The Stanley Hotel After Dark: A Ghost Tour in Estes Park

The Stanley’s grand white exterior and elegant interior immediately set the tone for a night steeped in history and mystery. My favorite stop on the Stanley Night Tour was the detached ballroom: pristine and bright white on the outside like the main hotel, and inside, a timeless event space. Our guide shared vivid accounts of past celebrations and strange occurrences, but the real chill came when we descended into the ballroom’s basement. On paper, it was just a catering prep area with storage rooms, yet as I stepped down the stairs, an unshakable sensation crept over me, like someone was following close behind. I turned, and no one was there. That feeling lingered until I left the building, making it the eeriest moment of the night.

The rest of the tour took us through the hotel’s main meeting rooms, the historic bar, and narrow basement passageways that felt almost like catacombs. While rich in history and paranormal lore, nothing matched the ballroom basement’s atmosphere. As a fan of the horror genre, The Shining, and ghost stories, it was surreal to stand inside spaces that inspired such iconic pop culture. I even learned a fun surprise—the infamous “Danbury Hotel” from Dumb and Dumber was actually filmed at The Stanley. The blend of storytelling, authentic architecture, and lingering energy made the experience feel like stepping into a living, breathing piece of history.

Outside of the ghost tour, we enjoyed Estes Park’s mountain charm and Denver’s vibrant food scene. Higher Grounds Café in Golden served excellent coffee with stunning Rocky Mountain views in a quaint, slower-paced town. Seoul K BBQ in Aurora delivered authentic Korean barbecue and hot pot, surrounded by bustling international markets. My culinary highlight was Machete Tequila and Tacos in front of Union Station: What began as a stop for drinks turned into discovering a lobster taco with smoked avocado, corn, greens, and chile morita aioli, all in a striking squid ink tortilla.

If you’re planning to visit The Stanley, I highly recommend booking a guided tour—especially the Stanley Night Tour—for a mix of history, local lore, and spine-tingling moments. They also offer daytime history tours and spirit-focused experiences for those who want to dive deeper into the paranormal. This is an unforgettable stop for fans of horror, history, architecture, or anyone seeking a unique, atmospheric adventure in Colorado. Even skeptics will find something to appreciate in the stories, scenery, and charm of this historic hotel.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Denver page.