Ghost Stories, Creepy History & Spooky Vibes in Colorado’s Mountain Town
If you thought Evergreen, Colorado was all golden aspens and elk traffic, think again. This charming mountain town has a chilling past—and October is when the spirits really wake up.
From ghost sightings at historic hotels to whispers of haunted saloons, Evergreen’s spooky side runs deeper than you’d expect. Whether you’re a ghost hunter, history nerd, or just here for the vibes and cider, these haunted Evergreen stories will get you in the Halloween spirit—and maybe keep you up at night.
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🕯️ 1. The Brook Forest Inn – Evergreen’s Most Haunted Hotel?
Let’s start with what locals call the most haunted place in Evergreen: the Brook Forest Inn.
Built in 1909 as a secluded mountain retreat, this historic inn is now a cozy bed-and-breakfast with antique furniture…and some seriously haunted rooms.
Carl & Jessica: The Murdered Lovers
A classic legend says a stable hand named Carl discovered his lover Jessica was unfaithful and strangled her in the Monte Carlo suite on the third floor. Some versions add that Carl later hung himself in the stable. Guests have reported footsteps, doors opening on their own, and flickering lights near that suite.
The Weeping Child on the Third Floor
According to common local tales, a boy (often said to be a child of the original owners) died upstairs. His spirit is blamed for nightly footsteps, giggles, or a childlike presence in the hallway late at night.
Phantom Woman on the Balcony
Visitors say they’ve glimpsed a full apparition of a woman standing or pacing on the balcony near the Monte Carlo suite, even when no one should be there. Windows and rooms facing the road are frequent hotspots for sightings.
Cold Spots, Smells & Strange Sounds
Many recount sudden drops in temperature in stairwells, unexplained rotten smells in empty rooms, or doors creaking with no breeze or human presence. Some guests claim to be awakened by running or thumping sounds in the corridor at 3:30 a.m., only to find no one there.
Secret Tunnels, Hidden Lore & Nazi Gold
One of the wildest tales tells of hidden tunnels beneath the Inn, with rumors of Nazi spies and gold secreted on site. During past renovations, owners reportedly found strange symbols under floorboards—though no evidence of treasure or spy activity has ever been confirmed.
💀 The Inn Today: Sadly, the Inn is now closed. However…have you ever dreamed of owning your own haunted house? Because for just $2.5 million you too can join the Brook Forest Inn’s history. Just give Greg Knott a call at Unique Properties…
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🍸 2. The Little Bear Saloon – Spirits Behind the Bar?
Evergreen’s iconic Little Bear Saloon is known for its rowdy live music, swinging bras above the bar, and Wild West charm. But after hours? Things get weird…
This 1890s-era building once served as a church, a dance hall, and multiple saloons. Staff have reported:
• Chairs moving without explanation
• The jukebox playing by itself
• Mysterious laughter from the upstairs balcony (when no one’s there)
Ghost hunters say the energy in the back room is heavy—and locals swear there’s something watching you near the old piano.
👻 Spooky Season Challenge: Go in on a slow weeknight, order a drink, and sit quietly. See what you feel. Or hear.
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🏚️ 3. Troutdale in the Pines – Glamour, Scandal, and Ghosts
Once the jewel of Evergreen, Troutdale in the Pines was a luxury resort that attracted Hollywood stars and political elite in the 1920s and ‘30s. Today, only two original structures remain…along with some unresolved energy…
Rumors swirl of a fire that took lives, secret tunnels, and ghost sightings of a man in a tuxedo pacing what used to be the ballroom. Paranormal teams have investigated the site and reported electromagnetic spikes and unexplained voices. Here are some of the stories…
“Faded Lady” / Haunting Presence
One of the more famous legends calls Troutdale’s old hotel the “Faded Lady”—a spectral figure said to drift through the ruins. According to a local historical write-up, many believe the old hotel is haunted, and over the years trespassers have reported uneasy feelings, whispers, footsteps, and apparitions.
Trespassers Caught on Halloween
In 1987, the Canyon Courier reported that 43 youths were caught trespassing at the vacant Troutdale over Halloween night. Some say they ran after hearing voices or doors slamming. That story adds to the mystique of paranormal attraction around the estate.
Gatekeeper’s Cottage & Caretaker’s House with Secret Spirits
On the old Troutdale grounds, two buildings remain: the gatekeeper’s cottage (at the entrance) and what had been stables / chauffeur’s house / girls’ dorm (later caretaker’s residence). These structures are locked, surrounded by “no trespassing” signs, and rumored to be haunted. Some locals say figures have been seen in windows, lights flicker irregularly, and doors creak when no one is there.
