Complete Guide to Colorado Bigfoot Sightings (1886–2025)

Nestled within Colorado’s majestic Rocky Mountains, dense pine forests, and secluded alpine valleys, tales of a mysterious creature known as Bigfoot or Sasquatch have captivated adventurers, locals, and researchers for over a century.

With 131 documented Colorado Bigfoot sightings reported by the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization (BFRO), the state ranks among the top for encounters with this elusive, hairy biped. Witnesses describe a towering figure, standing 6–9 feet tall, cloaked in dark brown, black, or reddish fur, often accompanied by a pungent, skunk-like odor and eyes that glow in the twilight.

From the misty San Juan Mountains to the rugged trails of Rocky Mountain National Park, these sightings, spanning from 1886 to 2025, weave a rich tapestry of intrigue. Iconic encounters, such as the 2023 train sighting and the 2025 rafting incident, have ignited public fascination, blending awe with skepticism.

This article compiles all documented Colorado Bigfoot sightings, delves into two pivotal case studies, and explores the tireless efforts to uncover the truth behind this enigmatic cryptid, inviting readers to ponder what lurks in Colorado’s wild heart.

Colorado Bigfoot Sightings

The table below compiles some of the most important Colorado Bigfoot sightings, sourced from verified BFRO reports and local accounts to ensure accuracy.

Note: The remaining 91 sightings, spread across 62 counties, follow similar patterns of 7–8-foot creatures with dark or reddish fur, often near forests, rivers, or mountains. Key counties like Conejos, Lake, Larimer, and El Paso account for the highest concentrations.

Hotspot Habitats

Colorado Bigfoot sightings are concentrated in the state’s rugged, forested regions, where dense vegetation, steep terrain, and abundant water sources create ideal conditions for an elusive creature.

Conejos County, with 8 sightings, lies in the southern San Juan Mountains, featuring dense pine and aspen forests, steep canyons, and streams like the Conejos River, ideal for concealment.

Lake County, also with 8 sightings, encompasses the Sawatch Range, with high peaks, alpine meadows, and Twin Lakes providing water and seclusion.

Larimer County, with 8 sightings, includes Rocky Mountain National Park, known for its spruce-fir forests, rocky ridges, and abundant wildlife like elk and deer.

El Paso County, with 7 sightings, features Pikes Peak and surrounding woodlands, offering cover in the Front Range.

Eagle County, with 6 sightings, lies in the White River National Forest, with its rugged slopes, coniferous forests, and streams like the Upper Colorado River.

These areas, with their biodiverse ecosystems, remote trails, and minimal human presence, align with the Sasquatch’s reported preference for isolation, making Colorado’s mountains a prime habitat for Bigfoot sightings.

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Reported Physical Characteristics

Witnesses across Colorado Bigfoot sightings describe the Sasquatch as a bipedal primate, standing 6–9 feet tall, with a muscular, broad-shouldered build and long arms extending past the knees.

Hair color varies, with dark brown (June 2009, Conejos), reddish-brown (September 2009, Lake), black (October 2008, La Plata), and occasional grey patches (March 2025, Boulder) reported. A conical or domed head, often with no visible neck, is common, as in the January 2013 Eagle County sighting.

Glowing eyes, red or yellow, appear in nocturnal sightings like May 2006 (El Paso), creating an eerie effect. A musky, skunk-like odor is frequently noted, as in June 2001 (Routt) and August 2003 (Dolores).

Vocalizations include whoops (June 2021, Hinsdale), howls (September 2005, Conejos), screams (August 2004, Gunnison), and wood knocks (May 2019, Larimer), suggesting communication or territorial behavior. Physical evidence includes 14–16-inch footprints (June 2009, Conejos; October 2011, Costilla), broken branches (August 2004, Gunnison), crushed grass (June 2001, Routt), twisted saplings (July 1998, Custer), and scratched bark (September 1996, San Juan), indicating a powerful, agile creature adept at navigating Colorado’s rugged terrain.

