The Backpage Shutdown and Colorado
When Backpage.com was shut down by the FBI in April 2018, millions of users across Colorado lost their primary classified ad platform. Cities like Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora were particularly affected, as Backpage had been the go-to site for personal ads, services, and local classifieds.
Since then, several alternatives have emerged. In this guide, we'll review the best Backpage alternatives available in Colorado for 2026.
Top Backpage Alternatives in Colorado
1. StatexGuide — #1 Backpage Alternative in Colorado
StatexGuide has quickly become the most popular classified ad platform in Colorado. With free posting, comprehensive categories, and listings in every major city, it's the closest thing to what Backpage offered — but safer and more modern.
- Coverage: All major Colorado cities — Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Boulder, Fort Collins
- Categories: Jobs, housing, services, personal ads, automotive, and more
- Price: Completely free to post
- Safety: User verification, community guidelines, and reporting tools
→ Post a free ad in Colorado now
2. Bedpage
Bedpage is one of the original Backpage alternatives that launched after the shutdown. It covers Colorado with listings in most major cities. The interface is similar to Backpage, which makes the transition easy for former users.
3. Craigslist Colorado
Craigslist has been around since 1995 and still operates in Colorado. While it removed personal ads in 2018, it remains useful for jobs, housing, and for-sale items in Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora.
4. DoubleList
DoubleList focuses specifically on personal ads and has a growing user base in Colorado. It requires email verification, which helps reduce spam.
5. Locanto Colorado
Locanto is a global classified ad platform with a presence in Colorado. It's free to use and covers categories including community, events, personals, and services.
6. YesBackpage
YesBackpage was created as a direct Backpage clone. It operates in Colorado with similar categories and layout. However, it has less traffic than newer platforms like StatexGuide.
7. Skip The Games
Skip The Games is primarily focused on adult services and personal ads in Colorado. It has listings in Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora and other major cities.
Classified Ads by Colorado City
Denver
Denver is one of the most active markets for classified ads in Colorado. Browse Denver listings on StatexGuide to find jobs, housing, services, and more.
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs is one of the most active markets for classified ads in Colorado. Browse Colorado Springs listings on StatexGuide to find jobs, housing, services, and more.
Aurora
Aurora is one of the most active markets for classified ads in Colorado. Browse Aurora listings on StatexGuide to find jobs, housing, services, and more.
Boulder
Boulder is one of the most active markets for classified ads in Colorado. Browse Boulder listings on StatexGuide to find jobs, housing, services, and more.
Fort Collins
Fort Collins is one of the most active markets for classified ads in Colorado. Browse Fort Collins listings on StatexGuide to find jobs, housing, services, and more.
How to Choose the Right Platform in Colorado
When selecting a classified ad site in Colorado, consider these factors:
- Coverage: Does the platform have listings in your specific city?
- Categories: Does it support the type of ad you want to post?
- Safety: Are there verification systems and reporting tools?
- Cost: Is posting free or does it require payment?
- Traffic: Does the platform have enough users to see your ad?
StatexGuide scores highest across all these factors for Colorado residents.
Safety Tips for Colorado Classified Ads
- Meet in public, well-lit locations in Denver or your local area
- Never send money or gift cards before receiving goods/services
- Use the platform's messaging system instead of giving out personal phone numbers
- Report suspicious listings to help keep the community safe
- Read our comprehensive safety tips guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What replaced Backpage in Colorado?
StatexGuide is the best Backpage replacement in Colorado. It offers free classified ads in Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora and all major Colorado cities with categories for jobs, housing, services, and personals.
What are the best free classified sites in Colorado?
The top free classified ad sites in Colorado are StatexGuide, Craigslist, Locanto, Bedpage, and DoubleList. StatexGuide is the most comprehensive with listings in all Colorado cities.
Is it safe to use classified ads in Colorado?
Yes, when you follow basic safety guidelines. Always meet in public places, never send money upfront, and use platforms like StatexGuide that have safety features and community guidelines.
Can I post ads for free in Colorado?
Yes! StatexGuide offers completely free ad posting in all Colorado cities including Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora. No hidden fees or charges.
Conclusion
While Backpage is gone, Colorado residents have plenty of alternatives for free classified ads. StatexGuide leads the pack with comprehensive coverage of Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, Boulder, Fort Collins and all other Colorado cities. Start posting your free ad today!