CAÑON CITY HISTORY TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Night Walk Among Forgotten Stones: A Cemetery Crawl at Woodpecker Hill
An after-dark exploration led by the Museum of Colorado Prisons that visits Woodpecker Hill inmate cemetery and examines the site’s human stories and hauntings.
Night Walk Among Forgotten Stones: A Cemetery Crawl at Woodpecker Hill.
Adventure brief
Night Walk Among Forgotten Stones: A Cemetery Crawl at Woodpecker Hill
Under the aegis of the Museum of Colorado Prisons, the Day of The Dead Cemetery Crawl takes visitors into the rows of Woodpecker Hill, an inmate cemetery, to uncover the personal histories and poignant traces left behind; the program frames those stories as part investigation, part memorial on a night when the veil between worlds is thin.
Located just outside Cañon City, Colorado, Woodpecker Hill offers a rare glimpse into a solemn chapter of local history. This two-hour guided "Day of The Dead Cemetery Crawl" invites visitors to walk among the rows of this unique inmate cemetery, an area few know about or dare to visit. Dating back decades, Woodpecker Hill holds the graves of prisoners who lived and died in Colorado’s penitentiaries, and this solemn tour is timed with the Día de los Muertos tradition when the boundary between living and departed feels especially thin.
The crawl begins at 1251 S 1st St, where the guide shares stories that bring each marker to life, revealing the human stories behind those resting here. Unlike typical cemetery tours, this experience feels intimate and reflective—perfect for travelers interested in historical storytelling infused with cultural respect. The landscape includes rugged terrain interspersed with native sagebrush and piñon pines, creating an authentic Colorado high desert environment. The sun setting over the nearby Arkansas River valley adds to the otherworldly feel.
What sets this experience apart is its solemn focus on remembrance and respect. Visitors are encouraged to bring small tokens or offerings, honoring the inmates—a tradition aligned with Day of The Dead celebrations. This act of remembrance bridges past and present, turning the cemetery from a forgotten resting place into a site alive with memory and meaning.
Cañon City itself is known for its striking cliffs and as the heart of Colorado’s prison history, making this tour a natural extension of a visit to the area. Whether you’re a history buff, cultural explorer, or someone looking for a meaningful, off-the-beaten-path experience, this crawl stands out by combining solemn history, cultural ritual, and the stark beauty of Colorado’s landscape.
Visitors typically spend about two hours on the crawl, which is suitable for all ages and abilities—the terrain is moderately uneven but manageable with sturdy footwear. Beyond the tour, Cañon City offers a range of outdoor activities such as hiking and river rafting, so this cemetery crawl is an enriching complement to an active itinerary.
This experience provides a thoughtful, grounding counterpoint to the high-adrenaline adventures common in the region, offering a different way to connect deeply with the land and its layered human stories. For an unforgettable journey into Colorado’s past, the Woodpecker Hill Day of The Dead Cemetery Crawl is unmatched.
Route Schematic
Route and key stops
The program departs from the museum and visits the cemetery and supporting museum spaces during the evening.
Museum of Colorado Prisons — meeting point
Groups assemble at the Museum of Colorado Prisons before departure; the museum serves as the operational base for the crawl.
Haunted halls of the museum
An indoor segment led by investigators introduces the history and context that frames the cemetery visit.
Woodpecker Hill cemetery
The core stop: a guided walk among the inmate graves where participants learn individual stories and may leave small offerings.
Museum kitchen — food and drink storage
All food and drink brought to the event must be stored in the museum kitchen downstairs for the duration of the program.
Participants should be prepared for an overnight, after-dark program; operators may adjust the route or timing. Follow museum safety instructions on-site.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Woodpecker Hill: an inmate cemetery
The core of the crawl is Woodpecker Hill—an inmate burial ground where guides lead participants through rows of graves and the stories connected to them, centering remembrance as much as investigation.
After-dark, investigative atmosphere
The experience unfolds at night and is presented as an exploration of haunting and history led by experienced paranormal investigators operating through the museum’s program.
Bring small offerings; observe museum rules
Participants are invited to bring small gifts to honor those interred; practical rules govern food and drink storage for the duration of the event to preserve the site and the program flow.
What the day feels like
How the crawl feels
Led from the Museum of Colorado Prisons by experienced paranormal investigators, the crawl moves between the museum’s after-hours spaces and Woodpecker Hill, combining grave-by-grave storytelling with moments of quiet remembrance and on-site investigation.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this crawl suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
No essentials are required; participants may bring small gifts to honor inmates. You may also bring food and drinks, but all consumables must be stored in the museum kitchen downstairs for the duration of the event.
All food and drink must be left in the museum kitchen for the entire event—plan accordingly if you’ll need access during the night.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where does the crawl begin?
The meeting location is the Museum of Colorado Prisons.
How long does the event last?
The offering is described as a two-hour exploration in its overview; scheduling information also lists the event time window as 8 pm to 3 am.
Can I bring food or drink?
Yes—food and drinks may be brought, but they must be stored in the museum kitchen downstairs for the duration of the event.
Is the program suitable for children?
The program is listed as open to all ages.
Who runs the crawl and are guides provided?
The Museum of Colorado Prisons operates the program and the experience is led by experienced paranormal investigators associated with the museum.
What are the rates?
Adult rates are listed at $90 plus additional fees; other pricing may be published separately.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-12T12:11:56.517Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.