The Stanley Hotel

As Halloween creeps closer, Boulder locals are looking for one last thrill before the pumpkins fade and the snow starts to fall. If you’re in search of a spine-tingling adventure within a short drive, look no further than The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park — one of America’s most famously haunted destinations. Known for its eerie charm, ghostly legends, and cinematic history, this mountain icon offers the perfect haunted escape from Boulder’s crisp fall nights.

Just 45 miles northwest of Boulder, Estes Park makes for a scenic and easy autumn road trip. The drive winds through golden aspen groves and dramatic foothills before revealing the grand façade of The Stanley — a Colonial Revival masterpiece perched against the stunning backdrop of Rocky Mountain National Park. But it’s not just the view that draws travelers; it’s the ghost stories that linger in its halls.

Colorado – Estes Park: The Stanley Hotel – Lobby

A Haunted History

Built in 1909 by F.O. Stanley, co-founder of the Stanley Steamer automobile, the hotel was originally designed as a luxurious mountain retreat. However, strange happenings soon gave it a reputation for something far more supernatural. Guests and staff alike have reported flickering lights, mysterious piano music echoing through empty rooms, and ghostly figures dressed in early 1900s attire roaming the halls.

One of the most famous stories surrounds Room 217, where author Stephen King stayed in 1974. His eerie night at the hotel became the inspiration for his classic horror novel The Shining, later immortalized in Stanley Kubrick’s film. Today, visitors can book the same room — if they dare — or take part in the hotel’s Stanley Night Tour, a guided exploration of its ghostly past and most haunted spots (The Stanley Hotel Ghost Tours).

From Boulder to the Beyond

Leaving from Boulder, plan for a drive of just over an hour, depending on weather and traffic. The journey itself feels enchanted, winding past Lyons and following the St. Vrain River through canyon walls glowing in autumn hues. For the best experience, aim to arrive before dusk so you can catch the last rays of sunlight glinting off the white hotel — it’s a view straight out of a gothic novel.

The Original Stanley Steamer – Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado – USA

For those looking to make it a full experience, consider dinner at the hotel’s Cascades Restaurant & Lounge, followed by the ghost tour. Afterward, grab a nightcap in the whiskey bar, where even skeptics have claimed to feel a mysterious chill. If you prefer a day trip, Estes Park offers plenty of daylight delights — charming shops, wildlife sightings, and crisp mountain air that’ll remind you why Boulder is such a perfect jumping-off point for adventure.

Colorado – Estes Park: The Stanley Hotel – Pool

Ghosts and Glimpses of the Past

Ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts flock to The Stanley every October to see if they can capture photographic evidence of its spirits. Guests have reported everything from spectral children playing in the halls to the piano mysteriously playing itself in the ballroom. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, it’s hard not to feel something otherworldly when the wind howls through Estes Park’s mountain corridors.

For an in-depth look at the hotel’s haunted legacy and connection to The Shining, explore this detailed history from Uncover Colorado (Haunted History of The Stanley Hotel).

The Final Word

If you’re craving one last spooky thrill before the Halloween season ends, a haunted getaway from Boulder to The Stanley Hotel is the perfect pick. Between the mountain magic, rich history, and lingering whispers of the past, this legendary lodge offers a chilling reminder that not all Colorado adventures are meant for the daylight.

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