You’ve carved your jack-o’-lanterns, sipped your favorite pumpkin beers and readied your costume. But it isn’t truly the spooky Halloween season until you’ve felt the rush of adrenaline and cortisol that comes from being frightened out of your wits.
Sure, you could pop some popcorn and put on a horror movie, but does that really do the holiday justice? Grab your friends and head to one of these immersive Colorado haunted houses instead.
A quick note: Our list of haunted attractions may not be exhaustive. Check the website of each spot for the most detailed, current information about pricing, dates and times.
The Frightmare Compound
As the name suggests, the Frightmare Compound is so much more than just a haunted house. For more than 40 years, this Westminster property has been scaring the pants off of Coloradans with its absolutely terrifying scenes and actors. If you’re not scared enough, you can also try to outrun a serial killer in the mini escape room, test your mettle in the coffin simulator or explore the monster museum. On Nov. 1-2, organizers invite you to explore the eerie grounds in total darkness, with only the flicker of a candle to light the way. Tickets start at $29.99. Open 8 to 10 p.m. on Oct. 3, then Sundays-Thursdays 7 to 10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays 7 to midnight, and 7 to 11 p.m. on Halloween, Oct. 31, as well as for Lights Out on Nov. 1-2. Closed Oct. 7. 10798 Yukon St., Westminster, 303-467-2273; thefrightmarecompound.com
The 13th Floor Haunted House
This year, the 13th Floor has not one, but two ultra-spooky haunted houses to wander through. If you make it out of both alive, you can extend your evening by shooting at zombies, getting lost in the dark maze or trying to get out of the mini escape rooms. You can also sip cocktails at several bars or within the privacy of your own “R.I.P.” cabana. Tickets start at $24.49, plus additional fees for some activities. Open Oct. 2-6, 9-13, 15-31, Nov. 1-3 and 8-9. Hours vary; go to the website to check. 3400 E. 52nd Ave., Denver, 303-355-3327; 13thfloorhauntedhouse.com
Haunted Field of Screams
As legend has it, a man murdered his entire family by burning down his mansion on Riverdale Road. All that remains from this dastardly deed are the Gates to Hell, which welcome thrill-seekers ready to embrace their deepest, darkest fears. Explore the 40-acre cornfield and multiple haunted houses — if you dare. Tickets start at $29.99. Open 7 to 11:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 2; 7 to 9:30 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 27; and 7 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 17, 24 and 31. 10451 McKay Road, Thornton; hauntedfieldofscreams.com
Terror in the Corn
During the day, Anderson Farms is a festive, family-friendly destination, with games, activities and a massive pumpkin patch. But come nightfall, this Erie property begins to take on a more sinister vibe. The mile-long Terror in the Corn attraction is set in the fictitious town of Raven’s Gulch, where a pair of evil twins likes to stalk and torture unsuspecting victims. Tickets start at $40 and include entry to Anderson Farm’s daytime Fall Festival. Open Thursdays and Sundays 7-10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 7-11 p.m. through Nov. 2. 6728 County Road 3¼, Erie, 303-828-5210; terrorinthecorn.com
Fright Fest at Elitch Gardens
From the end of September through the beginning of November, Elitch Gardens transforms into a spooky, Halloween-lovers paradise. During Fright Fest, you can ride all of your favorite rides, but also get into the holiday spirit with some additional experiences. Enjoy haunted houses, a trick-or-treat trail for little ones, “scare zones” throughout the park and more. Admission to Elitch Gardens starts at $49.99. There are additional fees for some Fright Fest activities and attractions. Open Fridays 6 to 10 p.m., Saturdays noon to 10 p.m., and Sundays noon to 9 p.m. through Nov. 3. 2000 Elitch Circle, Denver, 303-595-4386; elitchgardens.com/fright-fest
Reinke Brothers’ Haunted Mansion
Greg and Chris Reinke have been in the haunted house business since 1968, so they know a thing or two about how to scare people. More than five decades later, they’re still drawing crowds of brave visitors to their haunted mansion in Littleton. If someone in your crew isn’t ready for the full-blown spooky experience, they also offer “lights on” tours of the mansion while the monsters are out to lunch. And if you still need a Halloween costume, they have more than 20,000 to choose from, plus, wigs, masks and props. “Lights on” tours are $12; general tickets start at $20. Open Mondays-Thursdays 6 to 10 p.m.; Fridays 6 p.m. to midnight; Saturdays 3 p.m. to midnight; and Sundays 3 to 10 p.m. 5663 S. Prince St., Littleton, 303-795-5006; reinkebrothers.com
Scream Acres at Fritzler Farm Park
Creepy characters wait around every bend of this haunted Weld County corn maze. Make an entire evening out of your visit by sipping a pint at the beer garden, playing games, gliding down the slides, racing on pedal go-karts and more. Plus, they have fireworks on Fridays through the end of October. Tickets start at $39.95, plus additional fees for some activities. Open Fridays 4:30 to 10 p.m.; Saturdays 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sundays 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., through Oct. 27. 20861 County Road 33, LaSalle, 970-737-2129; fritzlerscreamacres.com
HellScream Haunted House
Using movie-grade special effects, detailed sets and a cadre of talented actors, HellScream immerses visitors in the nightmarish world of Von Helton Manor. Murderous clowns, a criminal mastermind, an evil doctor and other monsters roam the premises. Tickets start at $24. Open Oct. 4-6 from 7 to 10 p.m.; Thursdays and Sundays 7 to 10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 11 through Nov. 2 from 7 to 11 p.m.; Oct. 30 from 7 to 10 p.m. 3021 N Hancock Ave., Colorado Springs, 719-633-8252; hellscreamhaunt.com
The Fear Complex
Find four spooky attractions under one roof at this Colorado Springs property: Haunted Mines, The Sanitarium, 3-D Carnevil and Sinister Manor. Tickets start at $24. Open Oct. 4-6 from 7 to 10 p.m.; Thursdays and Sundays 7 to 10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 11 through Nov. 2, 7 to 11 p.m.; Oct. 30, from 7 to 10 p.m.; and 7 to 10 p.m. for Lights Out events on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 8-9. 2220 E. Bijou St., Colorado Springs; thefearcomplex.org
