Exploring Denver with the Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: A Practical Review
If you’re looking to see Denver in a way that’s both fun and flexible, the Denver Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour might just be your ticket. Offered by Explorial, this experience promises a hands-on way to explore the city’s highlights with your own smartphone, solving riddles and uncovering hidden spots along the way. It’s perfect if you prefer to avoid large groups and instead set your own pace, making it ideal for solo travelers, couples, or small groups wanting a relaxed yet engaging outing.
What really caught our eye about this tour is its affordable price point of just $7.71 per person and its flexibility—you’re not tied to a schedule. Plus, the reviews are glowing, with an impressive 5-star rating from all six travelers who left feedback. We also love that it’s accessible in both English and Spanish, broadening its appeal, and that it takes roughly two hours, which is just enough to get a good taste of Denver without feeling rushed or exhausted.
That said, it’s worth mentioning that since the tour is self-guided, you need to be comfortable navigating on your own and using a smartphone app, which might be a slight hurdle for those less tech-savvy. Also, as a walking tour, it’s best suited for those who enjoy some light exercise and exploring on foot; if you’re looking for a more structured or indoor experience, this might not hit the mark.
This tour is a great pick for adventurers wanting a personal, interactive city experience without the hefty price tag. If you’re someone who enjoys a mix of sightseeing, puzzles, and discovering hidden corners at your own pace, this could be just what you’re looking for.
Key Points
- Affordable price for a personalized city exploration experience
- Flexible pace allows for breaks and spontaneous detours
- Interactive format combines sightseeing with engaging puzzles
- Multiple language options make it accessible for diverse travelers
- Ideal duration of about two hours fits well into a day
- Good reviews highlight its fun and educational qualities
Exploring Denver the Fun and Practical Way
Denver is a city that offers a lot—from stunning architecture to vibrant neighborhoods—and seeing it through a self-guided scavenger hunt adds a layer of fun that traditional tours often miss. This experience is designed to help you explore at your own pace and really engage with the city’s highlights.
The tour begins at 1430 Larimer Street, a lively spot in downtown Denver. Once you start, you’ll be using an app that provides hints, questions, and photo tasks along the way. The goal is to find sights like the East 2 West Source Point, the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, and the Colorado State Capitol—some of Denver’s most recognizable landmarks—while solving riddles that reveal interesting tidbits about each location.
How It Works
You’ll receive an access code after booking, which unlocks the tour in the Explorial app. The app is your guide, offering a mix of clues, questions, and photo challenges. Most of these are designed to be fun and educational, prompting you to look closely at signs, architecture, and even take creative photos. The best part? You can take as long as you like, stopping for a snack, a photo, or even a quick visit to a nearby café or hotel. Several reviews mention making their own pitstop at the Populus hotel for cocktails, showing how flexible the tour can be.
Stops and Highlights
While the full list of sights isn’t exhaustive here, reviewers have appreciated that the tour includes a variety of Denver’s highlights, from cultural landmarks to unique hidden gems. The Ellie Caulkins Opera House and the Colorado State Capitol stand out, offering both aesthetic beauty and a chance to learn about the city’s history in a casual way. The East 2 West Source Point is another intriguing stop, likely a notable feature or landmark along the route.
What Travelers Say
Based on reviews, visitors found the experience “fun and leisurely”, a “great way to see some beautiful architecture”, and “educational, offering bites of history and culture at each stop.” One reviewer mentioned it was “absolutely perfect” for their first day in Denver and expressed interest in doing similar scavenger hunts in other cities. Others appreciated the good exercise involved, highlighting that it’s not only entertaining but also a healthy activity.
The Value Proposition
At just over $7 per person, this tour is a remarkably good deal, especially considering it offers a custom, self-paced experience with learning elements and photo tasks. Travelers consistently mention that it’s “well worth the money” and provides a satisfying combination of sightseeing and fun puzzle-solving.
Considerations
While many rave about the tour’s ease and fun, keep in mind that since it’s self-guided, you need to be comfortable navigating with your smartphone. It’s also primarily a walking experience, so comfortable shoes are a must, and those with mobility issues might want to plan accordingly. The tour is available every day from noon until late at night, so timing is flexible.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This scavenger hunt is best suited for adventurous travelers who enjoy exploring independently and want to combine sightseeing with light puzzle-solving. It’s ideal for those who appreciate history, architecture, and a spontaneous approach to discovering a city. If you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a small group, and value affordability, this experience fits perfectly. It’s also a good pick for travelers who want to see Denver without an overly structured tour, giving you room to take breaks, explore side streets, or revisit favorite spots afterward.
A Close Look at the Experience
The tour’s two-hour duration is just enough to cover several key sights without feeling overwhelming. Its format encourages curiosity and active participation, making it more memorable than a passive walk. The app’s ease of use is frequently praised, with one reviewer noting it was “very easy to use,” which is significant because complicated tech can sometimes spoil the fun.
Finding sights is made straightforward thanks to the hints provided, and the app’s map function guides you efficiently through the city streets. The questions posed at each stop are designed to be engaging, often hidden in signs or architecture, encouraging you to look more carefully and learn a bit along the way.
An important aspect is the photo tasks, which add a creative twist. These encourage you to see Denver through a new lens, capturing moments and details you might otherwise overlook. Some reviewers mention they enjoyed the photo challenge and felt it added a layer of fun.
The Downside
The main limitation is that this experience demands some level of independence and comfort with smartphones, which might not suit everyone. Also, since the tour is based on walking, it’s not suitable if you prefer minimal physical activity or have mobility constraints. Its open-ended nature is a plus, but for those wanting a more guided or indoor experience, it may fall short.
The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?
All in all, the Denver Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour offers a surprisingly rich experience for the price. Its blend of sightseeing, puzzle-solving, and photo challenges makes it a memorable way to discover Denver’s streets, architecture, and culture, especially if you enjoy exploring at your own pace. The glowing reviews reflect its success as a fun, educational, and cost-effective activity.
This tour is especially well-suited for independent travelers, young couples, or small groups who love a mix of adventure and learning. It’s perfect if you want to see a lot without the rigidity of a scheduled tour and are happy to navigate with your smartphone. Just pack some comfortable shoes, be ready for some walking, and prepare to see Denver through a fresh set of eyes.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
Since the experience involves walking around and solving puzzles, it’s generally suitable for most ages. However, it’s best for children who can comfortably walk and engage with the questions or photo tasks.
Do I need a specific device to participate?
You’ll need a smartphone with internet access to download and use the Explorial app, which guides you through the tour and offers hints and questions.
Can I do this tour alone or with friends?
Yes, it’s designed for individual groups or small groups. Since it’s private, only your group will participate.
Is there a time limit for the tour?
No, the experience is not limited in time. You can explore at your own pace, making it flexible for your schedule.
What landmarks or sights will I see?
You’ll see key Denver landmarks such as the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Colorado State Capitol, and other hidden gems that the clues will lead you to.
What’s the starting point?
The tour begins at 1430 Larimer Street, Denver.
Is the tour accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the starting point is near public transit options, making it easy to access.
How long does the tour typically take?
Most participants finish in about two hours, but you can take longer if you wish.
What’s the price?
It costs approximately $7.71 per person, which offers great value given the personalized nature of the experience.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to plan flexibly.
If you’re after a relaxed, interactive way to get to know Denver’s streets and stories without breaking the bank, this scavenger hunt tour is worth considering. It’s a mix of sightseeing, puzzle-solving, and fun, all designed to keep you engaged and active. Just remember to bring your curiosity and your walking shoes!