Ghosts in Every State – Part 6: Colorado’s Haunted History and Unsettling Secrets
Before diving into ghost stories, it’s worth remembering that in Colorado, the strange isn't limited to shadows and cold spots — it's baked into the very infrastructure. Case in point: the infamous Denver International Airport. With its apocalyptic murals, underground tunnels, and the infamous blue Mustang statue (aka "Blucifer") that killed its creator, the airport has drawn the attention of conspiracy theorists for decades. Even The Why Files—a show known for debunking more than endorsing—admitted in their episode on DIA that there are enough bizarre elements and evasive answers to warrant real suspicion. “You can’t lean into the weirdness, then call people crazy for asking questions,” host AJ said.
Add to that Colorado’s deep history of mining disasters, Wild West violence, and Native American land disruption, and it’s no surprise this state is brimming with haunted places. From abandoned jails to phantom hitchhikers, these tales go far beyond local lore—they might just convince skeptics that some spirits really never leave.
Here are 20 of the most haunted and mysterious locations across Colorado:
Top 20 Haunted Places and Ghost Stories in Colorado
1. Denver International Airport (DIA)
Strange murals, gargoyle statues, and rumors of underground bunkers make DIA one of the world’s most suspicious airports. Visitors report phantom voices, shadowy figures, and a general sense of dread. Even construction workers have admitted to being spooked in the tunnels beneath the airport. Something isn't just off here—something may be watching.
2. Central City Masonic Cemetery
Phantom lights and spectral miners are frequently seen among the aging headstones of this 1800s-era cemetery. Whispers on the wind and shadow figures in the trees are reported so often they’ve become expected. Ghost hunters claim the spirits try to communicate—especially around the anniversary of mining disasters.
3. Stanley Hotel, Estes Park
Stephen King’s stay here inspired The Shining, and real-life visitors report piano music from empty rooms, children’s laughter in the halls, and ghostly figures in vintage clothing. The hotel encourages paranormal investigation, and even skeptics often leave with stories of their own.
4. Cheesman Park, Denver
Built over a disturbed cemetery, many of the graves here were never properly relocated. Apparitions and feelings of grief are commonly reported, especially near the original burial ground. Paranormal experts claim the spirits are angry—not just dead.
5. The Oxford Hotel, Denver
Room 320 is the epicenter of activity where a woman allegedly died in the 1890s. Guests report flickering lights, sudden cold spots, and unsettling dreams. Some even claim to have seen her standing over them in the night.
6. Olde Golden Cemetery, Golden
Phantom orbs and unexplained fog frequently appear here. Locals speak of a spectral woman in white who vanishes near the veterans' graves. The air gets thick and still, as if time itself pauses in mourning.
7. Molly Brown House, Denver
The Titanic survivor’s home is a museum now—but some say Molly never left. Visitors report smells of cigar smoke and rose perfume, believed to be signs of the Browns’ presence. Tour guides have experienced cold drafts and knocking when no one is near.
8. Our Lady of Guadalupe Chapel, Conejos County
This historic religious site is home to many spiritual phenomena, including disembodied voices and flickering candlelight. Locals believe the spirits here are protective, not malevolent—but very much aware. Some visitors report healing experiences after strange encounters.
9. Black Hawk Casino
Staff members report figures disappearing into walls and machines going haywire with no technical fault. Some say miners who lost it all in life haunt the casino halls. The vibe is lighthearted until the lights dim—and the spirits speak.
10. Grant-Humphreys Mansion, Denver
EVPs, full-body apparitions, and phantom music from long-quiet pianos are all part of this site’s reputation. Some investigators believe the spirits are former residents reliving the mansion’s most dramatic moments. Many say the energy here is charged and intense.
11. Riverdale Road, Denver
Phantom joggers, women in white, and a burning phantom car are just some of the spectral phenomena reported here. Local legend says a man once burned his house down with his family inside, and their spirits now haunt the stretch. Drive it at night if you dare.
12. Old Colorado City Jail, Colorado Springs
Tour-goers hear voices coming from empty cells and feel unseen hands touch their shoulders. Paranormal investigators have recorded unsettling EMF spikes and captured strange images on thermal cameras. Something inside wants to be heard—and remembered.
13. Buckhorn Exchange, Denver
One of the city’s oldest restaurants, this place serves history and hauntings. Patrons have seen bottles fly off shelves and felt cold drafts even in summer. Some say the founder himself keeps watch over the place.
14. Louisville Mining Ghosts
Abandoned shafts echo with ghostly pickaxe sounds and cries. Some believe spectral miners are still trying to warn the living of impending danger. Their presence is strongest during anniversary dates of major cave-ins.
15. Brown Palace Hotel, Denver
Staff and guests alike report seeing the ghost of a railroad magnate and a woman in a Victorian gown. The hotel offers historical and paranormal tours, drawing enthusiasts from around the world. Paranormal equipment often malfunctions inside—perhaps by design.
16. Manitou Springs Caves
Visitors report disembodied voices, and some believe the caves were used for spiritual rituals long before modern times. Lights flicker, cameras fail, and some emerge feeling physically drained. Native legends suggest these caves are portals to the spirit world.
17. Fort Garland Museum
Soldier ghosts reportedly still patrol this historic military post. Gunshot sounds and marching footsteps are heard often—though no reenactors are present. The place remains one of the most active military hauntings in the state.
18. Cheyenne Mountain Complex
Not usually included in ghost lists, but strange lights and military secrecy have sparked rumors of supernatural phenomena. Some believe experimental energy or consciousness projects were conducted here. Employees speak of strange dreams after time inside.
19. Phantom Miners of Leadville
Flickering lantern lights appear in sealed mine shafts, and faint cries echo at night. These spirits are said to be warning signs of future tragedies or unfinished business. Even skeptics avoid the mines on certain nights.
20. Palace Hotel, Cripple Creek
Luxury has faded, but the ghosts remain. Guests hear footsteps on empty staircases and music from silent radios. Paranormal investigators believe it's one of Colorado’s “thin spots”—where the veil is weakest.
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