Scout-Run Haunted Hotel Returns To Encinitas For 26th Year

ENCINITAS, CA — A longtime Olivenhain Halloween tradition returns for its 26th year this October with new haunted rooms and carnival attractions.

Scout Troop 2000 will host its annual Haunted Hotel & Carnival on Oct. 16, 17, 23, 24 and 30 at the Olivenhain Meeting Hall.

This year's Haunted Hotel will feature four newly designed rooms, including Nightmare, Asylum, Spirits and Witches, along with returning attractions.

A new Candy Mystery Trail will give younger visitors a mystery to solve as they make their way through the hotel. The carnival will also introduce a Monster Hunt and feature classic carnival games, crafts, food, prizes and live entertainment.

Scouts ages 11 to 17 design, build and operate the annual event and serve as actors in the haunted attractions.

"The Haunted Hotel is something our Scouts look forward to creating every year," carnival lead Casey Wright said. "This year, they've really raised the bar.

"We have four brand-new rooms, a new Candy Mystery Trail and mystery, a Monster Hunt at the Carnival, new prizes, and new entertainment," Wright added. "It's exciting to see the Scouts take their ideas from sketches and plans and turn them into something the whole community can experience."

The event offers low- or no-scare and high-scare options. Organizers recommend families with younger children arrive earlier in the evening while it is still light outside.

The Haunted Hotel & Carnival will run from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 16 and 23 and from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 17, 24 and 30.

The event also serves as a fundraiser for Scout Troop 2000. Proceeds help pay for camping and backpacking trips, merit badge activities, summer camp and scholarships for Scouts who otherwise might not be able to participate because of cost. Funds also support the troop's community service efforts and partnership with the Olivenhain Town Council.

The Olivenhain Meeting Hall is at 423 Rancho Santa Fe Road in Encinitas.