Sometimes when writing this, I feel like Colorado is hiding their other cryptids. Some of these were so hard to find! Some of these are said to be extremely and destructive, and some are not quite as scary. Remember to let me know down in the comments if you think these are real or fake!
Get Cozy, let’s get into these Colorado Campfire Cryptid Stories:
Slide-Rock Bolter
This infamous cryptid is said to have terrorized the lumberjacks during the 19th and early 20th centuries. It sits on mountain slopes that have an angle greater than 45 degrees. It’s described as looking similar to a whale, but the tail has two large hooks on the ends of its divided tail. Though, it’s large head, small eyes, and enormous mouth differs from that of a whale. The tail is used to hold itself at the top of the mountain slopes where it would lay in wait for its victims.
Victims were usually unsuspecting tourists. How this legless creature would snatch its prey is horrifying. The Slide-Rock Bolter will release it’s hooks from the side of the mountain to send itself barreling down the hill. Its jaws would open to catch anything on its way down and up to the next mountain side. Whole parties of tourists are said to have met their doom this way.
Legend has it that a forest ranger was the one who ended this terrifying cryptids reign of terror. The ranger made a dummy dressed like a tourist, but filled with powder and fulminate caps. When the Bolter saw the “victim” it came careening down the mountain side. As soon as it bit down on the “victim”, the Slide Rock Bolter exploded.
Do you think that the Slide Rock Bolter existed? Do you think there are more? Let me know down below in the comments.
Jackalope
The Jackalope is a mythical creature found in the Western United States. It is described as a hare with horns, or a jackrabbit with antlers. Legends of the Jackalope vary from state to state, but the most popular version is found in Colorado. According to the legend, the Jackalope is incredibly fast and elusive, and it is said that only the quickest of hunters can catch one. Furthermore, the Jackalope is said to be able to imitate the sound of a human voice, using it to prank and confuse anyone who gets too close.
The Jackalope is a popular figure in the culture of Colorado, appearing on postcards, souvenirs, and even as part of the Colorado state flag. It is also featured in the annual Jackalope Days festival in the town of Douglas, where visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including a Jackalope hunt. The Jackalope has become an iconic part of Colorado culture, and it continues to capture the imagination of locals and visitors alike.
Augerino
Similar to the Slide Rock Boulder, the Augerino is destructive in nature. It destroys dams and irrigation ditches by burrowing through them. The Augerino is fond of dry areas and is described as a massive worm with a corkscrew or drill bit like body. The legend states that it lines its tunnels with a silica substance, which keeps the tunnel from collapsing. Augerino tunnels are said to be a vast underground network that spans through the majority of the western states. Do you think these destructive creatures
Tommyknockers
This cryptid reminds me of leprechauns, but Tommyknockers are miners. They are said to be about two feet tall and greenish in color. Tommyknockers are often found in mining outfits and live underground. They are known to commit both good and bad deeds, usually practical jokes like stealing unattended tools.
The “knockers” name comes from the knocking on the mine walls that usually happens right before a cave-in. Many believed it was the Tommyknockers that would warn the miners of imminent danger. When the Tommyknockers were in a good mood, it was said to bring the miners good fortune. But, if they weren’t in a good mood it is said that they bring misery, injury, and even death. This misfortune is said to usually be brought down on people who doubted the Tommyknockers power.
Miners would often leave a gift of saffron cakes if the Tommyknockers were good to them, this would be the way the miners would show their gratitude. Tommyknockers were found all over the US in miners. If you would like to learn more about the legendary Tommyknockers, check out this website.
River Dinos
Many believe that dinos still roam the Earth today. River Dinos are just one of the many names that these dinos have accumulated. These Dinos are said to roam the 4 Corners area. The Dinos we are talking about today are bipedal, lizard-like, and are similar to a Theropod dinosaur, a diverse group of bipedal dinosaurs such as a Velociraptor. The River Dinos are said to be about 3.5 feet tall and around 5-7 feet long. They are also described as having two smaller “arms”. They are also called “Mini T. Rexes” because of the small “arms”. The River Dinos love to be in wet environments near water.
There have been a few photos of the River Dinos and many accounts in the 4 Corners area of Colorado. One of the stories came from a witness who saw one near Yellow Jacket, CO in 2001. The creature ran right in front of the car, thinking it was a deer she braked. When she looked up, she saw what she described as a bird mixed with a dinosaur. Do you think there are dinosaurs living among us? For more information this article has more information as well as some famous photos.
Thank You For Reading!
This was a very challenging state to find these Colorado cryptids. If you hail from Colorado, let me know about any that I missed or some info that I have missed. These were one hundred percent some Colorado campfire stories. If you need more of Colorado check out the haunted places post or if you want more cryptids, check out the cryptids section.