Investigation Efforts in Colorado

Colorado Bigfoot sightings have fueled extensive investigative efforts, establishing the state as a significant hub for cryptozoological research. The BFRO, a leading authority, has conducted over 60 field expeditions across Colorado, focusing on hotspots like Conejos County (8 sightings), Larimer County (8 sightings), and Lake County (8 sightings).

Investigators such as Matt Moneymaker, BFRO founder, and Daryl Colyer, a seasoned researcher, have analyzed physical evidence, including plaster casts of footprints from sightings like the June 2009 Conejos County encounter, which revealed dermal ridges and a non-human arch.

The Sasquatch Outpost, a museum and research center in Bailey, Park County, serves as a focal point for Colorado Bigfoot sightings, archiving casts, photographs, and witness testimonies. The Outpost hosts the annual Sasquatch Symposium, where researchers and enthusiasts share findings, such as the 2019 Larimer County vocalization recordings.

Thermal imaging and night-vision goggles, deployed in expeditions post-2020 in Eagle County, have captured blurred shapes in dense forests, possibly indicating the creature’s stealthy movements. Trail cameras, installed in the San Juan Mountains since 2012, have recorded indistinct figures, often obscured by dense foliage, as seen in a 2011 Costilla County attempt.

Hair samples, collected from a 2009 Conejos County sighting near Cornwall Mountain, underwent DNA analysis at a university lab, ruling out human or bear origins but yielding inconclusive results due to degradation.

Audio recorders have captured whoops, howls, and wood knocks, notably in the June 2021 Hinsdale County sighting, suggesting vocal communication or territorial marking. Drone surveys, implemented since 2021 in the White River National Forest, aim to cover vast terrains, though dense canopies, rocky outcrops, and high altitudes limit visibility.

Local groups like the Colorado Bigfoot Research Organization collaborate with hunters, hikers, and tribal communities, particularly the Southern Ute and Navajo Nations, whose oral histories describe a “wild man” or “hairy giant” in the San Juan Mountains, complementing modern Colorado Bigfoot sightings.

For example, a Ute elder shared a 19th-century tale of a towering figure stealing fish from drying racks, mirroring modern reports. Plaster casts, such as those from the October 2011 Costilla County sighting (15 inches long), show consistent toe structure and are stored at the Sasquatch Outpost for study.

Challenges in investigating Colorado Bigfoot sightings include dense vegetation, which obscures tracks, as in the May 2020 Chaffee County sighting, and harsh weather, such as snow or rain, which erodes footprints in areas like Eagle County.

Witness reluctance, driven by fear of ridicule, often delays reporting, as seen in the October 2014 Jefferson County sighting, where the witness waited months to share their account. Remote terrain and limited access to high-altitude sites, like those in the Sawatch Range, complicate timely investigations.

Despite these hurdles, the consistency of physical evidence—casts, hair samples, and recordings—and detailed witness accounts sustain Colorado’s role as a Bigfoot research hub. Community efforts, such as the Sasquatch Outpost’s annual expeditions and public workshops, engage locals and visitors, fostering a collaborative approach to unraveling the Sasquatch mystery.

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Detailed Case Study: October 2023 Train Sighting

On October 8, 2023, at approximately 2:30 PM, Shannon Parker and Stetson Parker, a couple from Cheyenne, Wyoming, were aboard the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, traveling through the San Juan National Forest between Durango and Silverton in La Plata County (coordinates: 37.275, -107.880).

Celebrating their 10th wedding anniversary, they were seated in the caboose, scanning the sage-covered hillsides for elk when Stetson noticed movement on a steep, rocky slope. He alerted Shannon, exclaiming, “I think it’s Bigfoot!” as they spotted a 6–7-foot-tall creature with dark brown, shaggy fur.

The figure moved upright with a fluid, deliberate gait, covering 8–10 feet per stride, its long arms swinging rhythmically. It briefly crouched behind a sagebrush cluster, appearing to observe the train, before standing and retreating into a stand of pine and aspen trees, vanishing in seconds.

