How does every good horror film start? One character, all alone heads out into the dark woods armed with one small flashlight or better yet an old-timey lantern and then we wait for the horror and fright that ensues. If you are looking to get your freak on at altitude this year, these are the places you need to explore.

Paranormal Investigation in Breckenridge 

Photo courtesy of breckheritage.com/

Where: Breckenridge 
When: Fridays October 21 and 28 
Cost: $15

The Lowdown: Built throughout the decades, the historic homes of Breckenridge have gained fame and fear for their connection to their former inhabitants. Strange and unnatural occurrences are par for the course. This year Breckenridge is offering you the chance to partake in a true paranormal investigation. This tour is lead by former Stanley Hotel investigator and “medium” who will try to connect with the other side and see who is waiting within the walls.

Cemetery Ghost Walks

 

Where: Glenwood Springs  
When: Fridays October 21-22 and 28-29
Cost: $20

The Lowdown: Stay close to the leader as you stroll through Glenwood Springs’ oldest cemetery, Linwood Cemetery, to hear about the fated ghost stories and the town’s pioneer’s dark history.  The graveyard even includes the burial sites of famed old west icons like Doc Holliday. Bring your flashlight with you or you may get scared of the dark.

Photo courtesy of breckheritage.com

Photo courtesy of breckheritage.com

Terror Tours of Old Town

Where: Fort Collins  
When: Fridays and Saturdays, year round 
Cost: $15

The Lowdown: Okay this one isn’t in the mountains, but it still warrants a mention. With the Terror Tours you’ll see Old Town Fort Collins through a creepy Halloween filter, as you will hear tales of gore, gruesome murder and mysterious deaths that will shot chills down your spine. This ghost tour is for the brave only and not recommended for anyone under 12 years of age. The horror commences at dusk and continues into the darkness with tours leaving every 30 minutes.

Frisco’s Haunted House

via Mtn Town Magazine

via Mtn Town Magazine

Where: Frisco
When: October 28-31
Cost: $5 for students, $7 for adults and $20 for a family four pack

The Low Down:  Living in Denver means you are only a short drive away from Frisco’s Haunted house. Frisco’s community center transforms every year into your favorite nightmare.  Head up the hill and let the locals scare the crap out of you this upcoming weekend. This ghostly adventure is fun for all ages over seven.  The Frisco Haunted House also comes with a side of good feelings as this haunted house benefits the Mountain Mentors Teen Program.  

Haunted Hills Costume Run

Photo courtesy of gobreck.com

Aztec skulls Mexican Day of the Dead colorful handcrafts

Where: Leadville
When: October 29
Cost: $20 for adults, $10 for students

The Low Down: Run like your life depends on it at the first annual Haunted Hills Costume Run in Leadville, Colorado.  Starting just outside of the Colorado Mountain College in Leadville, runners will take off on a three mile race through haunted forests and guaranteed frights on every twist and turn of the course.  Awards will be given to the top three women and men competitors as well as to the top individual and group costume, so be sure you are dressed to impress.

Local Bonus: Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival

Photo courtesy of breckenridgecraftspiritsfestival.com

Photo courtesy of breckenridgecraftspiritsfestival.com

Where: Leadville
When: October 22
Cost: $40 for adults over 21

The Lowdown: The Breckenridge Craft Spirits Festival helps you channel all types of spirits. Celebrate the season with haunted tours; Dia de los Muertos festivities and art exhibits as well as the Still on the Hill tasting experience. Still on the Hill will open Saturday, October 22nd at 4 p.m. at the Riverwalk Center in downtown Breckenridge. Here you can indulge in hand crafted spirits, live music and divine artisan inspired snacks will sipping on the best spirits in town. Keep your eyes peeled at night, with Breckenridge’s mining past the spirits in town have been known to come out for a good time.