Where Aspen’s History Lies

 Ute Cemetery “Walking the Dead” tour

5:30 sharp, our guide is summoned by bell. He staggers out of the woodwork in his vest and undertaker’s coat, alternately coughing and taking swigs from his flask. I let out a sigh of relief upon seeing his Doc Holiday demeanor, somehow knowing that neither the several children present nor I would be patronized during the next hour. Trinkets are disseminated to the guests for use during our stroll, including a flower he hands to my girlfriend. “What was that all about back there?” I ask her, trying hard to feign seriousness. My smirk betrays me once again, and we continue on our way.

Just as he manages to satisfy all age groups, Dean strikes the impossible balance of entertaining both tourists and longtime residents simultaneously. “For the local it puts something familiar in a new light, for the newcomer & visitor it gives a great historical background of Aspen off the beaten path. Locals will be more attune to some elements of the tour and that’s the fun part, to weave a little local flavor into the stories,” he says, via email. The Walking With The Dead tour rests artfully somewhere between dry textbook history learning, and the “creeps jumping out at you with chainsaws” intensity of today’s haunted houses. Bridge the gap this Halloween season; call business owner and guide Dean Weiler, and make your reservations today. Mixing showmanship with history, and the macabre with great storytelling, while costing less than that stupid novelty mask you bought last year (you know the one), it’s hard to go wrong here.

By Matthew Seyler Published by Aspendotcom