Elevate your heart rate and get a good scare at one of the many haunted houses nearby, or learn more about the haunted history of Denver on a goosebump-giving ghost tour. Some suggestions are family-friendly while some are only for those over 21. Be sure to visit the websites first to check age limits or recommendations, disclaimers, ticket information, dates and times.

Haunted Houses and Mazes

Haunted Forest, Highlands Ranch
On Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24, the gates of the Backcountry Wilderness Area open for a three-quarter-mile trail with haunts behind every tree and bush. Park at Rocky Heights Middle School. Recommended for ages 10+.
hrcaonline.org

Highlands Ranch Mansion
For those over 21 years of age, enjoy spirits of the boozy kind with the Spirits with the Spirits Mansion Tours, which explore the history, mystery and lore of this magnificent 19th-century castle. There is also a Paranormal Party with a team of expert ghost hunters and a free outdoor event for all ages on Halloween night. This event is currently sold out but there is a waitlist. For more information, visit highlandsranchmansion.com and search “Events and Programs.”

13th Floor Haunted House, Denver
“In the top five most terrifying haunted houses in the USA,” according to USA Today. October to November 14. Recommended for ages 13+.
13thfloorhauntedhouse.com

The Seance Parlor, Denver
Attend the Six Feet Under Seance at the Dead and Breakfast Inn next to Cheesman Park Cemetery.
seanceparlor.com

Elitch Gardens Fright Fest, Denver
During the day, celebrate the season with family-friendly attractions. When the sun goes down, Fright Fest begins with haunted houses, scare zones and rides in the dark. Fridays through Sundays in October.
elitchgardens.com/fright-fest

The Ritual Haunted House, Englewood
“Starting in a rickety shack, navigate through a cursed swamp…” the website dares, all of October.
theritualhauntedhouse.com

Anderson Farms Terror in the Corn and Fall Festival, Erie
“A mile of mayhem” that winds through a massive cornfield. Tickets include entry to the Fall Festival. Thursdays through Sundays, all of October.
terrorinthecorn.com or andersonfarms.com

Haunted Field of Screams, Thornton
Colorado’s largest haunted attraction backing the famously haunted Riverdale Road. Friday through Sunday, all of October. Not recommended for children.
hauntedfieldofscreams.com

Ghost Tours

Colorado Haunted History, Arvada/Golden/Morrison
The Morrison Ghosts and Legends Tour and the Arvada Old Town Haunts Tour offer frightening fun for the whole family, while the Golden Murder, Mayhem and Madness tour is for ages 13+. Each location has various dates throughout October.
coloradohauntedhistory.com

Denver Terrors Ghost Tour
One-hour ghost tours that uncover a haunted legacy of Wild West legends, restless souls, and spine-tingling tales that swarm the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood. Denver Terrors also offers a Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl for ages 21+, year around.
denverterrors.com

Dark Side of Denver Ghost Tours
Learn history and haunts during a walking ghost tour in the Lodo neighborhood. Most nights in October. Adults 21+ can explore the Spirits and Speakeasies on Saturday afternoons.
darksideofdenver.com

Nightly Spirits, Denver
Friendly ghost tours for all ages and haunted pub tours for ages 21+ are offered around Denver’s historic neighborhoods with professional storytellers. Fridays through Sundays year-round.
nightlyspirits.com/denver-ghost-tours

Ghost Ride Haunted Tours, Denver
Ride a haunted tour bus from The Mansion on Colfax through the dark streets of Denver while learning about true historical events and legends. Every day in October.
ghostridehauntedtours.com

 

By Lisa Nicklanovich