Bigfoot sightings in Utah have sparked curiosity and debate, weaving a rich tapestry of folklore across the Beehive State. Often called Sasquatch, this mysterious, towering creature is described as a bipedal, hair-covered giant lurking in Utah’s rugged wilderness.
From the shadowy Uinta Mountains to the serene Provo Canyon, Utah Bigfoot sightings have captivated locals, hikers, and cryptozoologists for decades.
With over 80 documented reports, Utah ranks among the top states for alleged encounters with this elusive being. This article explores the history, locations, and details of these sightings, alongside investigation efforts and related cryptid phenomena, offering an in-depth look at Utah’s enduring Bigfoot legacy.
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Utah Bigfoot Sightings
Utah Bigfoot sightings paint a vivid picture of a creature thriving in the state’s diverse terrain, from dense forests to remote canyons. The Uinta Mountains, Wasatch Range, and areas like Provo Canyon are hotspots, with Weber, Summit, and Utah Counties reporting the highest number of encounters.
Witnesses consistently describe a massive, hairy figure, often accompanied by eerie howls, pungent odors, or oversized footprints. These reports, spanning from the 1970s to 2025, align with Native American legends of wild men and pioneer tales of strange beasts. The surge in outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic likely contributed to a spike in sightings, as more people ventured into Utah’s wilderness.
The following table compiles all documented Bigfoot sightings in Utah from credible sources, primarily the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO). Organized chronologically, it includes the date, witness names (where available), precise locations, and detailed descriptions of each encounter.
Comprehensive Table of Utah Bigfoot Sightings:
| Date | Witness | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970s | Not specified | Clarkston, northwest of Logan | Residents reported a creature roaming at night, awakening and frightening the community with strange noises. |
| 1973 | Craig R. Johnson | Manti-La Sal Mountains | While elk hunting, Johnson and friends found a 300-pound horse trailer door lifted and tossed 10 feet; imprints in dust were neither bear nor human. |
| April 1977 | Not specified | Near Weber-Davis Canal, Davis County | Two couples saw three hairy, bipedal creatures walking and running through a meadow, unlike any known animal. A sergeant investigated, ruling out bears. |
| June 1977 | Not specified | Elizabeth Mountain, High Uintas | Four adults observed three possible Bigfoot in a meadow, moving purposefully. No tracks were found. |
| Aug. 22, 1977 | Not specified | Cuberant Basin, Uinta Mountains | Eight hikers watched an 8-10-foot-tall creature with white hair for 20 minutes. It moved silently; no tracks found. |
| 1979 | Not specified | Near Monte Cristo, east of Ogden | An elk-hunting couple heard a loud noise, smelled a foul odor, and saw a hairy creature with fangs through a scope. |
| February 1980 | Paulene Markham, Ron J. Smith, Walter G. Ray, Lee Padilla | South Weber and surrounding area | Markham saw a creature on a ridge; Smith reported an inhuman scream and a creature in his pasture; Ray found a pan of stew licked clean; Padilla saw a 10-foot-tall beast on Riverdale Road at 3:30 a.m.; tracks found. |
| April 1980 | Not specified | Gully near Weber River, Washington Terrace | 13-year-old girl and her brother saw a hairy creature 10 feet away with a terrible odor; the brother saw a large, black figure nearby. |
| May 1980 | Not specified | Highway near Weber River, Clearfield | A man driving saw a 600-pound, hair-covered creature run across the road, moving swiftly on two legs. |
| Early 1980s | Not specified | High Uintas, Lapoint, Uintah County | A man flying a small plane saw a large, hairy, manlike creature walking through deep snow. |
| Early 1980s | Lee Fielding | Elizabeth Mountain, High Uintas | Fielding’s camp was stormed at night, scaring horses; nearby hunters reported seeing a Bigfoot. |
| 1991 | Not specified | North Ogden | Multiple residents reported seeing a large, dark, hairy creature near a canal. |
