When Did Sam And Colby Go To? A Comprehensive Timeline Of Their Legendary Paranormal Investigations

Sam and Colby, the duo consisting of Sam Golbach and Colby Brock, have transitioned from lighthearted Vine creators into the most influential paranormal investigators on YouTube. Their journey into the unknown has taken them to some of the world's most haunted locations, leaving millions of viewers asking, "When did Sam and Colby go to...?" and "What did they find?" Understanding the timeline of their investigations is crucial for any "XPLR" fan or paranormal enthusiast looking to trace the evolution of their evidence-gathering techniques and the increasing intensity of their supernatural encounters.

The duo’s career can be divided into distinct eras: the early urban exploration (Urbex) days and the modern paranormal investigation era. Initially, their content focused on trespassing into abandoned malls and castles, but after a series of inexplicable experiences, they pivoted toward dedicated ghost hunting. This shift has led them to spend nights in locations like the Conjuring House, the Stanley Hotel, and the Villisca Axe Murder House. Each trip marks a milestone in their personal growth and their search for "The Answer" regarding the afterlife.

Their investigations are not merely about jumping at shadows; they utilize a blend of traditional and experimental equipment. From the "Estes Method" (a sensory deprivation communication technique) to Rem Pods and spirit boxes, Sam and Colby have professionalized the hobby of ghost hunting for a new generation. By looking at exactly when they visited these sites, we can see the progression of their equipment and the tightening of their narrative style, which blends high-stakes adventure with deep, often emotional, personal reflection.

When Did Sam and Colby Go to the Conjuring House?

The Conjuring House in Burrillville, Rhode Island, is perhaps the most significant location in Sam and Colby’s history. They have visited the property multiple times, but their most impactful trip occurred in October 2023. This trip resulted in a groundbreaking 10-part series that many consider the peak of paranormal content on the platform. During this visit, they stayed for a full week, documenting nearly every hour spent inside the infamous farmhouse. This series wasn't just about scares; it was an attempt to provide definitive proof of an afterlife using consistent, repeatable experiments.

Before the massive 2023 event, Sam and Colby first visited the Conjuring House during their "Hell Week" series in 2021. That initial visit set the stage for their obsession with the location. It was during the first trip that they experienced the "knocking" phenomena that seemed to respond directly to their questions. The 2021 visit was more of an introductory exploration, whereas the 2023 return was a scientific and spiritual undertaking involving other prominent figures in the paranormal community like Satori and Cody.

The 2023 series was notable for its focus on the "Satori and Cody Method," which involved alleged spirit communication through rhythmic tapping. While this method faced significant scrutiny and controversy regarding its legitimacy, the impact it had on the Sam and Colby community was undeniable. The timeline of these visits shows a clear trajectory: from curious explorers in 2021 to dedicated documentarians in 2023 who were willing to stake their reputations on the findings within that house.

Iconic Locations: A Breakdown of Key Investigation Dates

Aside from the Conjuring House, Sam and Colby have tackled a laundry list of high-profile haunted sites. One of their most-searched "when did they go" questions involves the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado. They visited this legendary location—the inspiration for Stephen King’s The Shining—in 2019 for their "Origin" series. This trip was pivotal because it moved them away from the "breaking and entering" style of content into more formal, sanctioned investigations of historical landmarks.

In 2022, the duo embarked on a journey to the Biltmore Estate and several locations in the surrounding Asheville area. This period was marked by a more cinematic approach to their storytelling. They weren't just filming ghosts; they were investigating the history and the "why" behind the hauntings. Later that same year, they visited the Villisca Axe Murder House, a trip that remains one of their most disturbing videos to date due to the heavy, oppressive atmosphere reported by the team.

Another landmark investigation occurred in January 2024, when they released their footage from Mount Wilson Ranch in Nevada. This location shifted the focus from spirits of the deceased to "high strangeness," including UFOs and interdimensional theories. This highlights the duo's willingness to expand their niche beyond traditional ghost hunting. By documenting their visits chronologically, fans can see how they moved from simple "haunted house" tropes into the broader, more complex world of the unexplained.

Chronological Comparison of Major Investigations

The "Hell Week" Tradition: When Does It Happen?

"Hell Week" is an annual event that Sam and Colby fans look forward to every October. The tradition involves the duo releasing a series of high-intensity videos throughout the month leading up to Halloween. This tradition began in earnest around 2018 and has since grown into a massive production. During Hell Week, they typically visit multiple locations back-to-back, often pushing their physical and mental limits to capture the best possible evidence for their audience.

