1. The Stanley Hotel (Estes Park)
The Stanley Hotel is one of the most famous haunted locations in the U.S., largely because it inspired Stephen King to write *The Shining*. Built in 1909, the hotel is said to be haunted by multiple ghosts, including the original owners, F.O. and Flora Stanley. Guests have reported hearing piano music in the empty ballroom, children laughing in the hallways, and seeing apparitions of past employees and guests. Room 217, in particular, is infamous for paranormal activity.
2. Riverdale Road (Thornton)
Riverdale Road in Thornton, near Denver, is considered one of the most haunted roads in the country. The road is the subject of many chilling stories, including sightings of ghostly apparitions, phantom hitchhikers, and strange figures. One of the most enduring legends is that of a burned-down mansion where a man supposedly went mad, killed his family, and set the home ablaze. People have claimed to hear screams, see ghostly figures, and even hear the sound of footsteps running alongside their cars at night.
3. The Ghostly Brides of Cheesman Park (Denver)
Cheesman Park in Denver has a dark history. In the late 1800s, the area was used as a cemetery, but when the city decided to convert it into a park, many of the bodies were carelessly exhumed and relocated. However, not all the bodies were moved, and it's believed that hundreds still lie beneath the park. Visitors have reported seeing ghostly figures, including women in wedding dresses, wandering the grounds. Strange sounds, cold spots, and a heavy sense of unease are also commonly experienced.
4. The Legend of Ludlow (Huerfano County)
Ludlow, Colorado, is the site of the infamous Ludlow Massacre of 1914, where striking coal miners and their families were attacked by the Colorado National Guard, resulting in many deaths. The area is said to be haunted by the spirits of those who died during the massacre. Visitors have reported hearing ghostly cries and voices, particularly near the Ludlow Monument, which was erected to commemorate the tragedy.
5. The Curse of Third Bridge (Aurora)
Third Bridge, located on the outskirts of Aurora, is associated with many eerie occurrences and has gained a reputation for being haunted. According to local legend, Native American spirits haunt the area due to a brutal battle that took place nearby. Visitors report hearing the sound of drums, screams, and even the galloping of phantom horses. The bridge is also said to be the site of a car accident that killed several teenagers, and people claim to see ghostly figures on the road.
6. The Littleton Cemetery Vampire
In the Littleton Cemetery, there is a peculiar grave marked only with the name “Dracula.” According to legend, a vampire was buried there in the early 1900s, and his ghost is said to roam the cemetery at night. While there is little historical evidence to back up this story, it has become a popular urban legend in the area. Some claim to have seen glowing red eyes or felt an eerie presence near the grave.
7. The Denver Airport Conspiracy
The Denver International Airport (DIA) is the subject of one of Colorado’s most bizarre urban legends. Many conspiracy theories surround the airport, including beliefs that it was built by a secret society, such as the Illuminati or Freemasons, or that it houses underground bunkers designed for global elites in case of an apocalypse. The airport’s eerie murals, gargoyle sculptures, and the massive blue Mustang statue (nicknamed "Blucifer" due to its glowing red eyes and association with a fatal accident during its creation) all add to the eerie mystique of the place.
8. The Ghost Town of St. Elmo
St. Elmo is a well-preserved ghost town located in the mountains of central Colorado. Once a booming mining town, it was abandoned after the local mines ran dry. The town is said to be haunted by the ghost of Annabelle Stark, one of the last residents of St. Elmo. Visitors have reported seeing her ghost wandering the streets and peeking out from the windows of the old buildings. Many say that she is protective of the town and tries to scare away trespassers.
9. The Ridge Home Asylum (Wheat Ridge)
The Ridge Home, formerly a facility for the mentally ill in Wheat Ridge, was abandoned in the 1990s but is still the subject of local legends. It's said to be haunted by the spirits of former patients who suffered abuse and neglect. People who visit the site claim to hear disembodied voices, footsteps, and other strange noises. The now-demolished buildings were notorious for their creepy atmosphere, and many ghost hunters and thrill-seekers were drawn to the location.
10. The Unsinkable Molly Brown’s House (Denver)
Margaret "Molly" Brown, a famous survivor of the Titanic disaster, lived in a grand house in Denver, which is now a museum. Brown was known for her indomitable spirit, and many believe she never truly left her home. Visitors and staff have reported paranormal activity, including objects moving on their own, strange sounds, and sightings of Molly Brown’s ghostly figure. The house has a lively history, and some believe that Molly's strong personality is still present within its walls.
These Colorado urban legends, whether based on historical events or eerie folklore, contribute to the supernatural allure of Colorado, making it a fascinating state for those intrigued by the unknown.
See Also All urban legend in the world
