Ghosts & Spirits

If you’re looking for a paranormal experience, the Pikes Peak region offers a wealth of beyond-the-grave energy. With a history of tuberculosis in Manitou Springs to the scoundrels and debauchery of the Pikes Peak or Bust Gold Rush residents, spirits are lurking around many corners. There’s no lack of opportunity to bump into something, or someone, that’s not of this world.

The Red Crags Estates Onaledge is a charming bed & breakfast that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and located above the town of Manitou Springs, CO. There have been many stories about the bump-in-the-night experiences here. One such story includes a woman hearing five different voices in her room around 3am. She was traveling alone, and left the lodge in her pajamas right away, saying she felt if she didn’t leave that instant that she never would. When local Colorado Springs TV station News First Channel 5 did an investigation back in June, there was strong proof of paranormal activity. The B&B even runs a special for ghost-seeking travelers. The Spooky Specials include room rates from $115-145. Make sure to ask about the 2-night Ghostbusters Weekend. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.Onaledge.com or call 888.685.4515.

Red Cheek Mountain in Manitou springs sits at 7,300+ feet above sea level. Back when tuberculosis was rampant and sufferers traveled to Manitou Springs seeking the healing springs and mountain air, Emma Crawford made her trip for a cure as well. Alas, she died at the tender age of 19. Her last wish was to be buried on the summit of nearby Red Mountain. Her fiancée, along with 11 other men, obliged and carried her remains to the summit for burial. After years of stormy weather and erosion, her remains washed down the side of the mountain. Because of this unsettling upheaval, many still believe that Emma haunts the mountain today; some have even seen her. There are trails on the side of the mountain to visit the site of her grave. A stop in the Manitou Springs Cemetery will show an unmarked grave in remembrance of Emma. Annual coffin races are held in her honor down Manitou Avenue every October.

Miramont Castle was built in 1896, but deed to the land dates back to 1862. The 4-story, 15,000 square foot castle has served multiple functions, from a private-family home to a donated sanitarium. Today it is operated by the Manitou Springs Historical Society. There are many accounts of strange happenings on the grounds, many documented on www.MiramontCastle.org. The creepiest is an actual photo of a figure in period clothing that appears only in the mirror and not in the actual room. Other reports include hearing footsteps when no one is around, various items moving themselves, lights turning on and off and mysterious voices. More accounts can be found by reading the castle’s guest books. Labor Day through Memorial Day hours are 10am-4pm Tuesday-Saturday and Noon-4pm on Sunday. Active duty military and children under 5 are free, ages 6-15 $2, adults $6 and seniors 60+ $5.50.  For tour and event information call 719.685.1011.

Outlaws & Jailmen Museum was, for over 90 years, the Teller County Jail in the mining town of Cripple Creek, CO. This red-brick building housed many a heathen during the Pikes Peak or Bust Gold Rush and thereafter. There were cells for both men and women. Accounts of paranormal activity include hearing laughter from what used to be the solitary confinement cell, sightings of small children who quickly disappear and even “white noise” recorded on audio tape. A recent investigation was conducted by Mountain Peak Paranormal Investigations who detected activity. This October the museum is offering a special lock-in where visitors can spend the night with the spirits in one of the cells as well as try to detect activity with the Mountain Peak Paranormal Investigators.

Buckskin Joe’s Frontier Town  was built in the 1860s. It was turned into an attraction in the late 1950s but some of the original buildings remain. There have been many  stories of the lurking shadows in the town, especially after the sun goes down. The Lincoln Theatre in the middle of the town is said to be the hub of netherworld activity. No surprise there, considering it was once the barn used for public executions as well as a storage for bodies during the winter that couldn’t be buried until the ground thawed. It’s believed some of the miners and gunslingers of the day still wander aimlessly. Every October the town is turned into the frightful Town of Terror, building off this haunted history.  Buckskin Joe’s Frontier Town general admission for adults is $15, $14 for children ages 4-11. Town of Terror is $17 for adults and $15 for children 11 and under. Discount coupons can be found at www.BuckskinJoe.com.

Downtown Ghost Walk Pikes Peak Ghost Hunters and CallMurphy Tours are offering the Colorado Springs Downtown Ghost Walk every Friday and Saturday during October from 7-9 p.m. In addition to exploring some of the City's most haunted places - The Antlers Hotel, Pioneers Museum, City Auditorium, and more - you'll also learn some of the Paranormal Investigators' "tricks of the trade." October is a special month for ghosts, so be prepared for anything...! $15.00 per ticket. Advance tickets only, limited to 30 people. Children 10 and up must be accompanied by an adult. Call 304-1049 to purchase tickets. www.pikespeakghosthunters.org

For more information on any of the above locations or the Pikes Peak region, contact Chelsy Murphy 719.685.7639