visit Garden of the Gods, a unique geological area with colossal red rock formations. Then take a drive up Pikes Peak, which inspired the song “America the Beautiful.” Have lunch and enjoy a bit of free time or shopping in the charming town of Manitou Springs, then take a scenic drive through the foothills back to Denver.

Enjoy an introductory visit to the Rocky Mountains—and still leave enough time to continue your Denver sightseeing—on this half-day, small-group tour. Meet your guide in the morning, and head out to the foothills to enjoy views of the Great Plains and Lookout Mountain. Drive historic Lariat Loop, and get a glimpse of historic Golden, home to Coors Brewery. In just half a day, you'll see some of the best of the region's scenery.

Uncover the rich history of Denver on this self-guided walking tour through Lower Downtown (LoDo), where the city's origins took shape. Walk along the banks of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River, exploring preserved warehouses, jazz clubs, and modern art spaces that reflect both the historic heart and the evolving spirit of Denver. This tour reveals the fascinating narrative of gold seekers, the rise of railroads, and the district's transformation from a bustling commercial center to a vibrant cultural hub. — Discover the birthplace of Denver at the confluence of two rivers — Explore historic architecture, including Italianate and Romanesque buildings — Learn about the impact of the gold rush and the transcontinental railroad — Enjoy a flexible pace, perfect for history enthusiasts and casual strollers alike

Sit back and relax while your guide drives you around a specially curated route to show you Denver’s best streets, neighborhoods, and parks. Your local tour leader will talk you through the history of the city as you soak up the sights. They can also recommend their favorite restaurants, breweries, shops, and other fun things for you to try when the 2-hour tour is done.

Vail Village looks like a picture-perfect alpine retreat – all Bavarian chalets and polished luxury – but the real stories are hidden in plain sight. On this self-guided audio tour, you’ll hear about the soldiers, ski legends, and local quirks that shaped this mountain town into something far more interesting than its postcard image suggests. You’ll start at the Vail Village Welcome Center near the Colorado Snowsports Museum, and make your way through the cobblestone streets of the village center. As you walk, you’ll hear stories about the 10th Mountain Division soldiers who fought in World War II and returned to build Vail from scratch. The tour ends at a second covered bridge over Gore Creek, surrounded by sculpture gardens and mountain views.

Explore the fascinating history of Colorado's silver boom on the Bachelor Loop Ghost Tour in Creede. This scenic 17-mile driving route takes you through abandoned mines and ghost towns nestled in the rugged San Juan Mountains. Highlights include the renowned Last Chance Mine, the historic Underground Mining Museum, and breathtaking mountain views. As you traverse this historic mining district, encounter wildlife and immerse yourself in Wild West legends. Perfect for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, this self-guided tour offers the freedom to explore at your own pace. To note, this is an old ghost tour, for your safety drive safe and stay on the road. - Discover the rich silver mining history of Creede, Colorado - Visit iconic sites like the Last Chance Mine and Underground Mining Museum - Enjoy stunning mountain vistas and wildlife viewing opportunities - Experience the tour at your own pace with GPS-enabled audio guidance

Experience the world's most iconic outdoor amphitheater before the crowds arrive. Experience the amphitheater's unique geology and explore the interactive Hall of Fame museum, discovering the venue's legendary music history followed by a walk down the amphitheater's 70 rows and 194 steps to the legendary stage that has hosted decades of music history's greatest icons. The tour continues down the south ramp to the historic Trading Post for stunning panoramic photos of the towering rock formations. We follow this with a moderate 1.5 mile hike along the spectacular Trading Post hiking trail. We will conclude the morning tour at the Trading Post, perfectly timed for it's 9:00 AM opening.

