Colorado is home to several ghost towns, thanks to miners who settled throughout the Rocky Mountains in search of gold and silver.
But if you’re looking for a spooky experience without having to hike through a mountain ghost town this fall, hair-raising scares await at these nine haunted houses near Denver. Don’t forget to pack a mask, as COVID-19 restrictions vary and are subject to change.
Haunted Field of Screams
- When: Open some Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 31
- Where: 10451 McKay Road, Thornton
- Cost: $29.99-$54.99
- More info: hauntedfieldofscreams.com
The 40-acre cornfield that comprises the Field of Screams is said to be located off one of the most haunted roads in Colorado. As the story goes, Riverdale Road is home to many restless souls, including a man who went mad and burned down his mansion with his family inside. All that’s left are the iron gates, known as the Gates of Hell, which thrill-seekers can check out along with multiple haunted houses and a spooky corn maze.
RELATED: Five spooky Colorado trails to hike this Halloween
Elitch Gardens Fright Fest
- When: Weekends through Oct. 31
- Where: 2000 Elitch Circle, Denver
- Cost: $44.99-$74.99
- More info: elitchgardens.com/fright-fest
Don your best costume and head to Elitch Gardens to enjoy amusement park rides with a side of spook. By day, the theme park is kid-friendly with costume contests and a Trick-or-Treat Trail in Kiddieland. But once the sun goes down, the ghosts and ghouls come out to scare. Walk through the multiple haunted houses (extra fee required) and catch The Enigma performing “live danger and unrated comedy” on The Big Wheel Stage, according to a press release.
Victorian Horrors
- When: Select dates through Oct. 30
- Where: 1340 Pennsylvania St., Denver
- Cost: $18 for members, $20 general admission
- More info: mollybrown.org/victorian-horrors
If you love ghost stories, gather ’round at Denver’s historic Molly Brown House Museum for Victorian Horrors, a ghoulish show where actors read classic horror tales such as “Frankenstein” and “The Fall of the House of Usher.” New this year are two sign language presentations on Oct. 21 and 22 for those with hearing impairments.
13th Floor Haunted House
- When: Select dates through Nov. 13
- Where: 3400 E. 52nd Ave., Denver
- Cost: $19.99-$109.99
- More info: 13thfloorhauntedhouse.com
The monsters are out in full force at the 13th Floor in Denver this year, with three new attractions at this haunted house. First is Frostbite, a cryogenics lab where scientists are bringing the frozen dead back to life. But as many well-intentioned plans go, the experiment runs off the rails. Next, attendees can enter Doll Maker, billed as the former home of a Victorian toy-maker whose spirit inhabits the cute (creepy?) porcelain dolls. And finally, there’s Bad Blood, which brings a longstanding feud between werewolves and vampires to the city streets. Take the edge off at the Shriekeasy bar or with outdoor games available onsite.
HellScream
- When: Select dates through Nov. 6
- Where: 3021 N. Hancock Ave., Colorado Springs
- Cost: $22-$56
- More info: hellscreamhaunt.com
Bring your fear of clowns to this haunted house in Colorado Springs, where a mysterious train crash has authorities searching for Jack Slaughter of the Slaughter Brothers Circus and his band of murderous clowns. The site of the crash is Dr. Von Helton’s manor, where some folks exposed to toxic waste are being sequestered on the top floor. Combo tickets ($38) are available to visit this attraction and the related Haunted Mines.
Haunted Mines
- When: Select dates through Nov. 6
- Where: 3910 Palmer Park Blvd., Colorado Springs
- Cost: $22-$56
- More info: hauntedmines.org
Located beneath Colorado Springs are the remnants of an abandoned mining town, recently unearthed by excavators. But questions remain about the site, specifically why residents suddenly fled and why they buried it. So far, excavators have found unique insects such as enormous arachnids that inhabit the area and a curious note to a Dr. Von Helton that offers clues about the town’s mysterious demise. Combo tickets ($38) are available to visit this attraction and the related HellScream.
The Frightmare Compound
- When: Select dates through Nov. 6
- Where: 10798 Yukon St., Westminster
- Cost: $29.99-$52.99
- More info: thefrightmarecompound.com
The Frightmare Compound is said to be haunted by the ghost of its founder, Brad Holder. You may encounter him in the haunted house, the monster museum or in any of the mini escape rooms. For an extra thrill, go during one of the compound’s Lights Out special events and see if you’re really afraid of the dark.
Terror in the Corn
- When: Select dates through Oct. 31
- Where: 6728 County Road 3 ¼, Erie
- Cost: $30-$48
- More info: terrorinthecorn.com
According to legend, twins Charles and Mildred Wells, the owners of the 19th century Wells Hotel in Erie, had sadistic pleasures. Guests would come for a cheap drink and room as they traveled through the area, but some were never able to continue their journeys. Instead, the siblings would set them loose in a field and hunt them during a little game they called Terror in the Corn. The site is now called Anderson Farms, but rumor has it the twins’ spirits still reside there. Join the zombie paintball hunt (extra fee) if you dare.
Monster to Midnight
- When: Weekends through Oct. 31
- Where: 500 16th St., Denver
- Cost: $27-$35
- More info: distortionsmonsterworld.com/monster-to-midnight
Denver’s Distortions Monster Museum is a year-round home to zombies, gargoyles and life-sized ghouls. But through Halloween, it’s open after hours for those looking to indulge in spine-tingling entertainment and extra spooks.