The timing of these trips usually occurs in late summer or early autumn to allow for the intensive editing process required for an October release. For instance, the footage for Hell Week 2023 was filmed over several weeks in August and September. This window is crucial for the duo because many of these haunted locations are in high demand during the "spooky season," making it difficult to secure private overnights during October itself.

Hell Week has evolved from simple ghost hunts into thematic "seasons." In 2021, the focus was on "The Awakening," while 2022 leaned into "The Choice." This structure allows them to build a narrative arc across different locations. When fans ask when they went to a specific place, it is often tied to which "Hell Week" theme was being explored at the time. This annual ritual has solidified their place as the kings of Halloween-season YouTube content.

Analysis: The Pros and Cons of Sam and Colby’s Investigation Style

Sam and Colby’s approach to the paranormal is unique, blending entertainment with an earnest search for the truth. One of the major "pros" of their style is accessibility. They bring a youthful, energetic perspective to a field that is often dominated by older, more cynical investigators. This has introduced millions of younger viewers to history and the paranormal. Their use of high-quality cinematography makes the viewer feel as though they are part of the investigation, creating an immersive experience that traditional TV shows often lack.

However, their style is not without its "cons" or criticisms. Skeptics often point to the "over-the-top" reactions and the potential for "confirmation bias," where the duo may interpret mundane sounds as paranormal. The controversy surrounding the 2023 Conjuring House series highlighted the risks of their approach; by trusting certain "mediums" or methods without rigorous vetting, they risked their credibility with the more scientific wing of the paranormal community. Balancing the need for "viral" entertainment with the requirements of objective investigation is a constant struggle.

From a technical standpoint, their investigations are top-tier. They often invite experts like Satori, Cody, or other seasoned investigators to provide a different perspective. This collaborative approach adds layers to their videos, though it also opens the door for more variables that can be difficult to control. Ultimately, the "Sam and Colby" method is about the experience of the hunt, emphasizing the emotional and spiritual impact of the encounter over dry, clinical data.

How to Get Started with Paranormal Exploration (The XPLR Way)

If you are inspired by Sam and Colby’s trips and want to start your own investigations, it is vital to follow a safe and respectful process. The duo often emphasizes "XPLR"—the idea of exploring the world but doing so with caution and respect for the locations and the entities that may reside there.

1. Research the Location: Before heading out, learn the history. Whether it’s a local landmark or a well-known haunted site, knowing the "backstory" helps you ask the right questions during spirit box sessions.
2. Obtain Legal Permission: Sam and Colby have moved away from illegal trespassing for a reason. Most famous haunted locations offer "ghost hunts" or "overnight investigations" that you can book legally.
3. Invest in Basic Equipment: You don't need a multi-thousand dollar setup. Start with a high-quality digital voice recorder for EVPs and a basic EMF (Electromagnetic Field) meter.
4. Work in Teams: Never go alone. Aside from safety concerns, having a partner helps verify experiences and provides emotional support during intense moments.
5. Review the Footage: The real investigation happens after you get home. Listen to your audio recordings carefully; often, the most compelling evidence isn't heard until the "review" phase.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Sam and Colby start their YouTube channel?

Sam and Colby started their joint YouTube channel in 2014, although they were already popular on the Vine platform before that. Their shift to dedicated paranormal content began roughly around 2016-2017 with the "Exploring Abandoned" series.

What is the scariest place Sam and Colby have ever visited?

While subjective, many fans and the duo themselves often cite the Villisca Axe Murder House and the Conjuring House as the most terrifying. The Villisca house is noted for its dark energy, while the Conjuring House provided the most consistent physical evidence.

Is the footage in Sam and Colby videos real?

Sam and Colby maintain that all their experiences are real and unscripted. While they edit for entertainment and pacing, they have frequently stated that they do not fake evidence, as their goal is to find "The Answer" to the afterlife.

Who are the "investigators" that often join them?

They frequently collaborate with other YouTubers and experts, including Josh and Seth (The Boys), Kris Star, CelinaSpookyBoo, and paranormal experts like Satori Hawes and Cody DesBiens.

When did Sam and Colby go to the Stanley Hotel for the first time?

Their first major investigation of the Stanley Hotel was in late 2019 as part of their "The Origin" series, which served as a foundational project for their current paranormal style.

Where can I find the timeline of all their trips?

The best way to track their trips is through their official YouTube playlists, which categorize their investigations by year and series (e.g., Hell Week, The Origin, The Answer).

Join the XPLR movement and delve deeper into the mysteries of the unknown. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, there's no denying the impact of Sam and Colby's journey. Subscribe to their latest adventures and start your own quest for the truth today!