The Most Haunted Places in Colorado (And the Stories Behind Them)
Nestled in the heart of downtown Denver, the Brown Palace Hotel stands as a monument to 19th-century luxury and, some say, supernatural intrigue. Just a short walk from the Colorado State Capitol, this historic hotel opened its doors in 1892 and has since welcomed presidents, celebrities, and ghost hunters alike. Visitors can take a guided tour through its ornate lobby and labyrinthine hallways, where stories of a ghostly little girl and a mysterious “Lady in Black” are told alongside tales of the hotel’s architectural splendor. The blend of classic Victorian design and whispered legends creates a uniquely atmospheric experience, best enjoyed in the quiet hours around dusk or during the hotel’s seasonal ghost-themed events.
A few hours southwest of Denver, nestled in the San Juan Mountains near Durango, the historic Strater Hotel captures the Old West spirit with an eerie twist. Founded in 1887 and just a short stroll from the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, the Strater is famed for its Victorian charm and ghostly residents. Guests often recount encounters with a former bellhop named Fred, whose presence is said to linger in the hotel’s mahogany-lined halls and elegant parlor rooms. Exploring the hotel’s period decor and hearing tales from the staff provides a tangible connection to Durango’s frontier past, making a winter stay particularly atmospheric when the snowy mountain backdrop adds to the hotel’s mysterious aura.
Farther north near Estes Park, the Stanley Hotel perches on a hill overlooking Rocky Mountain National Park, roughly an hour’s drive from Boulder. This grand hotel famously inspired Stephen King’s “The Shining,” and its reputation for paranormal activity draws visitors year-round. Guests can explore the grand lobby, the cedar-paneled ballroom, or lavish suites, some of which report unexplained sounds and ghost sightings. The Stanley’s stunning views of the Rockies combine with candlelit evening tours focused on its haunted history, especially compelling during the crisp autumn months when foliage adds a fiery glow to the surrounding pine forest.
Traveling to the western slope, the Jerome Grand Hotel in Colorado Springs offers a fascinating blend of history and hauntings just 90 minutes south of Denver. Originally a hospital built in the early 1900s, this converted hotel is said to be home to several restless spirits, including former patients whose lives ended within its walls. Visitors can wander through the Victorian-style rooms and corridors, experiencing the building’s storied past firsthand during seasonal ghost tours. The hotel’s location at the foot of Pikes Peak provides breathtaking views, and the crisp mountain air in late spring or early fall tends to heighten the eerie ambiance.
Head to the mining town of Central City, about 40 minutes west of Denver, where the Central City Opera House not only stages acclaimed performances but also carries a reputation for spectral sightings. Built in the late 1800s during Colorado’s gold rush, this ornate venue allows visitors to take daytime tours that reveal its elegant proscenium arch and Victorian décor, as well as stories of phantom actors and unexplained footsteps heard in the wings. Attending a live opera performance or exploring the historic downtown adds layers to the experience, especially in the winter when the town’s snowy streets cast a quiet, haunting spell.
Among Colorado’s natural settings, the Red Rocks Amphitheatre near Morrison, just 15 minutes west of Denver, offers more than spectacular concerts and scenic views. The unique red sandstone formations have long been the subject of local legends and ghost stories, with some visitors reporting strange lights and sounds after dark. Hiking the Trading Post Trail, a 1.4-mile loop that winds through the rocks, is a popular daytime activity, but the amphitheater’s mysterious energy is often felt most powerfully at night. Visiting during the shoulder seasons, when fewer crowds gather, allows for a more intimate and contemplative connection with this iconic site.
In the western town of Ouray, about four hours southwest of Denver, the Beaumont Hotel provides a chilling glimpse into Colorado’s haunted past. This Victorian-era hotel, overlooking the San Juan Mountains, is renowned for its paranormal activity, including sightings of a ghostly lady in a green dress and unexplained cold spots. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s historic charm, soak in nearby hot springs, and join guided ghost walks that weave together the hotel’s eerie stories with Ouray’s colorful mining history. Late fall, when the mountain air is crisp and golden aspen leaves flutter, is an especially evocative time to explore this hauntingly beautiful town.