Entry No. 159 — the Denver file — filed under: secret society graves
Knights of Pythias Cemetery
A small, atmospheric hilltop cemetery belonging to the secretive Knights of Pythias fraternal order, where some of the 19th-century grave plots are ringed by ornamental iron fences capped with decorative globe-like "Tesla ball" finials — a quirky local nod to Nikola Tesla's Colorado experiments. It sits within a striking cluster of historic mining-era graveyards above Black Hawk, backed by panoramic Rocky Mountain views.
The move: Drive up Upper Apex Road to the cemetery cluster and explore the Knights of Pythias section together, hunting for the Tesla-ball-topped fence posts and reading the 1860s–1900s headstones of fraternal order members; then wander the adjoining hillside cemeteries before grabbing drinks or food at one of the casino-hotel bars just minutes away in Black Hawk.
📍 Before you go The cemetery cluster sits in the hills above Central City, not in Black Hawk proper. From Main Street, head uphill on Eureka Street to where Bald Mountain Road meets Upper Apex Road; the graveyards begin soon after. The dirt road is generally 2WD-passable in dry weather, but it's high country (around 8,500 ft), so plan for late spring through fall — winter snow and mud make it dicey, and afternoon mountain storms roll in fast. There are no real facilities beyond a midway pull-off near Chase Gulch Reservoir, so bring water and sturdy shoes. These are active historic burial grounds, so tread respectfully. Pair it with the casino-hotel bars or restaurants back down in Black Hawk or Central City, minutes away.
- 📍 Black Hawk
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: Upper Apex Road, Central City, CO 80422
Hours: Mined 2026-06-07 — confirm current hours before you go.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Atlas Obscura · Tripadvisor · visitcentralcity.com
last checked: 2026-06-07