If you’re a thrill-seeker looking to explore the paranormal side of Colorado, you’re in luck. This state is packed with haunted sites, from historic hotels to eerie cemeteries. Whether you’re hoping for ghostly encounters or just want to learn about Colorado’s haunted history, here are some of the spookiest spots you can visit.
1. The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park
Famous for inspiring Stephen King's The Shining, the Stanley Hotel is one of the most haunted locations in Colorado. Guests and staff regularly report hearing children’s laughter echoing through empty halls, piano music playing in the ballroom when no one’s around, and even sightings of former owner Flora Stanley. The hotel also offers ghost tours that delve into the property's eerie past.
2. Cheesman Park, Denver
Originally a cemetery, Cheesman Park is now a public space with a dark history. Many of the bodies were never properly relocated, leaving an eerie presence beneath the park. Visitors have reported seeing ghostly figures wandering the grounds at night, and the park even inspired the horror movie Poltergeist. It’s a must-visit for ghost hunters in Denver.
3. Hotel Colorado, Glenwood Springs
Built in 1893, the Hotel Colorado has a history of paranormal activity, including strange noises, flickering lights, and ghost sightings. Once used as a hospital for WWII soldiers, the hotel’s basement was even a temporary morgue. Guests often report hearing a woman wailing in the night, making it one of the most haunted hotels in the state.
4. St. Elmo Ghost Town, Chaffee County
If ghost towns are more your speed, St. Elmo should be at the top of your list. Abandoned after the mining boom, this town is now preserved as a historic site, but it’s not entirely empty. The ghost of Annabelle Stark, a former resident, is said to haunt the old general store and hotel. Many visitors report mysterious cold spots and unexplained noises.
5. The Museum of Colorado Prisons, Cañon City
For a more chilling encounter, visit the Museum of Colorado Prisons. Housed in a former women’s prison, this museum is notorious for paranormal experiences, including cold spots, disembodied voices, and shadowy figures. The museum even hosts paranormal investigations for those brave enough to spend the night.
6. The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs
This luxurious hotel is haunted by the ghost of its former owner, Julie Penrose, who mysteriously disappeared and later died under strange circumstances. Guests and staff at The Broadmoor have reported seeing her figure walking the halls, particularly near the penthouse where she once lived.
7. Central City Masonic Cemetery
If cemeteries are more your style, head to the Central City Masonic Cemetery, where the “Columbine Lady” is said to visit twice a year to place flowers on the grave of John Cameron. This mysterious woman vanishes into thin air if approached, leaving visitors spooked and curious.
These haunted hotspots are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Colorado’s paranormal scene. Whether you're hoping for a ghostly encounter or simply love a good ghost story, these sites offer a unique glimpse into the state's haunted past. Ready to explore? Just make sure you don’t get too close to the spirits!