Do you remember when you were a kid and would tell ghost stories at slumber parties that were both pretty creepy and pretty out there? Apparently scary and far-fetched stories are not reserved simply for older children, as demonstrated by this bizarre and wild Colorado legend:

Tucked away in the gorgeous San Luis Valley lies the hidden and little-known Penitente Canyon, which houses some of the best rock climbing and hiking opportunities in the state.
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management
Easy to recognize for its intricate painting of the Virgin of Guadalupe (shown on the left side of this picture), the area is historically significant in that it was a meeting ground for the Penitentes (or The Brothers of the Pious Fraternity of Our Father Jesus the Nazarene) in the 1880s.
Flickr/Bureau of Land Management

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While the historic aspect of the canyon is both exciting and fascinating, it also boasts some darker undertones, as legend has it that the Penitentes performed some evil and downright shocking rituals around the area.
Wikimedia Commons
What shocking things allegedly happened at this San Luis Valley gem? Supposedly, the Penitentes were pro-flagellant and would partake in not only self-mortification, but also reenactments of Jesus' crucifixion, complete with nailing one another to a wooden cross.
Wikimedia Commons
(Don't let this bad imagery deter you from visiting this otherwise beautiful area, as this legend is just that -- stories passed from generation to generation that have never been proven true.)
Flickr/scottjacobsen

For even more terrifying legends, check out These 5 Urban Legends In Colorado Will Keep You Awake At Night.

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