In the Footsteps of the Explorers, Fort Collins Walking Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
This tour allows you to literally walk in the footsteps of these early explorers that passed through the area two hundred years ago. Learn about the people who explored the vastness that encompassed the land of the Louisiana Purchase, organized by the government of the United States. Beginning with the Corps of Discovery in 1804, columns of soldiers and scientists ventured into the unknown western country. In 1820 the first of these explorations passed into the Cache la Poudre River drainage led by a major in the U. S. Army’s topographical engineers named Stephen H. Long. On the heels of Long’s party came additional expeditions.
The junction of the Poudre River and Boxelder Creek in Running Deer Natural Area was singularly significant for its role as a crossing site for early exploring parties. These groups then marched along the north bank of the Poudre until they reached the foothills to the west.
Additional Info
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What To Expect
Running Deer Natural Area
We will walk a historic corridor (approximately 2 miles round-trip), through which several early expeditions traveled. In addition, our narrative includes information on regional American Indian peoples.
Options
In the Footsteps of the Explorers, Fort Collins Walking Tour
What‘s Included
Personalized stagecoach ticket
Historic object viewing and handling.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
2 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Traces of the Past history tours are GREAT
fredgr99,Jun 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife and I have made several Traces of the Past history tours with out of town friends and family. Mark is incredibly knowledgeable of history, particularly local history. He relates first hand accounts of historical milestones from books and other documents, as well as local legends that can't be verified, yet are quite feasible. Mark brings us right to the locations around Fort Collins where he points out different buildings that are still standing, and shows maps, diagrams, and pictures of artifacts that are no longer standing. His depth of research, and his knack for story telling bring local history to life, while you begin to feel like you're actually in that time and place. We've all learned so much about the local area, and it's vital historical implications of the settlement of the great American west. Mark's various history tours should not be missed. We can't wait until we attend another tour. For us, attending Mark's tours with out of town friends kills two birds with one stone, having an interesting tour for out of town friends and family, as well as building our breadth and depth of the local area and it's amazing history.
Informative Interactive
Scott M,May 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Wear comfortable shoes and sun screen. The maps helped provide locational references relevant to the experience.
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Operated by Traces of the Past History Tours