Shannon captured three photographs, showing the creature’s broad shoulders and conical head, while a fellow passenger, *Brandon C., recorded an 18-second video capturing its movement and crouch. The sighting, lasting 15–20 seconds, occurred in clear daylight with temperatures around 65°F and a light breeze, ensuring excellent visibility. No odor or vocalizations were reported, likely due to the 100–150-yard distance and wind direction.

The creature’s camouflaged fur blended seamlessly with the terrain, leaving the witnesses in shock and wonder, marking this as one of the most publicized Colorado Bigfoot sightings.

Witness Background

Shannon Parker, a 44-year-old homemaker, and Stetson Parker, a 44-year-old former law enforcement officer, were experienced outdoors enthusiasts who relocated from Alabama to Wyoming in 2017.

Stetson’s career involved patrolling remote missile fields, where he had encountered unexplained phenomena, including rhythmic drumming and chant-like vocalizations he likened to Native American ceremonies, fostering his openness to unusual experiences. The couple, seated in the last two seats of the train’s caboose, had a panoramic view of the San Juan National Forest, enhancing their ability to spot the creature.

Shannon, initially skeptical of Bigfoot, described the figure as “unlike any animal,” noting its human-like posture and ape-like features. Stetson, familiar with bears and elk, emphasized the creature’s bipedal stride, ruling out known wildlife. Their detailed account, supported by photographic evidence, was shared on social media, sparking widespread debate.

The couple’s credibility, bolstered by their outdoor experience and Stetson’s law enforcement background, lent weight to their testimony, despite initial hesitation to report due to fear of ridicule.

Investigation and Findings

The October 2023 sighting gained viral attention, with Shannon’s photographs and Brandon’s video amassing over 5 million views on social media platforms. The BFRO did not formally investigate, as the sighting was not submitted to their database, possibly due to its immediate public exposure.

Skeptics argued the figure was a person in a costume or a bear standing upright, citing the video’s grainy quality at maximum zoom. Believers highlighted the creature’s bipedal movement, camouflaged fur, and crouching behavior, consistent with prior Colorado Bigfoot sightings like the 2008 La Plata County report.

The Sasquatch Expedition Campers, a Silverton-based RV company, issued a statement denying involvement, countering speculation of a publicity stunt. Investigators from the Colorado Bigfoot Research Organization visited the site on October 15, 2023, but found no footprints or hair samples due to the rocky, sage-covered terrain and time delay.

The San Juan National Forest’s history of 4 sightings since 1989, including a 1996 San Juan County report, added context, suggesting a recurring presence. The daylight clarity, multiple witnesses, and visual evidence make this sighting a significant entry in Colorado Bigfoot sightings, despite the lack of physical evidence.

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Detailed Case Study: May 2025 Rafting Sighting

On May 24, 2025, at approximately 12:45 PM, Logan Kirk, a whitewater rafting guide, and his crew of 12 were on a lunch break along the Upper Colorado River near Bond in Eagle County (coordinates: 39.874, -106.687).

As the group ate on a rocky riverbank, Kirk noticed movement in a stand of cottonwood and pine trees about 500 yards away, across a bend in the river. He alerted the crew, shouting, “What is that?” as they observed a 7–8-foot-tall creature with dark, matted fur.

The figure moved upright with a steady, deliberate gait, covering 10–12 feet per stride, its long arms swinging past its knees. It paused briefly, appearing to peek around a cottonwood, its conical head and broad shoulders clearly visible against the green foliage. Kirk captured a 20-second video with his smartphone, showing the creature’s movement and pause before it retreated deeper into the dense woods, vanishing in seconds.

The sighting, lasting 20–25 seconds, occurred in clear daylight with temperatures around 70°F and calm winds, ensuring excellent visibility. No odor or vocalizations were noted, likely due to the river’s noise and distance. The crew, including a retired biologist, described the figure as “otherworldly,” with its ape-like silhouette and fluid motion distinguishing it from bears or humans, making this a standout in Colorado Bigfoot sightings.

