The Stanley Hotel
One of the more famous haunted locations out here in Colorado. This renowned building inspired Stephen King to pen one of his most iconic books: The Shining.
Granted, you may be looking at this wondering why the Overlook Hotel seems quite different... Well, the exterior shots of the Overlook Hotel are actually the Timberline Lodge in Mt. Hood, Oregon; and the interior of the Overlook, while filmed in movie sets, was based on the Ahwahnee in Yosemite National Park. Don’t fret, though, the Stanley is still filled with chilling ghost stories.
Dark Beginnings
In the early 1900s, Freelan Oscar Stanley suffered from a life-threatening consumption case (tuberculosis). Medicine back then was to move to areas with dry air, lots of sunshine, and altitude. Colorado’s Rocky Mountains have all three. Once Stanley moved to Estes Park, his conditions dramatically improved. In fact, Stanley lived to be 91. You might still have a chance to meet the man, though. Employees have reported feeling Mr. Stanley hover behind them while they work the reception desk, all while Mrs. Stanley softly plinks away at the music room’s piano.
While the gem of Estes Park, The Stanley changed ownership multiple times and was soon seen as a poor investment, especially since up until 1983 would shut down for the winter every year.
The Shining
As we know, Stephen King likes to create horror through inspiration from his real life. In 1974, King, and his wife, Tabitha, decided to take a break and stay at the Stanley. At this point in the season, the hotel was getting ready to shut down for the winter, and they were the only guests. King wandered the halls marveling at the feeling of loneliness and desolation. He spent some time at the bar while talking to Grady, the lone bartender. Of course, we can’t forget that he stayed in Room 217.
The Tour
It was honestly fun! Is it expensive? Not really, and you get to go all over the hotel and learn its history with some ghost stories sprinkled throughout. The drive up (or down) to Estes Park is always gorgeous. Feel free to make it a full day and check out the downtown area after your tour.
As of writing this in Feb 2023, you can take the Shining Tour for $30/person.
The Stanley also hosts many events. I would recommend signing up to be on their mailing list so you can find a suitable event for you! However, whatever tour/event/package you book, please make sure to stop at the pet sematary cemetery and the highly-requested hedge maze. (The maze picture you see below was captured in July 2019; we plan on going back in 2025 to see its growth progress!)
