Beyond the reach of cell towers and GPS signals, somewhere deep in the San Juan Mountains, the notorious Bigfoot roams. If you are going out to explore the magical mountains surrounding Durango, keep an eye out for this secret squatch.
This bigfoot guide is for the seasoned believer and the curious skeptic. Whether you are looking to capture this notorious legend or just want to hike the gorgeous scenery of Durango, this guide offers helpful trail tips and sighting hotspots.
Grab your boots, your sense of wonder, and get ready to chase shadows in Colorado’s Sasquatch country.
Sasquatchin’ in the San Juans just got a whole lot easier. Check out this hotspot guide full of gorgeous mountain scenery and all the Bigfoot knowledge one will need.
Who is Bigfoot?
You might have heard of our hairy friend Bigfoot, but if you haven’t, here is a little refresher. Bigfoot, known as a Sasquatch, is a legendary ape-like creature that roams the forests and mountains of North America.
Believers claim sightings of a hairy, tall ape, mysterious footprints, and eerie howls as evidence of the creature's existence. Skeptics attribute these things to hoaxes and misidentified wildlife. Some even say the sounds are just an elk with bronchitis.
Since 1989, there have been four sasquatch sightings in the Durango and Silverton area. This makes believers think that Bigfoot is not a full resident but instead a seasoned traveler of the area.
The last local sighting of Bigfoot was in 2023 when riders on the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad spotted the aloof creature. Some called this sighting a hoax, but maybe Bigfoot was just trying to catch a ride on the train.
Big Foot Hotspots
Chicago Basin
Nestled deep in Colorado’s Weminuche Wilderness is the Chicago Basin. This rugged basin is known for its 14ers, alpine lakes, and a handful of curious sightings. Backpackers have reported strange howls that ring through the mountain basin at night.
Some have even reported rustling sounds in the treeline and large footprints near remote streams. Unlike Bigfoot, humans do need to filter water from alpine streams and lakes. So make sure you bring a filtering device on your next backpacking trip.
With limited human access, dense forests, and abundant wildlife, the area offers ideal conditions for Bigfoot. If you want to feel like a secret sasquatch, Chicago Basin is a great backpacking location.
Tomahawk Basin
Occasionally, Bigfoot might make his way across the Animas River to Tomahawk Basin in the La Plata Mountains. Although there are no recorded Bigfoot sightings in Tomahawk Basin, it is a prime location for the cryptid creature.
This mountain basin is northeast, a little way from Durango, and nestled in the alpine region of the La Platas. Tomahawk Basin is a great spot to summit 13ers like Moss and Lavender Peak.
The basin is full of scenic wildflowers, meadows, and dramatic secluded alpine terrain. It is the perfect place for Bigfoot, who notoriously loves alpine scenery in addition to native wildflowers.
This area is ideal for seasoned backpackers, climbers, and adventurers who, like Bigfoot, appreciate remote alpine landscapes.
Horse Gulch
Although it is a popular trail system in the heart of Downtown Durango, Horse Gulch is still a possible contender for Bigfoot sightings. There are no reports about Bigfoot's favorite outdoor recreation activity. Some have described the creature as a trail runner because of its giant feet and long stride.
Whatever activity Bigfoot might prefer, trail running, hiking, or mountain biking, Horse Gulch has it all. This is one of Durango’s best trail systems. It offers remote trails as well as more popular scenic spots like the Ridgeview trail, which has views of the Animas Valley.
Bigfoot might stay away from this area during the day because of its popularity, but at night, this remote trail system is perfect for Sasquatchin’ in Durango.
Overend Mountain Park
Another popular trail system in Durango is Overend Mountain Park. This well-maintained system sits at the bottom of Hogsback Mountain. This 300+ acre trail system is a prime location for Bigfoot sightings in the heart of Durango. Although you might not see Bigfoot while you are out at the park, listen for raptors and songbirds.
Its densely forested landscape and vastness offer plenty of places for the sasquatch to hide. Keep an eye out for Bigfoot, a.k.a the hairy homie, the next time you hike, bike, or run at Overend Mountain Park.
Animas City Mountain
Animas City Mountain sits on the North side of Durango and is another one of Durango’s amazing trail systems. Loved by hikers, runners, bikers, and climbers, this iconic in-town mountain is full of amazing views and possible sightings.
Due to its proximity to the La Plata Mountains, there is a high likelihood that Bigfoot could venture into this area. Although there have been no sightings of Bigfoot at Animas City Mountain, the conditions are perfect to spot the sasquatch.
With its rocky terrain and scenic overlooks, searching for Bigfoot at Animas City Mountain is bound to be a beautiful adventure.
Falls Creek
Falls Creek in Northwest Durango is a serene recreation area north of Durango. With its rolling waterfalls and lush meadows, Falls Creek is the ideal spot for Bigfoot to lounge. You are unlikely to find a lot of people, which makes it perfect for not only bigfoot watching but also bird watching.
Sasquatches are known to appreciate wildlife and respect trail rules. When recreating, stay on the trail and don’t feed the wildlife. By preserving the beauty of Falls Creek and other recreation areas, you help maintain Bigfoot hotspots for future sasquatch searchers.
Conclusion
The mountains and recreation areas surrounding Durango are prime sasquatch habitat. Although Bigfoot sightings have remained faithful to mountain areas like Chicago Basin, there is no reason to believe the creature could make its way into town.
Popular outdoor areas like Overend Mountain Park are great for bigfoot believers and skeptics looking to get outside. If your idea of a good time includes backpacking in remote wildernesses or having fun on local trails, squatchin' in the San Juans is perfect for you. Because sometimes, the journey matters more than the footprint.