Witness Background

Logan Kirk, a 32-year-old rafting guide with five years of experience on the Upper Colorado River, led a diverse group of 12, including local residents from Eagle County and tourists from Denver, ranging in age from 25 to 60. Kirk, well-versed in the region’s wildlife, including bears, elk, and mountain lions, insisted the creature’s bipedal posture and human-like movement ruled out known animals.

Among the clients, a retired biologist, Dr. Elizabeth Harper, aged 58, provided a detailed description, noting the creature’s muscular build and ape-like silhouette, which she compared to primate anatomy from her studies. The group’s collective outdoor experience, combined with Kirk’s knowledge of the river’s ecosystem, lent credibility to their account.

Initially divided on Bigfoot’s existence, the crew became convinced after the sighting, with Kirk sharing the video on social media to document the encounter. Harper’s scientific background and the tourists’ lack of prior Bigfoot bias strengthened the testimony, despite initial shock and disbelief.

Investigation and Findings

The May 2025 sighting went viral, with Kirk’s video garnering over 2.5 million views and sparking intense online debates. Skeptics argued the figure was a person in a sasquatch costume or a bear on hind legs, citing the video’s blurry quality at long range.

Believers emphasized the creature’s fluid gait, tree-peeking behavior, and muscular frame, consistent with prior Colorado Bigfoot sightings like the 2013 Eagle County skier report. The BFRO has not yet classified this sighting, likely due to its recent nature and lack of formal submission.

Kirk organized a follow-up expedition on June 1, 2025, with the Colorado Bigfoot Research Organization, searching the riverbank for footprints, hair samples, or broken branches. The rocky terrain and dense underbrush yielded no physical evidence, though investigators noted disturbed vegetation near the cottonwood stand.

The Upper Colorado River, part of the White River National Forest, has a history of 6 sightings, including a 2002 Pitkin County report, suggesting a recurring presence. The multiple witnesses, daylight conditions, and video evidence make this sighting a compelling addition to Colorado Bigfoot sightings, despite the absence of physical traces.

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Other Cryptid Sightings in Colorado

Colorado Bigfoot sightings share the state’s cryptozoological landscape with other enigmatic creatures, enriching its mystique. The Slide-Rock Bolter, a legendary creature from Colorado’s mining era, is described as a whale-like beast that slides down slopes to devour livestock, reported in the 19th century near Telluride in San Miguel County. Unlike the Sasquatch’s bipedal form, its aquatic, serpentine nature contrasts sharply, yet shares a similar elusiveness.

The Tommyknockers, ghostly figures from Cornish mining lore, are said to haunt abandoned mines in Clear Creek and Gilpin Counties, differing from Bigfoot’s physical presence but echoing its mysterious allure.

The Phantom Kangaroo, reported in the 1980s near Grand Junction in Mesa County, is a marsupial-like creature, contrasting with Bigfoot’s primate traits but sharing its fleeting nature. These cryptids, thriving in Colorado’s rugged mountains, dense forests, and remote valleys, amplify the state’s reputation as a haven for unexplained phenomena, complementing the enduring mystery of Sasquatch.

Conclusion

With 131 documented Colorado Bigfoot sightings, the state’s wild landscapes—from the San Juan Mountains to Rocky Mountain National Park—pulse with tales of the Sasquatch.

The 2023 train sighting by Shannon and Stetson Parker and the 2025 rafting encounter led by Logan Kirk, with their vivid accounts and viral footage, highlight the phenomenon’s enduring allure and controversy.

Supported by plaster casts, vocalization recordings, and cultural narratives from tribal communities, investigations by the BFRO and local groups like the Sasquatch Outpost continue to probe these mysteries. Alongside cryptids like the Slide-Rock Bolter and Tommyknockers, Colorado’s Bigfoot legacy thrives, beckoning adventurers to explore its untamed wilderness for answers to the Sasquatch enigma.