Step inside Colorado’s first legal whiskey distillery since Prohibition and discover how Stranahan’s American single malt whiskey comes to life. Located in Denver, this immersive tour follows the handcrafted journey — from distillation to barrel aging to bottling. Along the way, enjoy exclusive tastings of award-winning whiskeys and receive $10 off a select bottle of your choice. Tours are offered daily and include: -Guided distillery walkthrough led by a Stranahan’s whiskey expert -The story of Stranahan’s founding and its place in American whiskey history -Tastings of four award-winning Stranahan's American single malt whiskeys Perfect for curious newcomers and devoted whiskey fans alike.

The first national park to “preserve the works of man,” Mesa Verde stands alone as a national park, archaeological site, and UNESCO World Heritage Site. On this half-day tour, you’ll skip the search for parking and go straight to exploring the ancient cliff dwellings with a guide, learning about the park’s flora and fauna, geology, and human mystery—these ruins were abandoned around the year 1300.

The Denver foothills are packed with some of Colorado's best sights, from Red Rocks Amphitheater to Lookout Mountain and scenic Lariat Loop. Throughout this half-day tour from Denver explore the scenic foothills, get panoramic views of the mountain surroundings, and stroll through small, historic towns before stopping in Golden for a coffee or craft beer. It's a quick escape from the big city buzz and a taste of life in the mountains just outside of "Mile High" City.

We made this tour for the beer enthusiast who wants to appreciate some pretty spectacular mountain views and also sample the best of the Colorado brewing scene. On this small-group tour, you'll get to enjoy tasty beer from some of our favorite craft breweries, hand-picked by our knowledgeable local guides. The history and backstory makes every local pint taste even better. Enjoy the views, find something you’ve never tasted before, and discover new brews you’ll love. • Enjoy top-rated craft beers in small mountain towns • Take in mountain and canyon views throughout the scenic drive • Learn about what you're drinking and who made it from a fun local guide • Enjoy your pints knowing your transportation is covered

The Boulder Joyride eBike Tour best illustrates why Boulder is one of the best cities on earth for riding bikes. From our centrally-located starting point, we'll take to bike paths, streets, alleys and other byways on this comprehensive, local's-eye view of Boulder. We'll explore the town's eclectic neighborhoods, visit popular (and lesser known) areas of interest, take in stunning views, and immerse ourselves in Boulder's vibrant outdoor culture. Along the way you’ll discover Boulder’s unique urban/nature interface, eclectic neighborhoods, and fun “alternate” routes that only someone with decades of local riding experience (like your JD's Joyrides guide) knows.

Combine a visit to the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak with a trip on the Cog Railway with this tour from Denver. Your driver will pick you up at Union Station and take you to the Garden of the Gods, where you'll explore for a bit before taking the railway up to Pikes Peak. You'll then have time to visit Manitou Springs before returning to Denver.

The Universal Ticket for Two offers a playful and enlightening experience at the Sexploratorium in Denver. Two guests can explore the museum's engaging exhibits, designed to spark curiosity and promote open conversations about sexuality. Along with unlimited access to the museum, this ticket includes a gift bag filled with fun and romantic items, enhancing the visit. Perfect for couples seeking a unique outing, this ticket allows you to enjoy an entertaining and educational day together.

Enjoy a delectable introduction to Denver's hip RiNo Arts District—and follow your guide straight to its culinary highlights—on this small-group walking tour. You’ll visit five award-winning local restaurants to taste dishes ranging from fried chicken and sourdough pizza to mochi donuts and beyond. In between tour stops, your foodie guide will share stories about Denver’s growing culinary scene.

Explore the picturesque town of Estes Park—and leave the crowds behind—on this small-group e-bike tour around its scenic landscape. Discover highlights, including the historic main street and renowned Stanley Hotel, ride on the dedicated cycle path by Lake Estes, and take in panoramic views of Rocky Mountain National Park. Along the way, learn about the area and hear insights on local culture and traditions.

