Is Bigfoot lurking on the Rim?

FIND BIG FOOT. WIN $1,000,000

The forested canyons and rugged highlands of Arizona's Mogollon Rim have long been rumored to be a haven for the mysterious human-ape creature known as Bigfoot. While out hiking, you may have even stumbled upon an unusual footprint, scat pile or bone and wondered---could it be? Now your incidental ape finds could turn into a cash cow; so dust off your cameras and scientific field testing equipment and get in the game for a chance at a $1,000,000 reward. Olympia beer, in patnership with The Falcon Project, are offering cash money to anyone who finds "irrefutable evidence" of Bigfoot. This evidence might include DNA (think, poop), skeletal remains and---of course---safe, live capture of the beast. Videos and photos will be considered as supporting evidence only and must be backed up by physical proof. A panel of experts will examine submissions for authenticity. Participants who harm Bigfoot or any other species will be disqualified, publically shamed and refered to law enforcement. This is not a hunting contest. Check out the web site below for full details, sighting reports and to participate in an online community of Bigfoot africinados. Disclaimer: no beer or cash was provided in exchange for this blog post. Nor was I under the influence when writing it.

http://www.olympiabigfoot.com/

BEAR CANYON LAKE

BEAR CANYON LAKE Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest



Attention all Big Foot seekers---this is your trail. Whether you take the existence of the reclusive beast with relish or a grain of salt, know that many alleged Big Foot sightings in Arizona have occurred in the forests surrounding Bear Canyon Lake. Even with boisterous crowds of campers, anglers and hikers flocking to this popular summer destination--the beast abides. So, you’ll want to come prepared with binoculars, video camera and---for serious seekers---supplies for making plaster casts of footprints. However, finding the shy beast can be a challenge, even for cryptozoologists--those who study legendary or “hidden” creatures. That’s because the thick pine-oak woodlands surrounding the lake provide ample hiding places and dense undergrowth makes exploring a major endeavor. In the event Big Foot fails to make an appearance, there are still plenty of other attractions on this high country trek. A scenic aspen-ringed peninsula, bald eagles, elk and secluded, moss-embellished coves make this a worthy hiking trail---even without scoring a peek at the mysterious creature lurking among the pines. HIGHLIGHTS: deep, water-filled canyon with plenty of wildlife LENGTH: 2 miles round trip (on main trail) ELEVATION: 7,560 – 7,500 feet RATING: easy BEST SEASONS: April - October DISTANCE FROM PHOENIX: 147 miles one-way GETTING THERE: From the junction of AZ 87 and AZ 260 in Payson, go east (right) on 260 for 30 miles to Rim Road (Forest Road 300). Turn left and continue west on FR300 for 12 miles to Forest Road 89, turn right and go 3 miles to the lake. The last 14 miles are on good dirt roads. The trail goes downhill from the parking lots 0.25 miles to the lake where it continues along the shore in both directions. INFORMATION: Black Mesa Ranger District (928) 535-7300, www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/recreation/black_mesa_trails/trl_chv_bearcanyon.shtml

WOODS CANYON LAKE

WOODS CANYON LAKE Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest In September of 1993, an unsuspecting hiker went into the thicket surrounding Woods Canyon Lake to answer nature’s call and got more than relief. Lurking in the brush was, as she described it, a very large, hairy, human-like creature who left footprints the size of a juvenile Tyrannosaurus. She did not get a photo, nor did the many other people who claim to have sighted the elusive beast in the Mogollon Rim’s lake country. Known in legend as Bigfoot, it’s not surprising that the shy missing-link would feel at home at the lake. After all, who wouldn’t want to live where wild roses and ferns embellish the shores of a lake teeming with fish, cranes and beavers while a canopy of Douglas firs filters the sunlight and provides cozy, secluded alcoves? More a stroll than a hike, the trail hugs the water’s edge as it skirts dense grasses, woods and dells. Although usually busy, this popular recreation area is so quiet; you can hear fish jumping and the soporific sound of canoes bobbing on the water. There are lots of places along the trail to stop and enjoy the sights, and when nature calls, remember to bring your camera. LENGTH: 3 miles RATING: Easy ELEVATION: 7,500 feet GETTING THERE: From Phoenix, take Highway 87 north to Payson. In Payson, connect to AZ 260 and drive east for 30 miles to just past milepost 282 and turn left onto Forest Road 300 (Rim Road) at the Woods Canyon Lake sign and go 4 miles to the lake. Park by the store and pick up the trail at either end of the parking lot.