Colorado, with its majestic mountains and rugged landscapes, is not only a haven for outdoor enthusiasts but also a treasure trove of spooky tales and haunted places. As we approach Halloween, it’s the perfect time to delve into Colorado’s eerie side, as we uncover some of the most chilling and haunted spots in Colorado. 

1. The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park: 

one and a half hours from Denver in Estes Park, the Stanley Hotel is an iconic haunted destination that inspired Stephen King’s “The Shining.” The hotel’s eerie history includes ghostly apparitions, unexplained sounds, and inexplicable phenomena. Brave visitors can take a guided ghost tour or stay overnight in one of the famously haunted rooms for a spine-tingling experience. 

2. Central City Opera House – Central City: 

The Central City Opera House is not only a cultural gem but also a place steeped in ghostly legends. It’s said to be haunted by the spirit of a “Lady in Black,” who has been spotted during performances. Visitors have reported mysterious music, strange sounds, and eerie apparitions, making it a must-visit for ghost enthusiasts. The opera offers guided haunted tours for visitors to experience supernatural phenomena in this historical building.  

3. Museum of Colorado Prisons – Cañon City: 

Venture into the dark history of Colorado at the Museum of Colorado Prisons in Cañon City. This former women’s prison is home to tales of notorious inmates and grim stories of life behind bars. The museum offers guided tours that explore the prison’s eerie past and the spirits that may still linger within its walls. 

4. Buckhorn Exchange – Denver: 

Denver’s Buckhorn Exchange is more than just a historic restaurant; the steakhouse offers delicious food and a haunted reputation. The restaurant showcases a vast collection of taxidermy animals, and some say the spirits of these creatures still roam the premises. Diners have reported strange occurrences, including unexplained noises and mysterious apparitions. 

5. Hotel Colorado – Glenwood Springs: 

The Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs exudes old-world charm and an unsettling history. Legend has it that the ghost of a young woman named Nurse Bobbie haunts the hotel’s hallways, said to have been beaten to death by one of her lovers in a torrid affair. Guests have reported eerie encounters, such as the smell of sweet perfume, believed to be the Gardenia that Bobbie used to wear. 

6. Cemetery Tours – Various Locations: 

Colorado’s historic cemeteries are not only resting places for the departed but also repositories of intriguing stories and legends. Many towns offer cemetery tours that delve into the lives of notable figures and the eerie tales surrounding their final resting places. Whether it’s the Riverside Cemetery in Denver or the Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs, you are sure to uncover fascinating stories and maybe even experience a ghostly encounter. 

7. The Molly Brown House – Denver: 

Known as the “Unsinkable Molly Brown” due to her survival of the Titanic disaster, Margaret Brown’s former residence in Denver is now a museum. Some visitors claim to have encountered Margaret herself or experienced unexplained phenomena within the haunted house. Guided tours offer insight into the life of this spirited woman and the mysteries that surround her former home. 

8. Ghost Towns – Various Locations: 

Colorado boasts numerous ghost towns, each with its own haunting history. From St. Elmo to Animas Forks, these abandoned towns are frozen in time and shrouded in ghostly legends, with many dating back to Colorado’s early mining days. The decaying buildings and eerie remnants can send shivers down your spine. 

9. Gold Camp Road – Colorado Springs: 

Gold Camp Road, once a railway route, is now a scenic drive with a haunted reputation. Travelers have reported encountering ghostly apparitions and experiencing unexplained car troubles along this winding route. Some say the spirits of railroad workers who perished during the construction of the railway still haunt the area. 

10. The Lebanon Mine – Georgetown: 

As a popular tourist attraction, the Georgetown Loop Railroad also offers a guided tour through the Lebanon tunnel and its mine. This tour offers insight into the former mine’s history and superstitions surrounding the mine’s early days. 

As you embark on your journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Colorado, don’t shy away from exploring the state’s spookier side. Whether you’re seeking haunted encounters or simply curious to hear some ghost stories, Colorado’s haunted spots offer a unique and eerie adventure. With a MileMarker Van Rental, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a few or all of these spots. Extra legroom, extended ceilings, and a plethora of storage space means plenty of room for your group and all the haunted stories you want to take back with you. So grab your flashlight, keep your camera ready, and embrace the mysteries.