Aspen is a town where the mountains are steep, the parties are legendary, and the truth is often stranger than fiction. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll discover the rebellious spirit and untold stories behind Aspen’s glittering facade, from counterculture movements to celebrity hideaways. This 60-minute tour starts at the historic Old Armory, once Aspen’s City Hall. You’ll explore the former headquarters of Hunter S. Thompson’s outrageous campaign for sheriff, where the father of gonzo journalism hoped to disarm police and rename Aspen “Fat City” to deter investors. You’ll weave downtown, past designer boutiques housed in Victorian-era buildings, and along peaceful trails with natural beauty that’s drawn both celebrities and free spirits for decades. The tour ends at the peaceful John Denver Sanctuary, across the Ron Krajian Bridge and tucked along the banks of the Roaring Fork River, where the beloved singer-songwriter found inspiration for his most iconic songs.

Experience the jaw-dropping cliffs and narrow canyons of Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park with this self-guided audio driving tour. A friendly narrator shares stories of daring explorers, canyon geology, and wildlife — all while you drive and listen. Along the North Rim Scenic Drive, you'll stop at iconic viewpoints like Gunnison Point, Painted Wall View, Chasm View, and Dragon Point, or stretch your legs on the Rim Rock Trail and Warner Point Nature Trail. For a different perspective, descend the dramatic East Portal Road to the river’s edge. With turn-by-turn directions and engaging stories you’ll enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace—without missing a thing. Perfect for road trippers, families, or anyone seeking an immersive national park adventure. *Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

Explore the stunning landscapes of Rocky Mountain National Park on this private car tour from Estes Park. With expert local guidance. Where captivating views and memorable experiences await. This comfortable tour includes a variety of stops, from the serene Sprague Lake to the breathtaking Trail Ridge Road, ensuring every moment is picture-perfect. Enjoy the convenience of transportation, binoculars for wildlife watching, and refreshing water throughout the journey, all in about 3 hours. Ideal for families and nature lovers seeking a relaxing adventure in the heart of Colorado. - Private 3-hour car tour of Estes & RMNP! - Includes transportation, binoculars, and water - Perfect for families and nature enthusiasts looking for a stress-free experience

On this jam-packed walking tour of Golden, Colorado, you’ll see how the Wild West still lingers on just 20 minutes west of Denver. Following your guide around this gold-rush town, you’ll dive into 150+ years of history, learning all about hard-to-believe tales and unscrupulous characters that formed this spot. And with this boots-on-the-ground tour, you’ll see how that history is still standing strong today.

Walk across the tallest sand dunes in North America and explore Great Sand Dunes National Park at your own pace. A friendly narrator tells you stories about how the wind and rivers shaped these giant dunes and about the people who lived here long ago. You can start at the Visitor Center, then climb the dunes, feel the sand in your toes, or slide down like you’re on a playground. Hike to Zapata Fall, stroll the Montville Nature Trail under aspen trees, and follow the Dunes Overlook Trail for big views. And, if you have time, walk the Mosca Pass Trail if you have more time. This tour works without cell service. It gives turn by turn directions, travel tips as you explore and it never expires. Download the tour, walk in the sand, tell your friends about dunes, waterfalls, and stories of Great Sand Dunes National Park enjoy this amazing park your way. *Download the Shaka Guide app to access the purchased tours*

Meet at our office in Durango, located at **360 South Camino del Rio, Suite 200**, approximately 20 minutes before departure. From there, you'll travel to Mesa Verde National Park in one of our comfortable touring vehicles with 15 passengers or fewer. This five hour experience is primarily a driving tour, giving you time to enjoy the spectacular scenery while your guide shares the archaeology, history, oral traditions, and culture of the Ancestral Puebloans. Along the way, you'll stop at one or two carefully selected overlooks or archaeological sites before continuing to the highlight of the day, **Cliff Palace**. Your tour includes the hard-to-get tickets for the National Park Service ranger-led tour, allowing you to spend approximately 45 minutes exploring the largest cliff dwelling in North America. After your visit, relax on the scenic drive back to Durango with a deeper appreciation for one of America's most remarkable national parks. Remember, we meet in DURANGO, not the Park.