I took the Aspen Past to Present tour with Dean and cannot recommend it enough. It was comprehensive - starting with Aspen's geological formation, to it's origins with the Ute tribe and the evolution to a Silver mining boom, to the bust and re-emergence in the 1940s through skiing to today, pointing out significant spots throughout the town that I walked by daily. I am so happy to have a deeper understanding of the history of Aspen and how it has become the music / art / thought leader that it is today. Well worth it particularly for the reasonable price and ability to ask any question that occurred to me (it was a small tour). I would recommend it to everyone - the walking was easy but covered a meaningful amount of downtown Aspen. read more

Off The Beaten Path tour was wonderful! I loved learning about Aspen's history while exploring some of its nature. Dean was a terrific guide. Highly recommended tour! read more

Dean’s Aspen Tours - Walking Tours Near Me - Aspen, Colorado

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The past-to-present tour is a great way to learn about Aspen, starting with the pre-historic geological events that shaped the beautiful valley and mountains we know today, the history and culture of the indigenous Ute people, the silver mining boom and bust years, the emergence of Aspen as a world class ski destination, and as a renowned center of the arts--and as a haven for the uber wealthy, making real estate among the most expensive in the country (with public sector programs to offer affordable options for full time residents and workers). Dean covered all of this in a fun 90 minute walk around town, with stops at many historic and contemporary sites along the way. He is friendly, conversational, and knowledgeable. Highly recommended! read more

Dean’s Aspen Tours - Vintage miners' homes, as preserved and lived in today. - Walking Tours Near Me - Aspen, Colorado

We were the only party since it was "mud season" but the tour went on as planned. Dean was great at sharing his knowledge of historic and present day Aspen. He made accommodations for us as seniors who needed a slow pace. Thank you. read more

In a great stroke of luck, I started my week in Aspen with Dean's Off the Beaten Path tour. Dean provided at once a brief history of Aspen, a look at contemporary development through architecture, and examples of how the town supports the arts, nature and full-time year-round residents. We covered a lot of ground, so to speak, but it didn't feel overwhelming or rushed. It was a perfect introduction to Aspen! read more

Had a terrific tour with Dean! As Coloradans, we needed a brush-up on Aspen and this informative and fun tour ticked every box. We leaned a lot & enjoyed getting to know Dean, too. Smart guy with a great tour pace and LOTS of tips you want to know!! No matter where you're from, take this tour -- it's def worth an hour of your time. read more

It was fine. Not particularly interesting or fun, but an ok thing to do. It wasn't much of a walk so easy for anyone with walking concerns.

My daughter and I had a great time on our tour. We learned a lot about Aspen. Definitely a must do if you're in Aspen and have the opportunity. read more

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We thoroughly enjoyed our Aspen's Dark Side tour! Dean masterfully weaved some of Aspen's darkest tales and it's history into an entertaining tour. I've been coming to Aspen for 12 years & learned so many new things. It's also evident that Dean truly cares about preserving his community's history. Thanks, Dean! read more

Dean was a great tour guy! He was very interactive with the group and we all had a good time! We would definitely join his group next time we visit Colorado. read more

I completed the highlights of Aspen Tour. Dean was very friendly and knowledgeable about the city, We saw some beautiful sights and I got to learn a bit of history. The walk was a good pace, and not overly strenuous. Would definitely recommend Dean to friends and family! read more

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Our family had a great time! we have 11 year old twin girls and they had a blast learning Aspen history with a spooky edge. thanks Dean! read more

Dean’s Aspen Tours - Pipkin County Courthouse - Walking Tours Near Me - Aspen, Colorado

During the historic tour Dean had answers to my questions, such as source of building materials, infrastructure, civic development, he's knowledgable and entertaining, loved the time walking downtown Aspen, read more

dean gave us a thrilling informative and entertaining ghost tour in aspen for me and my two girlfriends. would highly recommend if you like to be spooked! read more

A fascinating look into the history of the area. Dean was engaging and enthusiastic. By his own admission, some of the details may have been embellished for theatrical flair which made the tour even more entertaining for the teen and preteen audience. I really enjoyed his rendition of the early Aspen history and it was definitely a highlight to see the buildings built by Jerome Wheeler . This tour is certainly worth the time and cost and makes it for an intriguing look into the history of the area. Highly recommended! read more

ATTENTION ALL HISTORY NERDS! DEAN'S WALKING TOUR IS A MUST!!! We had such a good time the first night that we booked a tour for the very next day. Night 1 we went on the Dark Side Tour. Dean really researches all of his stories well. Each story has the kind of details that could only come together from a true investigator. Terrifying Aspen comes alive as you roam along the dark streets. Lots of fun! His Ute Cemetery tour only takes place during October. We were very happy we happened to be here at the right time of year for this tour. Long and gone, but not forgetten! Dean helps keep the founders of Aspen alive in our memories! Don't miss out on his adventures when you're in town! read more

