Last week, when longtime Durango resident Susan Smith had company in town, she took them to Bakers Bridge to show off the local gem. But views of the teal-colored water flowing through steep cliffs were marred by neon graffiti on the rock faces.
Illegible words, graffiti-style lettering and even a cartoon cat were painted on the cliffs near the bridge, about 15 miles north of Durango.
Smith was so disappointed that she posted about it on Nextdoor – a neighborhood social media platform.
Forty-nine people commented, echoing Smith’s frustration.
“I was just aggravated because the community wants to access the beautiful places like that,” Smith said, describing her initial reaction to the graffiti. “Then you understand why they start putting fencing up to keep people from getting around that spot, because they just disrespect it and they ruin it for everybody.”
Smith said it was the first time she noticed the graffiti, leading her to believe it was recently painted.
The La Plata County Sheriff’s Office could not confirm when the graffiti appeared. The agency has not received any recent complaints about vandalism in the area, but residents do occasionally report graffiti near Bakers Bridge, said Chris Burke, spokesman for the agency.
Burke said the office has received only eight reports of graffiti countywide since January 2024.
When deputies receive reports of vandalism, they check the area for clues – like discarded cans of spray paint. Security camera footage, including from private property owners, is often the most useful, he said.
Vandalism has been an ongoing problem in the area. Although the area is a popular hang out spot, it sits on private property. In 2020, property owners installed fencing to combat the increasingly frequent vandalism and trespassing.
On Nextdoor, commenters suggested installing surveillance cameras. But since the property is private, the Sheriff’s Office cannot install any such equipment, Burke said.
When it comes to removal, it is typically a community-led initiative, Burke said.
In the past, volunteer groups like Durango Trails have done graffiti removal – but Burke said it is unclear how the new markings will be addressed.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
