The enjoyment of getting scared out of your wits isn’t for everyone. I’ve never been one to relish in the thrill of it. I saw my first scary movie in my teens and still — to this day — have nightmares about an old woman in a rocking chair who is happily knitting one minute and dead with knitting needles in her ears in the next. Ugh.
If you rolled your eyes at my weak constitution or muttered “oh, cool” at the vision of the dead granny, though, then this year’s crop of haunted houses and fright fests is for you. My anxious heart and I will stay home watching “Hocus Pocus,” which is more my speed, thank you. — Barbara Ellis
(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
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 frightened 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. Tickets start at $29.99, $44.99 for VIP passes and $74.99 for Elite passes. Open Fridays and Saturdays, Sept. 12-27, from 8 to 11 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 28, from 8 to 10 p.m. Starting Oct. 2, open weekdays (except for Oct. 6 and 13) from 7 to 10 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 7 p.m. to midnight. On Nov. 7 and 8, organizers invite you to Lights Out: Explore the eerie grounds in total darkness, with only the flicker of a candle to light the way, from 7 to 11 p.m. See website for specific pricing and hours.
10798 Yukon St., Westminster, 303-467-2273; thefrightmarecompound.com
The 13th Floor Haunted House
This year, the 13th Floor has three ultra-spooky haunted houses to wander through: Legend of the 13th Floor, Twilight of the Damned and The Blood Shed. If you make it out of those alive, you can extend your evening by attempting the Trick ‘r Treat Augmented Reality Experience, shooting at zombies, throwing axes, getting lost in a 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 $24.99, plus additional fees for some activities. (Pricing is dynamic, so it will vary depending on date and time.) Open Sept. 19-21, 26-28, Oct. 2-5, 8-12, 14-31, Nov. 1-2 and 7-9. 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. (Not recommended for children.) Tickets start at $29.99. Open 7 to 11:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Sept. 26 through Nov. 1; 7 to 9:30 p.m. Sundays through Oct. 26; and 7 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 16, 23, and 30. 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 $32.25 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., Sept. 27-Nov. 1. 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 (two new ones were added for 2025); a trick-or-treat trail for little ones; “scare zones” throughout the park (three are new this year); a Fright Fest show 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. Sept. 26 through Nov. 2. 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 $22. Open Sept. 26 to Nov. 2, 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 $42.30, plus additional fees for some activities. Open Sept. 20 through Oct. 26, Fridays 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturdays 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sundays 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 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 plus taxes and fees. Lights Off, in which your group must find its way using only the light of a single glowstick, is on Nov. 7 and 8 from 7 to 10 p.m. Open on select days from Sept. 26 through Nov. 1. Go to the website for information and to buy tickets. 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 plus taxes and fees. Open on select days from Sept. 26 through Nov. 1, as well as the Lights Out event on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 7-8. Hours vary, so check the website for details. 2220 E. Bijou St., Colorado Springs; thefearcomplex.org