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We expected it to be more architectural but just walking around in the area and just seeing the trees and the few historical sites that he showed us the highlight of the tour was the John Denver area We were under the assumption that this was going to be an architectural tour we saw about 10 minutes of architecture and then the rest was a walking tour in the walking path very disappointing Know that there's a lot of walking and stair climbing involved in this particular tour read more

Our walking tour with Dean was very informative and enjoyable. He was a fount of fascinating knowledge. The 1.5 hours whizzed by. I highly recommend this tour. Thank you, Dean! read more

Dean is amazingly friendly and extremely knowledgeable on Aspens landmarks and history. The 'off the beaten path' tour was perfect for my wife and her father. I learned many new things even after living here 12 years. I am excited to try one of hi other guided tours! Thanks for offering such a wonderful, relaxing personal side of Aspen read more

Loved Dean's walking tour! He had the perfect mix of spooky and historical. I'd absolutely go again and recommend it to anyone who wants a quick activity in Aspen. read more

Dean's Aspen DarkSide Ghost Tour is a spooky interesting way to learn about Aspen's history while walking around the cobblestone streets at night. Definitely would recommend this tour if you're in Aspen. Thanks Dean! read more

A great way to start your visit to Aspen! Knowing the history of Aspen at the start of a one-week vacation made such a difference. Dean was very knowledgeable and friendly. I had been to Aspen several times but I did not know the history. Wish we would have had time for the Dark Side tour, too. Next time! read more

My wife and I took the Glimpse of Aspen tour. We both thought it was excellent. Dean was well versed in the history of Aspen and the various points of interest. He also gave us personalized tips on restaurants, museums and shopping. Highly recommend. read more

My partner and I decided to do the dark side tour on our mini vacay up in Aspen and we had a lot of fun. Dean was very informative, credible, and an awesome guide. If you're interested in history and learning more about the town this is the way to go. read more

The Ghost Tour was wonderful. Full of Aspen history, trivia, and of course some wild and spooky stories, this was a wonderful hour of great fun which was one of the highlights of our vacation. read more

Absolutely fantastic!!! We learned so much, and Dean did an amazing job immersing us into the dark side of Aspen's history. We had the chance to ask questions and be a part of the storytelling. Overall, a great way to see Aspen in a new way. read more

My husband and I absolutely loved learning more about Aspen's past during Dean's DarkSide Ghost Tour. It was truly a highlight of our trip and would love to book another tour next time we're in town. Dean was incredibly friendly knowledgeable and engaging. We've already recommended his tours to friends planning to visit Aspen. read more

Dean provides multiple tours, I first attended his Dark side tour and after that immediately signed up for his Ute Graveyard tour. Dean is informative, humorous and friendly. He takes the time to research his tours. I highly recommend at least attending one of his tours, it is time well spent. read more

Did the 'Dark Side of Aspen' walking tour....what a fun way to get some history into our visit. Great examples of Aspen lore and trivia. Highly recommend it, wear comfortable walking shoes :-) Dean is a true historian. read more

Dean's Aspen Walking Tours was such a great way to learn about the city. I highly recommend the experience and it is supporting the local economy and people. read more

Dean was funny informative and engaging. We joined him for the Aspen's Dark side tour. We felt like it was a good value, informative and very entertaining. We would definitely recommend! read more

I have done both the "Ute Cemetery" and "Aspen DarkSide" and you cannot go wrong with a walking tour with Dean! The Ute Cemetery was during Halloween season and is great for groups or locals - I learned a lot that I had never known about Aspen. The Aspen DarkSide was another great walking tour I would recommend. Dean is extremely captivating, friendly and always has such a great time on the tours! I would recommend this whether it is your first time in Aspen or if you have lived here for 20 years - Dean is sure to shed knowledge that is new and insightful to Aspen's history! read more

Tip top tour. Awesome stories and great pace. Do yourself a favor and go on this tour.

Dean gave us a very interesting 90 minute historical tour of Aspen. Very informative, saw places I've not seen before on earlier visits. He's very knowlegeable about the history and had fun anecdotes to share as well. Well worth the time!! I'd love to take another of the tours the next time we're here. read more

We went on the "dark side" tour last month. It was very informative and entertaining! I still tell my friends the stories that Dean shared with us. I'd recommend this. read more

Booked the "past to present" tour for Monday a week before for my husband and I to get to know some aspen culture and history and not just the ski slopes and restaurants. Dean patiently waited for us (we were a few minutes late going back from snowmass) and took us on a 90 minute stroll through aspen, showing us the architecture and explaining the history and progress and changes, from prehistoric times to the Utes to modern day. It was far from boring, I would recommend this tour to anyone, from young travelers to families with kids (not too young though) to the older crowd. read more