Devils Backbone Trail

Devil's Backbone is the fin of tilted sandstone that runs north from US 34 west of Loveland, and the Larimer County open space along it is the closest real hike to town. The Wild Loop takes you along the base of the rock to the Keyhole, a window through the fin, and the trail continues north for miles toward Horsetooth. It is low, dry, and open nearly every day of the year.

From the trailhead lot, a wide gravel trail heads north between the hogback and Hidden Valley, level enough for a stroller for the first mile. At the split, the Wild Loop goes both ways; the west branch, closest to the rock, is hiker-only. The Keyhole spur climbs a short rocky pitch to the window in the formation, the photo stop, with the plains east and the foothills west.

Past the Keyhole the loop rejoins and the trail continues north as the Hunter Loop and then the Laughing Horse Loop, rolling along the ridge with a few short climbs. The 4.4-mile version turns around at the north end of the Hunter Loop. The Blue Sky Trail continues north from there through Rimrock Open Space to the Blue Sky trailhead at Horsetooth Reservoir, about 9 miles one way, and on into Horsetooth Mountain Open Space for anyone who wants a long day.

From Loveland, take US 34 west 2 miles past Wilson Avenue to Hidden Valley Drive and turn right; the trailhead lot is on the left. It is free, has toilets, and is open from sunrise to sunset. The lot holds about 80 cars and fills on weekend mornings in spring and fall; the county closes the gate when it is full, so arrive early or come on a weekday.

Dogs are allowed on leash. The first mile is one of the friendliest walks on this site for small kids and strollers; the Keyhole scramble is short and rocky. Rattlesnakes live in the rocks and are active from April through October; keep dogs and kids on the trail. Mountain bikers share the outer loops but not the hiker-only west branch. Carry water; there is none on the trail. Loveland has every service 10 minutes away, and the Fort Collins hikes page covers Horsetooth and the Poudre Canyon trails.