| 1995 | Not specified | North Ogden | A resident and a teenage boy saw a large, dark, hairy creature; the boy reported it near a canal. |
| 1996 | Not specified | Coldwater Canyon, North Ogden | A group of children were chased by a creature; footprints found at a fish farm and Nordic Valley. |
| 1996-97 | Not specified | Eden, Ogden Valley | A woman and children saw a Bigfoot twice in brushy areas, moving stealthily. |
| 1997 | Not specified | Ogden Valley | Strange, oversized footprints found throughout the winter, unexplained by locals. |
| 2001 | Not specified | Near Beaver, along a river | A fishing couple saw a dark brown, hair-covered creature walk past them, ignoring their presence. |
| 2002 | Not specified | Foothills above SR-193/U.S. 89, Layton | A man filmed a creature for 5 minutes from 500 yards; no footprints found despite snow. |
| 2002 | Not specified | Oquirrh Mountains | Multiple reports of a tall, hairy figure moving quickly through rugged terrain. |
| May 2003 | Not specified | Lagoon Trail, east of Farmington | Teenagers heard strange noises and saw a large, hairy creature in the woods. |
| October 2004 | Not specified | Chalk Creek, near Coalville | Two men saw a 9-foot-tall black creature moving swiftly through the area. |
| July 2006 | Not specified | High Uintas, near Beth and Trident lakes | Campers heard unearthly screams at night, possibly from a Bigfoot. |
| September 2006 | Not specified | Monte Cristo, Cache County | A woman saw a tall, dark figure 25 yards away; her dog whined nervously. |
| Aug. 22, 2007 | Not specified | Yellowstone Canyon, High Uintas | A family heard loud, unearthly whoops and howls echoing through the night. |
| Jan. 8, 2008 | Not specified | I-15 near Scipio | A semi driver swerved to avoid a hairy creature with a gorilla-like face and legs as thick as a man’s body. |
| December 2008 | Not specified | SR-44, three miles west of Flaming Gorge | A driver saw an upright figure with reflective eyes and long black-gray hair vanish into trees. |
| Early June 2009 | Not specified | Reservation Ridge, northwest of Price | Two campers were frightened by a strange creature, prompting them to leave quickly. |
| October 2012 | Beard Card (pseudonym) | Provo Canyon, near Squaw Peak | Hikers filmed a large, dark figure that stood upright and looked at them, causing them to flee. |
| Winter 2012 | Not specified | Near Bridal Veil Falls, Provo Canyon | A family found 15-inch-long footprints with a wide stride, showing humanoid toes. |
| 2019 | Not specified | Provo Canyon | A hiker saw an intimidating figure walking among trees before kneeling down. |
| October 2021 | Not specified | State Line Reservoir, Uintas | Elk hunters heard multiple wood knocks, with responses from different directions. |
| 2023 | Not specified | Tony Grove, Cache Valley | Campers reported a tall, bipedal figure moving silently through the campsite. |
| 2024 | Not specified | White Pine, Cache Valley | Hikers heard guttural growls and found tufts of reddish-black hair the next day. |
| January 2025 | Not specified | Logan Canyon | A skier reported a shadowy figure watching from a treeline, leaving large tracks. |
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Investigation Efforts in Utah
Investigating Bigfoot sightings in Utah has become a dedicated pursuit for both professional organizations and local enthusiasts, driven by the state’s high concentration of reports. The Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO) has been a cornerstone, documenting over 80 sightings and conducting expeditions in areas like the Uinta Mountains and Wasatch Range.
In 2009, BFRO organized a multi-day expedition in the Uintas, employing night vision, thermal imaging, and audio recorders to capture evidence of Sasquatch activity. They recorded unusual vocalizations and found potential footprints, though no definitive proof emerged. BFRO’s Utah chapter, led by figures like Ryan Layton, continues to analyze reports, focusing on patterns like wood knocks and rock-throwing incidents.
Beyond BFRO, the Rocky Mountain Sasquatch Organization (RMSO), based in Ogden, has emerged as a key player. Founded by local researcher Dave Carver, RMSO has amassed a significant online following, with thousands sharing sightings on its platforms.