Wind, Curtains & Ghostly Sounds in the Ruins
Descriptions of the hotel’s remains paint a haunting picture: broken windows, tattered curtains fluttering in breeze, piles of fallen lumber, shadows that shift. Stories say that when people peer into the hallways or lobby ruins, they can see faint figures, hear distant voices or footfalls, or feel a drop in temperature.
Late-Night Visits by Ghost Hunters
According to a YouTube video and local lore, in the 1980s and 1990s, people would sneak into the old hotel ruins at night hoping to witness ghosts. Some claim they were “terrified by ghosts long past.”
Celebrity Haunt Theory
Because Troutdale hosted many famous guests in its heyday (Greta Garbo, Groucho Marx, etc.), some legends suggest their spirits never quite left. Occasionally, people claim to see formal silhouettes in ballrooms, or hear old songs echoing faintly down corridors
🕸️ Note: It’s private property now, but you can drive by—and if you listen closely, some say you can hear jazz music in the wind.
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🪦 4. Native Burial Grounds and Ancient Spirits?
Like much of Colorado, Evergreen sits on ancestral land once inhabited by the Ute and Arapaho tribes. While there’s little official documentation, local legend holds that some trails through the forest—including parts of Alderfer/Three Sisters—cross over ancient burial sites.
Night hikers report eerie sensations, strange fog, dramatic shifts in temperature, and feelings of being followed.
🎃 Wanna test your nerves? Take a full moon hike—but bring a flashlight, and maybe a sage bundle… just in case.
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👻 The Ultimate Evergreen Colorado Halloween Guide 2025
If you love fall in the mountains, Halloween in Evergreen is pure magic. Crisp mountain air, golden aspens, and just the right mix of cozy and spooky vibes. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly night out, a classic haunted house, or a community parade through downtown, here’s everything happening this October in Evergreen, CO.
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• 🎃 Kid’s Halloween Night Out at Buchanan Park — Oct 4, 6–9 PM
One of Evergreen’s cutest traditions for kids ages 4–13! Held at Buchanan Recreation Center, this evening includes swimming, games, crafts, pizza, and a costume contest. Hosted by Evergreen Parks & Recreation, it’s the perfect drop-off event for families who want a little grown-up time.
• 🍬 Trick-or-Treat Trail & Nightmare at 1520 Haunted House — Oct 17 & 24, 5–8:30 PM
A blend of sweet and spooky. From 5–7 PM, enjoy the trick-or-treat trail, face painting, bounce house, hot drinks, and a movie at dusk — then, after dark, the “Nightmare at 1520” haunted house opens (7–9 PM) for those ready to be scared!
• 💀 Nightmare at 1520 Haunted House — Oct 18, 25 & 31, 7–9 PM
One of Evergreen’s top haunted attractions returns! The Wulf Recreation Center transforms into a terrifying haunted experience on select October nights — a must-visit for thrill seekers.
• 🍺 HopsDrops Music & Beer Festival — Oct 25, 2–6:30 PM
Celebrate fall Evergreen-style at the Evergreen Lake House. This festival features live music, Colorado craft beer, and food trucks in a stunning lakeside setting. While not strictly a Halloween event, it’s a seasonal favorite for adults before the big weekend.
• 🕸 Downtown Evergreen Halloween Walk — Oct 31, 4–6 PM
A beloved local favorite! Kids parade down Main Street in costume, visiting participating shops and restaurants for candy. The perfect small-town Halloween tradition, complete with music, laughter, and mountain-town charm.
• 🐍 Halloween at the Evergreen Nature Center — Sept 29, 4–7 PM
Kick off spooky season early with science-based fun at Evergreen Lake. This free, hands-on event includes a “Mad Scientist Lab,” nocturnal-animal exhibits, skull stations, and live creatures like tarantulas and salamanders.
• 🧛 Evergreen Chamber’s Halloween Parade & “Thriller” Dance — Oct 31 (Time TBA)
The Evergreen Chamber hosts a family-friendly costume parade through downtown. Afterward, stick around for a community “Thriller” dance and trick-or-treating with local businesses.
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🍂 Why Halloween in Evergreen Is So Special
Halloween in Evergreen, CO combines small-town hospitality with mountain-town atmosphere. Locals decorate historic buildings, the aspens glow gold, and families stroll Main Street surrounded by crisp mountain air. From the Evergreen Chamber Parade to the Nightmare at 1520, it’s an unforgettable way to celebrate fall in Colorado’s foothills.
Want the full haunted experience? Book a stay in one of Evergreen’s older rentals or cabins—we’ll help you find one with creaky floors, forest views, and maybe…just maybe…a little paranormal personality.
