One of the most famous haunted locations that people like to visit is the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado. This historic hotel, which was built in 1909, is known for its paranormal activity and was the inspiration behind Stephen King’s novel “The Shining.” Visitors to the hotel report strange occurrences such as flickering lights, ghostly apparitions, and unexplained sounds. The hotel offers a variety of ghost tours and paranormal-themed packages for those who want to experience the eerie atmosphere for themselves. The Stanley Hotel is a popular destination for haunted travel enthusiasts, and its reputation as a haunted location has made it a must-visit spot for many people.
Staying at the Stanley Hotel is a unique and thrilling experience, especially for those interested in the paranormal. The hotel offers several options for accommodations, ranging from historic rooms to luxurious suites. The rooms are decorated with a classic style, and some have stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.
One of the most popular activities for guests at the Stanley Hotel is taking a ghost tour. The hotel offers a variety of tours that explore the building’s history and paranormal activity. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who share stories about the hotel’s past and present hauntings. Guests can also participate in paranormal investigations, where they use ghost hunting equipment to try and capture evidence of paranormal activity.
Aside from the paranormal experiences, the Stanley Hotel is also an excellent destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The hotel is located in the beautiful Rocky Mountains, providing access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic drives.
Overall, staying at the Stanley Hotel is a one-of-a-kind experience that combines history, luxury, and paranormal activity. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer in the paranormal, a stay at this iconic hotel is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Estes Park, Colorado
The Stanley Hotel is located in Estes Park, Colorado, a picturesque mountain town situated at an elevation of 7,522 feet (2,293 meters). Estes Park is a popular tourist destination and serves as the gateway to the Rocky Mountain National Park.
The town of Estes Park offers a range of activities for visitors to enjoy, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. The town is also known for its charming downtown area, which features a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries.
The Rocky Mountain National Park is a short drive from the Stanley Hotel and offers visitors a chance to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Rockies. The park encompasses over 415 square miles (1,075 square kilometers) of mountains, forests, and alpine meadows, and is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elk, moose, and bighorn sheep.
Overall, the location of the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, provides visitors with an opportunity to experience the majestic beauty of the Rocky Mountains and the charm of a small mountain town.
Things to do in Estes Park, CO
Estes Park is a cool place to visit for several reasons. Here are some of the top attractions and activities that make it a must-see destination:
Rocky Mountain National Park: Estes Park is located at the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, one of the most beautiful national parks in the United States. The park offers endless opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, scenic drives, and outdoor recreation.
Charming downtown area: The downtown area of Estes Park is a quaint and charming place to explore. It features unique shops, galleries, and restaurants that offer a range of local cuisine.
Outdoor recreation: Estes Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. In addition to the hiking and wildlife watching opportunities in Rocky Mountain National Park, visitors can also enjoy fishing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and more.
Historical attractions: Estes Park has a rich history, and there are several historical attractions that visitors can explore, including the Stanley Hotel, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Festivals and events: Estes Park hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Estes Park Winter Festival, the Estes Park Jazz Fest, and the Estes Park Elk Fest.
Because of its stunning natural beauty, charming downtown area, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, Estes Park is a cool place to visit. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or foodie, there is something for everyone in Estes Park.
In the Movies
Famously, the Stanley Hotel served as the inspiration for one of the most iconic horror movies of all time, “The Shining.” The film, directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Jack Nicholson, was based on the novel of the same name by Stephen King. King was staying at the Stanley Hotel in the 1970s when he had a nightmare about his son being chased by a fire hose. This nightmare inspired him to write “The Shining,” which features a haunted hotel as its setting.
Although the film version of “The Shining” was not shot at the Stanley Hotel, the hotel’s influence is evident in the film’s setting, which features a large, isolated hotel in the mountains. The Stanley Hotel has embraced its connection to “The Shining” and now offers a variety of experiences and packages for fans of the movie and the novel, including guided tours, special events, and screenings of the film.
Getting the Most Out of Your Stanley Hotel Experience: Tips for Planning Your Visit
If you’re planning to visit the Stanley Hotel, here are some things to keep in mind to make the most of your experience
Make reservations: The Stanley Hotel is a popular destination, especially for fans of “The Shining,” so it’s a good idea to make reservations in advance to ensure availability.
Dress appropriately: Estes Park is located at a high elevation and can be cooler than other parts of Colorado, even in the summer. Be sure to pack warm layers, especially if you plan to explore the Rocky Mountains.
