If you thought Colorado was only about mountain hikes, ski slopes, and scenic road trips, think again. When October arrives, the Centennial State transforms into one of America’s spookiest playgrounds.
From haunted houses in Denver to eerie overnight stays at the infamous Stanley Hotel, Colorado has built a reputation for thrilling Halloween adventures.
Whether you’re a horror movie fanatic, a family searching for kid-friendly fun, or a brave soul ready to face the unknown, Halloween in Colorado 2025 promises a mix of chills, history, and unforgettable scares.
Table of Contents
Telluride Horror Show – Colorado’s Scariest Film Festival
Film buffs and horror fans flock to Telluride each October for this celebrated horror, sci-fi, and fantasy film festival.
Set against the mountain backdrop, it’s an experience that mixes small-town charm with world-class cinema. If you’re serious about horror culture, this is your event.
Insider Tip
Plan ahead—accommodation sells out months before October.
Colorado Festival of Horror (COFOH) – Denver’s Must-Attend Convention
Taking place September 12–14, 2025, COFOH kicks off Colorado’s Halloween season.
It’s a pop-culture hub filled with celebrity panels, cosplay, horror art, and a massive vendor market. Think Comic-Con, but all about horror.
Pro Tip
Go for the 3-day pass—it gives you access to panels, exhibits, and the marketplace without missing a beat.
Terror in the Corn – Colorado’s Legendary Haunted Farm
Located at Anderson Farms in Erie, this outdoor haunt is one of the most popular in the state. Guests wander through haunted cornfields, ghost towns, and scare zones that cover acres of farmland.
Family-Friendly Extras
Anderson Farms also runs pumpkin patches and seasonal games, making it perfect for families who want a balance of thrills and wholesome fall fun.
The Frightmare Compound – Denver’s Oldest Haunted Attraction
With over 40 years of screams, this haunted house has become a Colorado legend.
Blending cutting-edge effects with local lore, it’s one of those must-visit spots for anyone craving a classic haunted house night. Some say the land itself carries an eerie energy, making the experience even more bone-chilling.
Pro Tip
Head here on weeknights to dodge the massive weekend crowds.
Hellscream Haunted House – Spine-Chilling Colorado Springs Experience
Hellscream is all about adrenaline. Multi-level sets, escape rooms, and movie-like production make it one of the state’s most intense haunted attractions.
It’s not for the faint-hearted, but if you want your pulse racing, this is the place.
Pro Tip
Skip this one with kids—it’s designed for hardcore thrill-seekers.
Fear Complex – Colorado Springs’ Largest Haunted House
With four unique haunted zones under one roof, Fear Complex delivers variety and scale. Each section has a different theme, so you’re never quite sure what’s waiting around the next corner.
Insider Tip
Keep an eye out for combo tickets with Hellscream—they’re a great way to double up your scares.
Dark Side of the Abbey – Haunted History in Cañon City
Inside a historic abbey, this attraction offers gothic chills that feel straight out of a horror movie. The real history of the site combined with modern scare design makes it both creepy and atmospheric.
Pro Tip
Arrive before sunset—the transition from dusk to nightfall makes the abbey even more terrifying.
Overnightmare at the Stanley Hotel – Sleep If You Dare
The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, famous as the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining, ups the ante with “Overnightmare.”
This immersive event designed with Blumhouse Productions turns the hotel into a live-action horror movie.
Pro Tip
Book early and bring friends—this one is not for solo travelers.
Haunted Hotels Beyond the Stanley
If one spooky stay isn’t enough, Colorado has plenty more haunted accommodations.
The Hotel Colorado in Glenwood Springs and the Victor Hotel near Cripple Creek are both rich with paranormal lore.
Adding them to your Halloween itinerary makes for a truly spine-tingling road trip.
Family-Friendly Halloween Fun Across Colorado
Not every Halloween activity needs to end in a scream. Families can enjoy pumpkin festivals in Colorado, kid-focused trick-or-treat streets in Denver, and zoo celebrations like Boo at the Zoo in Denver and Pueblo.
These events let kids dress up, collect candy, and celebrate without the terrifying jump scares.
Ghost Tours in Historic Towns
Colorado’s old mining towns and historic cities are filled with ghost stories. Popular tours include the Capitol Hill Ghost Tour in Denver, Manitou Springs Haunted Walking Tours, and Banjo Billy’s Ghost Bus in Boulder.
These tours blend history with eerie storytelling, making them a perfect alternative for those who love a good scare without the flashing lights and sound effects.
Halloween Parades and Street Festivals
Across the state, Halloween spills into the streets. Denver Halloween bar crawls, community parades in mountain towns, and lively street festivals give locals and visitors plenty of ways to celebrate together.
If haunted houses aren’t your thing, these festive gatherings are the way to soak in the October spirit.
Ticketing and Planning Tips
Colorado’s top haunted attractions are hugely popular and can sell out fast. Expect prices between $25 and $50, with VIP or fast-pass tickets costing more.
Always buy tickets online ahead of time, especially for weekends in October. For those who prefer shorter waits, weekday visits are the way to go.
Spooky Brews and Halloween Treats
Colorado’s craft beer scene gets deliciously spooky in October. Breweries roll out pumpkin ales, spiced ciders, and limited-edition seasonal drinks.
Some spots even host haunted brewery tours in Fort Collins and Denver. Pairing a night of scares with a seasonal drink is the ultimate adult Halloween experience.
Bonus Mentions for Colorado Halloween 2025
- Elitch Gardens Fright Fest Denver
- Haunted Field of Screams Thornton
- Creepy Walk in the Woods Loveland
Conclusion
Halloween in Colorado is so much more than costumes and candy. From world-class haunted houses and historic ghost tours to pumpkin festivals and eerie overnight stays, the state offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re chasing screams in Denver haunted houses or testing your courage at the Stanley Hotel Halloween 2025, this is a season to remember.
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