Enter the Haunted Forest if you’re ready for a fright

Tucked in a forested creek bed lies a 1-mile trail where brush and canopy conceal horrifying nightmares brought to life. And it’s almost time to visit.

For the ninth straight year, the Highlands Ranch Community Area Backcountry Wilderness Area’s Haunted Forest is back for a twonight stint as the south Denver metro area’s scariest and most affordable haunt.

On Friday, Oct. 18, and Saturday, Oct. 19, the gates of the Haunted Forest come off their hinges in southeast Highlands Ranch, revealing the howling of werewolves, cackling of clowns, and eyes looming in the trees.

Too scared to enter? Parents, want to send your teens in, but don’t want to enter yourselves? Want to make an evening out of the Haunted Forest? Then take a breather in the Haunted Forest Community Area. “Hocus Pocus” will play on the big screen throughout the night, Living the Dream Brewing Co. will offer their brews on tap, and there will be snacks and hot cocoa available for purchase.

All proceeds from the Haunted Forest benefit the Backcountry Conservation & Education Fund, a nonprofit that aims to improve wildlife habitat, inspire the next generation of nature stewards, and ignite a lifelong love of the outdoors for all.

The Haunted Forest is recommended for visitors age 10 and older. Tickets cost $13 and will be sold in 30-minute increments from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Fast pass tickets cost $23 (limited to 30 tickets per half hour)

Tickets are available hrcaonline.org/hauntedforest and 303-4717020.

Parking: Rocky Heights Middle School, 11033 Monarch Blvd., Highlands Ranch

The HRCA Backcountry Wilderness Area is a 13-square-mile wildlife habitat conservation property in Highlands Ranch.