Consider the altitude: Estes Park is situated at an elevation of over 7,000 feet (2,100 meters), which can cause altitude sickness in some visitors. If you’re not used to high elevations, be sure to drink plenty of water and take it easy during your first few days in the area.
Bring comfortable shoes: If you plan to explore the Rocky Mountains or participate in outdoor activities, be sure to bring comfortable shoes suitable for hiking or walking on uneven terrain.
Book a ghost tour: The Stanley Hotel is known for its paranormal activity, so consider booking a ghost tour during your stay. The hotel offers a variety of tours, including a nighttime ghost tour and a paranormal investigation tour.
Plan for transportation: If you’re flying into Colorado, the closest major airport to Estes Park is Denver International Airport, which is approximately a 90-minute drive from the Stanley Hotel. Be sure to plan for transportation to and from the airport, or consider renting a car to explore the area.
Beyond the Stanley: Exploring the Beauty of Estes Park, Colorado
If you’re a photography enthusiast and planning to visit the Stanley Hotel and Estes Park, there are plenty of opportunities to capture some stunning photos. Here are some things you should consider photographing:
The Stanley Hotel: Of course, the Stanley Hotel itself is a great subject for photos. Be sure to take shots of the hotel’s historic architecture, including its iconic red roof, as well as the surrounding mountains and gardens.
Rocky Mountain National Park: The park offers endless opportunities for nature photography, including stunning landscapes, wildlife, and wildflowers. Be sure to take a hike or scenic drive and capture some of the park’s breathtaking scenery.
Downtown Estes Park: The charming downtown area of Estes Park is a great subject for street photography. Capture shots of the colorful storefronts, unique sculptures, and local wildlife.
Trail Ridge Road: This scenic road, which winds through the Rocky Mountains and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, is a great subject for landscape photography.
Wildlife: Estes Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and black bears. Be sure to capture shots of these majestic animals in their natural habitat (from a safe distance, of course).
Sunrises and sunsets: The Rocky Mountains offer some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets in the world. Be sure to wake up early or stay out late to capture these colorful displays in the sky.
Overall, there are plenty of opportunities for photography in and around the Stanley Hotel and Estes Park. Just be sure to respect the environment and wildlife and take only memories (and photos), leaving behind only footprints.
Unveiling the Investigators: Famous Ghost Hunters who Explored the Haunted Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel has been investigated by several famous ghost hunters over the years, including:
Jason Hawes and Grant Wilson: The founders of The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS) and stars of the popular TV show “Ghost Hunters” have investigated the Stanley Hotel several times.
Zak Bagans: The host of “Ghost Adventures” and his team have also investigated the Stanley Hotel, with their investigation being featured in a 2013 episode of the show.
Syfy’s Ghost Hunters Academy: In 2010, the Stanley Hotel was the focus of an episode of “Ghost Hunters Academy,” a spinoff of the popular Syfy series “Ghost Hunters.”
The Dead Files: The Travel Channel’s “The Dead Files” has also featured the Stanley Hotel, with the episode airing in 2012.
Paranormal Lockdown: The Stanley Hotel was also investigated by Nick Groff and Katrina Weidman in a 2017 episode of their show “Paranormal Lockdown.”
These investigations have helped to further cement the Stanley Hotel’s reputation as a hotspot for paranormal activity, and have made it a popular destination for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts alike.
Interested in becoming a paranormal investigator? Visit our post How to Become a Paranormal Investigator – Joanna Arcana
Beyond the Shining: Exploring the Famous Ghosts of the Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel is known for being haunted, with several famous ghosts that are said to haunt the property. Here are some of the most well-known ghosts that have been reported at the hotel:
Flora Stanley: Flora Stanley was the wife of hotel founder F.O. Stanley, and her spirit is said to haunt the hotel’s Concert Hall. She is often seen in a formal dress, and is said to be friendly and welcoming to guests.
F.O. Stanley: F.O. Stanley himself is also said to haunt the hotel, and is often seen in the Billiards Room or in the lobby. His presence is said to be felt most strongly in Room 217, where he is said to move objects and turn lights on and off.
The Children: Several child spirits are said to haunt the hotel, including a young boy who plays in the hallways and a young girl who is often seen on the stairs. They are said to be mischievous but not harmful.