Carver, a Huntsville resident, has identified the Ogden Valley as a “migration corridor” for Bigfoot, citing frequent reports of eerie howls and fleeting glimpses of bipedal figures. RMSO organizes community events, such as Dave’s Bigfoot Show, where witnesses share firsthand accounts, fostering a collaborative approach to evidence collection.
Other groups, like the North American Wood Ape Conservancy, have conducted field studies in Utah, particularly in the High Uintas, focusing on physical evidence like hair samples and casts of alleged footprints.
In 2012, following the viral Provo Canyon sighting, local researchers, including self-proclaimed Bigfoot hunter Tom Biscardi, visited the site to search for tracks and hair, though results were inconclusive. Utah State University wildlife specialist Nicki Frey has also weighed in, suggesting many sightings could be misidentified black bears, which can stand upright and mimic humanoid behavior. However, she acknowledges the consistency of witness descriptions, fueling further curiosity.
Local initiatives, such as the Cache Valley Bigfoot Facebook group founded by Jon Marshall in 2020, have connected witnesses, particularly during the pandemic-driven spike in sightings. Marshall reported that 90% of new group members had either seen a creature or heard firsthand accounts, with hotspots like Tony Grove and White Pine campsites yielding reports of growls and shadowy figures.
Community-driven searches, such as those in South Weber in 1980, involved local posses scouring areas for tracks and other signs, though no conclusive evidence was found. These collective efforts highlight Utah’s vibrant cryptozoology community, blending science, folklore, and grassroots enthusiasm in the quest to unravel the Bigfoot mystery.
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Detailed Case Study: 1977 Davis County Sighting
One of the most significant Bigfoot sightings in Utah occurred in April 1977 near the Weber-Davis Canal in Davis County, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s cryptid lore. Two couples, whose names were not publicly disclosed, reported observing three hairy, bipedal creatures emerging from a treeline and traversing a nearby meadow.
According to their account, the creatures were unlike any known animal, standing upright with a humanoid shape and covered in dark, matted hair. The witnesses were struck by the creatures’ size and deliberate movements, which appeared neither aggressive nor hurried. The sighting prompted a swift response from local authorities, with a sergeant dispatched to investigate.
After examining the area, the sergeant concluded, “They could not have been bears or other animals,” noting the absence of typical wildlife signs like claw marks or scat. The incident sparked a wave of additional reports in the area, cementing its place in Utah’s Bigfoot history and fueling ongoing speculation about a hidden population in the region.
Detailed Case Study: 2012 Provo Canyon Sighting
The October 2012 Utah Bigfoot sighting in Provo Canyon remains one of the most widely discussed encounters due to its viral video evidence. A group of hikers, led by an individual using the pseudonym Beard Card, were camping near Squaw Peak and Little Rock Canyon Overlook when they spotted what they initially thought was a deer.
As they approached for a closer look, they reconsidered, suspecting a bear. However, their perception shifted dramatically when the creature stood upright and turned to face them. Beard Card later described the moment on YouTube: “We thought we saw a bear, until the monster stood up and looked right at us. We ran straight to the car after that, leaving our tent and everything behind. It’s probably still up there.” The video, showing a large, dark, humanoid figure obscured by branches, garnered over 7.6 million views, igniting debates among enthusiasts and skeptics.
Tom Biscardi, a self-proclaimed Bigfoot hunter, analyzed the footage and declared it “the real deal,” citing the creature’s distinct shoulder structure and gait. Conversely, Jeffery Meldrum, an anthropology professor at Idaho State University, expressed skepticism due to the video’s grainy quality, stating, “It’s hard to discern. I would have to lean toward skeptic about this one instance.”
The hikers, experienced outdoorsmen familiar with local wildlife, insisted the creature’s bipedal stance and size were inconsistent with bears or humans. The Provo River’s proximity, offering a potential water source and cover, added plausibility to the sighting as a possible Sasquatch habitat.
Despite extensive follow-up searches, no physical evidence like tracks or hair was recovered, leaving the encounter as a compelling yet unresolved chapter in Utah’s Bigfoot saga.
