Colorado might be known for its mountain views and sunny skies, but once the sun sets, the stories get darker. From old hotels to historic mansions, there are places in this state that locals swear are still… occupied. If you’re brave enough, here’s a look at three of Colorado’s most famous haunted spots — and the stories that keep them alive.
The Stanley Hotel — Estes Park, CO
If you’ve ever seen The Shining, this one probably rings a bell. The Stanley Hotel inspired Stephen King’s famous novel after he and his wife stayed there in the 1970s. Guests and staff have reported ghostly piano music playing from empty rooms, doors creaking open, and children’s laughter echoing through the halls when no one’s around. The hotel leans into its haunted reputation now, offering ghost tours and even “spirited” events. I’m not saying it’s cursed, but I also wouldn’t volunteer to spend the night there alone.
Cheesman Park — Denver, CO
You’d never guess that one of Denver’s prettiest parks used to be a cemetery — but it was. Back in the late 1800s, the city decided to move the graves to make space for a park, but the job was… let’s just say, not done thoroughly. It’s believed that hundreds of bodies were left behind. People walking dogs there at night have reported cold spots, whispering voices, and even faint outlines of figures moving under the trees. Suddenly that sunset picnic doesn’t sound quite so relaxing, huh?
The Molly Brown House — Denver, CO
Margaret “Molly” Brown was known as “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” after surviving the Titanic. Her home, now a museum, has plenty of history — and maybe a few residents who never left. Staff and visitors have mentioned lights flickering on their own, footsteps in empty hallways, and the scent of cigar smoke when no one’s smoking. Some say it’s Molly herself, keeping an eye on her old place and the people who visit.
Colorado’s haunted history proves that sometimes the past isn’t finished talking. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, these places remind us that every creak, whisper, and chill in the air has a story behind it.