Lord Dunraven: Lord Dunraven was an Irish nobleman who owned the land where the Stanley Hotel now stands, and his spirit is said to haunt the hotel’s tunnels. He is often described as a malevolent presence, and is said to be responsible for many of the hotel’s eerie happenings.
The Ghostly Waitstaff: The hotel’s former waitstaff are also said to haunt the property, and are often seen wearing their old uniforms and going about their duties. They are said to be friendly and welcoming, and to enjoy interacting with guests.
These are just a few of the famous ghosts that are said to haunt the Stanley Hotel. Whether or not you believe in the paranormal, the hotel’s spooky reputation and fascinating history make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the supernatural.
Checking in to the Chills: Exploring the Haunted Rooms of the Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel is known for its many haunted rooms, with several guest rooms reportedly being particularly active with paranormal activity. Here are some of the most haunted rooms in the hotel:
Room 217: This is the most famous haunted room in the Stanley Hotel, and is said to be haunted by the ghost of former housekeeper Elizabeth Wilson. She is said to have been injured in an explosion in the room, and her spirit is often seen and felt by guests.
Room 401: This room is said to be haunted by the ghost of Lord Dunraven, who is often described as a malevolent presence. Guests have reported feeling a sense of unease and discomfort in the room, and some have even claimed to have been physically touched by an unseen force.
Room 407: This room is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former maid who worked at the hotel. Guests have reported seeing her spirit in the room, and some have reported strange noises and the feeling of a presence in the room.
Room 428: This room is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former employee who worked at the hotel in the early 1900s. Guests have reported feeling a presence in the room, as well as hearing unexplained noises and voices.
Room 1302: This room is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former hotel guest who died in the room. Guests have reported feeling a cold breeze and seeing strange shadows in the room, as well as hearing strange noises and voices.
These are just a few of the haunted rooms in the Stanley Hotel. Whether or not you believe in ghosts, staying in one of these rooms is sure to be an unforgettable and spine-tingling experience.
Beyond the Stanley Hotel: Haunted Locations to Visit in Estes Park, Colorado
The Baldpate Inn: This historic inn, which is located just a few miles from the Stanley Hotel, is said to be haunted by the ghost of Ethel Mace, a former owner. Guests and employees have reported seeing her ghostly apparition and feeling her presence in various areas of the inn.
The Historic Park Theatre: This 1920s-era movie theater in downtown Estes Park is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former projectionist, who is often seen in the projection room. The theater also has a haunted painting, which is said to change positions on its own.
The Estes Park Museum: This museum, which is housed in a historic building in downtown Estes Park, is said to be haunted by the ghost of a former caretaker. Visitors have reported feeling a presence in the building and hearing unexplained noises.
The Dunraven Inn: This restaurant, which is located near the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, is said to be haunted by the ghost of Lord Dunraven, the former owner of the land where the Stanley Hotel was built. His ghostly apparition has been seen in the restaurant’s dining room.
These are just a few of the many haunted locations in Estes Park, Colorado. Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or not, exploring these spooky sites can be a fun and exciting way to experience the town’s rich history and culture.
From Bigfoot to UFOs: Exploring the Paranormal Side of Estes Park, Colorado
Bigfoot Sightings: The Rocky Mountains are known for their rugged wilderness, and there have been many reported sightings of Bigfoot in the area surrounding Estes Park. While there is no concrete evidence to support these claims, they add an air of mystery and intrigue to the region.
UFO Sightings: Estes Park is located near the Rocky Mountain National Park, which has been the site of numerous reported UFO sightings over the years. Some people believe that the park’s remote location and high elevation make it an ideal spot for extraterrestrial activity.
Mysterious Lights: There have been reports of mysterious lights in the skies above Estes Park, which some people believe could be related to UFO activity. Others speculate that these lights could be caused by natural phenomena like ball lightning or atmospheric reflections.
Psychic Mediums: There are several psychic mediums and paranormal investigators who live and work in Estes Park, offering services like ghost tours and psychic readings to visitors. Whether or not you believe in their abilities, they add to the town’s reputation as a hub of paranormal activity.
While the paranormal activity in Estes Park is mostly unproven and speculative, it does add to the town’s allure and mystique. Whether you’re a believer in the supernatural or not, exploring these legends and stories can be a fun and entertaining part of any trip to Estes Park.
For more haunted hotels visit one of our previous posts Haunted Hotels: Check-in if You Dare! – Joanna Arcana