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Detailed Case Study: 1980 South Weber Sightings
In February 1980, South Weber became a focal point for Bigfoot sightings in Utah during a week-long series of unsettling encounters. On February 3, Paulene Markham reported seeing a large, hairy creature walking on a ridge behind her house at 2:30 p.m. She described it as tall, bipedal, and covered in dark fur, moving with purpose along the Weber-Davis Canal.
The following day, Ron J. Smith observed a similar creature in his pasture under moonlight, accompanied by an “inhuman scream” that echoed through the night. Smith’s account emphasized the creature’s massive size and unnatural vocalization, which left him shaken. Concurrently, Walter G. Ray discovered a pan of burned stew, left outside to cool, mysteriously licked clean, with no human or animal tracks nearby.
On February 5, Lee Padilla reported a 10-foot-tall beast darting across Riverdale Road at 3:30 a.m., illuminated by his headlights. Padilla noted its gorilla-like face and legs as thick as a man’s torso, moving with astonishing speed. Local residents also reported possible Bigfoot tracks in the area, described as large and humanoid, leading northwest.
The flurry of sightings prompted community posses to scour the region, armed with rifles and flashlights, but no definitive evidence was found. Media coverage amplified the events, embedding South Weber in Utah’s cryptid folklore as a hotspot for unexplained phenomena.
Bigfoot Sightings vs Other Cryptid Sightings in Utah
Beyond Bigfoot sightings in Utah, the state hosts a diverse array of cryptid lore, reflecting its rich cultural and natural landscape.
The Bear Lake Monster, a serpentine creature, is a prominent legend in Bear Lake on the Utah-Idaho border. Described as 50-90 feet long with a crocodile-like body and horse-like head, it was first reported in the 1860s by Mormon pioneers. A notable 2002 sighting described a massive, scaly creature surfacing briefly before vanishing.
The North Shore Monster, or Old Briney, inhabits the Great Salt Lake, reported in 1877 by saltworks workers who saw a 75-foot-long creature with a horse-like head.
Skinwalkers, rooted in Navajo folklore, are malevolent shapeshifters often seen as coyotes or owls in the Uintah Basin, with sightings reported as recently as 2024.
Water Babies, small humanoid creatures with webbed hands, are said to haunt Utah Lake, luring victims with cries mimicking human infants.
The Uintah Basin Monster, a Bigfoot-like entity, is distinct but shares similar remote habitats.
Unexplained phenomena extend beyond cryptids. Skinwalker Ranch in the Uintah Basin is notorious for UFO sightings, glowing orbs, and cattle mutilations, with a 2025 report of a 40-50-foot UFO saucer adding to its mystique. The Three Nephites, a Mormon legend, involve sightings of benevolent figures assisting travelers, reported thousands of times annually.
Potential links between these phenomena and Utah Bigfoot sightings lie in their shared settings—remote, rugged areas like the Uinta Mountains and Wasatch Range. Native American beliefs, particularly Navajo stories of shapeshifters, may influence Bigfoot narratives, as both involve elusive, humanoid figures in wilderness areas.
However, no concrete evidence connects these phenomena, suggesting a cultural fascination with the unknown rather than a direct correlation.
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Conclusion
Bigfoot sightings in Utah weave a compelling narrative of mystery and intrigue, deeply embedded in the state’s folklore. With over 80 documented reports, Utah Bigfoot sightings span from the 1970s to 2025, capturing the imagination of believers and skeptics alike. Iconic cases, such as the 1977 Davis County encounter, the 2012 Provo Canyon video, and the 1980 South Weber wave, highlight the consistency of witness descriptions—tall, hairy, bipedal creatures with unearthly vocalizations.
Investigation efforts by groups like the BFRO, RMSO, and local enthusiasts underscore Utah’s status as a cryptid hotspot. The state’s other legends, from the Bear Lake Monster to Skinwalkers, enrich this tapestry, reflecting a shared fascination with the unexplained.
Whether these encounters stem from misidentified wildlife, hoaxes, or an undiscovered species, Bigfoot sightings in Utah continue to inspire wonder, debate, and exploration in the Beehive State’s wild heart.
