Ghost tours, historic tours and the hedge maze at The Stanley Hotel
The Stanley Hotel runs guided historic tours, nightly paranormal/ghost tours and a free-to-visit hedge maze on its front lawn. Tours typically last about an hour and carry a surcharge; the Stanley Hedge Maze is open to guests and visitors at no charge.
In this guide
Overview: tours, themes and what to expect
The Stanley Hotel offers several guided experiences: daytime historic tours, evening paranormal or ghost tours, and themed 'Shining'-related walk-throughs. Tours commonly cover areas such as the lobby, Concert Hall/Music Room, Billiard Room, the hedge maze, and some of the hotel's tunnels or behind-the-scenes spaces.
Tours are led by staff or guides affiliated with the hotel and generally run about 60 minutes. The hotel states that history/ghost tours carry a surcharge; check the hotel's site or front desk for current schedules and fees.
- Typical tour length: roughly 60 minutes (varies by tour)
- Common stops: lobby, Music Room/Concert Hall, Billiard Room, hedge maze, tunnels
- Nighttime tours emphasize paranormal stories; daytime tours focus on hotel history
| Tour type | Focus |
|---|---|
| Daytime historic tour | Architecture, F.O. Stanley history, hotel stories |
| Evening paranormal/ghost tour | Haunted reputation, reported experiences, atmospheric locations |
| Themed 'Shining' tour | Connections to Stephen King's inspiration and film references |
Ghost and paranormal tours — format and content
Evening ghost or paranormal tours play on The Stanley Hotel's long-standing reputation and local reports of hauntings. Guides share archived stories, guest reports, and the hotel's historical background while walking through the older parts of the property.
The hotel runs these tours nightly (schedule subject to change) and notes that paranormal and history tours carry an additional charge. Because they use the historic building, some stops may have limited accessibility; ask the front desk if accessibility is a concern.
- Nightly scheduling — confirm current times with the hotel
- Guides combine historical facts with reported paranormal accounts
- Tours use spaces in the historic main building that may lack air conditioning (fans only)
| Practical point | Note |
|---|---|
| Accessibility | Historic areas may have limitations; confirm ahead |
| Age suitability | Family-friendly property, but content may be spooky for young children |
| Cost | Tours carry a surcharge (amount not listed here); check with the hotel |
Historic tours: architecture, F.O. Stanley and hotel highlights
Daytime historic tours focus on The Stanley Hotel's 1909 origins, architecturally significant spaces, and the story of founder F.O. Stanley. Expect stops in the main lobby, the Music Room/Concert Hall, and other public rooms where the hotel's historical features remain visible.
These tours are a good way to learn which parts of the property appear in early photographs and how the hotel has changed over time. Because the main building is historic, some guest rooms there do not have air conditioning and use fans instead — a booking detail tied to room location.
- Main historic stops: lobby, Music Room/Concert Hall, Billiard Room, public verandas
- Historical notes include the hotel's 1909 construction and ties to the Stanley Steamer legacy
- Ask about the Stanley family pet cemetery behind the main building if you want off-the-standard-route history
| Room types mentioned on property | Where typically located |
|---|---|
| Classic Room (Stanley) | Historic main building |
| Classic Room (Lodge) | Lodge section of property |
| Room (Aspire) | Aspire wing with modern amenities and air conditioning |
The Stanley Hedge Maze: facts and visiting tips
The Stanley Hedge Maze is a 10,100-square-foot juniper hedge maze sited on the hotel's front lawn and inspired by the film version of 'The Shining.' The maze opened in 2015 and is free to visit for guests and visitors alike.
Because the maze sits outdoors on hotel grounds, hours and accessibility can be affected by weather or property events. There is no admission fee listed here; confirm opening hours and any temporary closures with the front desk or the hotel's visitor information.
- Size: reported as a 10,100-square-foot juniper hedge maze
- Opened in 2015 and publicly accessible at no charge
- Design was chosen through an international contest
| Visitor note | Practical detail |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free to visit for guests and visitors |
| Location | Front lawn of The Stanley Hotel (333 East Wonderview Ave) |
| Weather | Outdoor feature — hours may change with weather or events |
Practical tips: booking, timing and what to bring
Book tours or confirm schedules with the hotel's 24-hour front desk; tour times and fees can change. The hotel's reservation phone (BookResorts agents, 24/7) is +1 (888) 605-1350 for booking assistance.
If you plan to join an evening paranormal tour, dress for cooler temperatures inside and outside the historic building; note that some historic rooms rely on fans rather than air conditioning. Arrive a few minutes early for check-in at the tour meeting point so tours can start on time.
- Check-in at the hotel is 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM — useful if you’re combining a tour with a same-day arrival/departure
- Bring layers — mountain evenings and older interiors can be cool
- Confirm any accessibility needs with the front desk in advance
| Contact | Use for |
|---|---|
| Hotel front desk | Tour schedules, accessibility questions, and fees |
| BookResorts phone (+1 (888) 605-1350) | Reservation help and questions about stays |
After the tour: dining and nearby activities
After a tour or maze visit you can dine on-site at MacGregor Chophouse (steakhouse), visit The Whiskey Bar for drinks, or get coffee and desserts at Colorado Cherry Company. These venues operate on separate hours and may charge for meals and drinks.
The hotel is about a half-mile from downtown Estes Park and roughly 5 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park, making it easy to combine a tour with exploring Lake Estes, the Riverwalk, or a scenic drive on Trail Ridge Road when it’s open.
- On-site dining: MacGregor Chophouse, The Whiskey Bar, Colorado Cherry Company
- Downtown Estes Park and Lake Estes are within a short drive or walk from the hotel
- Trail Ridge Road and Rocky Mountain National Park are accessible from the hotel when seasonally open
| On-site venue | Typical offering / hours note |
|---|---|
| MacGregor Chophouse | Steakhouse dinner service (evening hours listed on hotel site) |
| The Whiskey Bar | Historic cocktail menu and whiskey selection; bar hours vary |
| Colorado Cherry Company | Coffee, pastries and cherry desserts; open 7:00 AM–7:00 PM |
