Shadows of Old Salt Lake Walking Tour

Shadowy Secrets of Salt Lake City: A Walk Through Its Haunted Past

If you’re interested in the darker side of Salt Lake City, the Shadows of Old Salt Lake Walking Tour is a fascinating way to spend an evening. This experience isn’t your typical sightseeing stroll; it’s packed with stories of ghostly encounters, mysterious murders, and hidden symbols lurking behind the city’s well-known landmarks. For those who like their history with a side of the supernatural, this tour promises a memorable exploration of the city’s eerie corners.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its affordable price point of $23, making it accessible without sacrificing quality. Plus, the knowledgeable guides seem to bring the stories alive, making it feel more like sitting around a campfire listening to spooky tales than just walking through downtown. On the flip side, the tour is relatively short—about 1 hour 30 minutes—so if you’re after a comprehensive deep-dive into Salt Lake’s entire history, you might want to look elsewhere. Still, for thrill-seekers, history buffs, or paranormal enthusiasts, this walk offers a unique glimpse into the city’s haunted history.

Because of its focus on stories, landmarks, and atmospheric photo stops, this tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy storytelling, history mixed with the paranormal, and a touch of the unusual. It’s especially suited for adults or older teens who won’t mind walking through the dark and hearing about Salt Lake City’s ghostly legends.

Key Points

• Affordable and engaging: At just $23, it offers a lot of value for a 2-hour experience focused on history and ghost stories.
• Knowledgeable guides: Most reviews highlight the guides’ ability to bring the stories to life, making the experience more engaging.
• Short but captivating: The 1.5-hour tour covers a variety of haunted landmarks and stories without feeling rushed.
• Ideal for paranormal enthusiasts: Whether you’re a believer or skeptic, the stories and photo opportunities make it fun.
• Limited group size: With a maximum of 15 travelers, the tour feels intimate and allows for questions and interaction.
• Weather-dependent: Good weather is essential; if it’s canceled, the company offers a full refund or reschedule.

What to Expect from the Shadows of Old Salt Lake Walking Tour

This tour offers an intriguing mix of history and hauntings, making it an ideal pick for those fascinated by ghost stories or the mysterious side of Salt Lake City. It’s set in downtown Salt Lake City, starting at the Rocky Mountain Power Plaza and winding through some of the most atmospheric and haunted parts of the city. You’ll have the chance to take photos of historic, ghostly-looking buildings, and your guide will be happy to answer questions about the stories or paranormal experiences you might’ve had.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

Start Point: Rocky Mountain Power Plaza

The tour kicks off here, setting the mood immediately. The guide introduces the tone—this isn’t just a walk about history but a journey through Salt Lake’s darker tales. Since it’s only about 1 hour 30 minutes, every stop is packed with stories that keep you listening and looking over your shoulder.

Haunted Hotels with Ghostly Guests

One of the tour’s highlights is visiting a haunted hotel where a guest allegedly never checks out. This kind of story tends to capture the imagination, and you’ll get a sense of what kinds of spirits or energies are said to linger in the city’s oldest hotels.

Outlaw Hideouts and Murders

Next, the guide shares tales of forgotten murders and outlaw hideouts. These stories add a layer of gritty history, revealing Salt Lake’s rougher past and the people who left behind their eerie stories.

A Tragic Love Story

A haunting love story echoes through the city, giving the tour a slightly emotional depth amidst the spooky tales. It’s stories like these that make the ghost stories more memorable and humanized.

Odd Architecture and Secret Societies

The architecture itself becomes a part of the story with hidden symbols and signs of secret societies. If you love spotting strange carvings or unusual building designs, this part will be particularly engaging.

Dark Past of Pioneers, Politicians, and Preachers

The tour doesn’t shy away from darker historical figures, revealing the questionable or mysterious aspects of pioneers, politicians, and preachers who played a role in shaping Salt Lake City—some of whom are said to still have a ghostly presence.

Photo Opportunities & Interaction

Throughout the walk, you’re encouraged to snap photos of the atmospheric buildings and landmarks. The guides seem happy to pause for questions, whether about the stories, the architecture, or personal spooky encounters you might want to share.

The Experience: Pros & Cons

Pros:

• The stories are engaging and well told, according to many reviews.
• The limited group size makes for personalized interactions.
• The cost is reasonable for an experience that feels both fun and a little spooky.
• The photo stops add extra value, giving you a chance to capture the creepy ambiance.

Cons:

• The tour’s short duration might leave some wishing for more depth.
• It’s weather-dependent; poor weather could mean cancellation.
• Not ideal if you’re after a comprehensive historical tour—this is focused more on stories and legends.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is surprisingly versatile. It suits history lovers who enjoy a spooky twist, paranormal fans, or even those just curious about stories that give Salt Lake City a mysterious edge. It’s a good fit if you’re traveling with friends who enjoy a thrill, or if you want an evening activity that’s engaging but not overly physically demanding.

If you’re traveling with older teens or adults who love ghost stories, this tour could be a highlight of your trip. However, it might not be ideal for very young children or anyone sensitive to dark or eerie stories. The dark, narrow streets and spooky tales are more suited to those comfortable with a bit of ghostly lore.

Final Thoughts

The Shadows of Old Salt Lake Walking Tour offers a fun, inexpensive way to peek behind the city’s façade and into its darker past. With lively guides and a mix of stories about haunted buildings, secret societies, and tragic love, it’s perfect for those who like their history served with a side of the supernatural. The limited group size and atmospheric stops make it a more intimate experience, and the photo opportunities let you keep a memento of the spooky side of Salt Lake.

While it’s not a lengthy or comprehensive tour, it packs enough stories and atmosphere to make it well worth the price. If you’re after a light-hearted but intriguing glimpse into Salt Lake’s haunted side, this tour is worth considering.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is best suited for adults or older teens who can comfortably walk through dark streets and enjoy ghost stories. It’s not specifically marketed as family-friendly, but older kids with an interest in spooky tales might enjoy it.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a manageable activity that won’t take up your entire evening.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Rocky Mountain Power Plaza located at 175 S W Temple St and ends at 107 S Main St in Salt Lake City.

What’s included in the price?
You get a guided walk through haunted landmarks, photo opportunities, and a Q&A session with your guide. Tips for the guide are not included.

How many people will be on the tour?
The maximum group size is 15, which helps keep the experience intimate and interactive.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to rain or other weather issues, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you’re curious about Salt Lake’s hidden, haunted stories and enjoy a good spooky story, this tour could be a memorable part of your trip. Just come ready for some eerie tales, atmospheric streets, and a fun night out.