![]() ![]() Highway 34 is also known as Eisenhower Blvd in Loveland. To reach Devil’s Backbone from Interstate 25 take the Highway 34 exit west into Loveland, ![]() Getting There Devil’s Backbone Open Space. You can even ride horseback and enjoy the vistas, wildlife, and raptors such as red-tailed and rough-legged hawks and eagles as they soar on the currents above the space from the vantage of your saddle.Ī 12-mile long trail connects Devil’s Backbone to a couple of other popular public spaces in Rimrock and Horsetooth Mountain. Hiking is the most popular activity at Devil’s Backbone with mountain biking gaining a big following as well. It’s also pet friendly, but dogs must be kept on a lease while hiking the trail. Hiking – The Devil’s Backbone Nature Trail is 4.3 miles long and rated as an easy excursion with few technical challenges, a perfect venue for the weekend hiker. Activities Biking thru Devil’s Backbone Open Space. Close observers have spotted fossils along the cliffs and hillsides and the tusks of a mammoth were once excavated by paleontologists and sent east to an Illinois museum. The uplift and surrounding terrain is a common feature of rock formations in Colorado and nearby Wyoming, but its proximity to Loveland make it a haven for hikers, nature lovers and families on weekend outings.Įlk, deer, coyotes, fox, jackrabbits, prairie dogs and myriad birds are often spotted by people hiking the miles of trails in the open space and occasionally black bear and mountain lions appear briefly. Photo: Brendan BombaciĪs the name implies, the highlight of the nearly 3.5 square mile public space is a geologic formation that resembles the backbone of some lumbering, rocky beast. The Devil’s Backbone was the impetus for an additional 44,000 acres of public space in Larimer County. It took nearly 10 years to complete as the public land in the original referendum was augmented with additional purchased private property. The people of Larimer County took note in a 1995 referendum and set aside nearly 2,200 acres of unique rock formations known as the Devil’s Backbone near Loveland. Farms, hillsides, and valleys witnessed housing developments sprout up like mushrooms after a summer rain. in particular, if you visit the image tab in google search results you may find some photos of the actual trail.The front range began to change dramatically in the 1980’s experiencing some of the fastest growth in the entire nation. You can find a lot of details on specific loops and the area in general online if you google devil's backbone colorado and things like trail map, hikes, topography, etc. The county website should provide details on when the project is happening, when access is restricted, and when it is open - see the natural resources section of the Larimer County website. If you are arriving soon, you may not be able to visit due to construction/improvements starting next week. Many people take the trail and use the upper section to go as far as the keyhole, which is a scenic and interesting feature in the backbone itself, then come back. Some drop folks at one spot and send a car to one of the waypoints for pickup. The north end of the trail connects to Blue Sky trail, which can take you all the way to Horsetooth Mountain Park (also worth a visit) at the SW edge of Fort Collins - which is about 10-12 miles. So, go however far you like, then turn back. Those trails do connect in a couple of places if you wish to go out one and come back the other. There are a couple of trail options early on - you can go higher, or stay lower - use is open to those on foot, but parts are restricted to walking, other parts can be used by those on bike or horseback. It is generally an out and back, not a loop (there are loop sub-sections). You can go as far - or not - as you wish. In some short steeper sections, there are rock steps. Parts are narrower and at an incline - either across the trail, or changes in elevation up and down as you progress. Weather can change quickly so consider taking a light jacket or extra layer. ![]() A walking stick or poles may be worth considering, along with water. Be conservative - some expend too much time and energy going out, and don't turn back soon enough. It is walkable, just mind your pace, and realize that you are at altitude, which can have a significant effect on some people. ![]()
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