The open space is opened year-round, from dawn to dusk. Planning Your HikeĮven though most of the trails are suitable for beginners, you should still come prepared. The crags of Devil's Backbone provide nesting space for a variety of birds, including red-tailed hawks, great horned owls, and barn owls. If you are interested in wildlife, bring your binoculars and a camera. The whole area is beautiful but you should try to get to the famous Keyhole arch that offers stunning views of the Rockies. The trails range from a half mile to about 7 miles long. The Wild family sold the area to Larimer County in the 1990s. The mill was destroyed by a flood in 1965 but you can still see part of its foundation - just to the left of the main trail. Alfred Wild started farming here and later opened a plaster mill. In 19th century, the area became a property of the Wild family. It was frequented by Ute and Arapahoe tribes. The rock formation is over 70 million years old. A rugged, reddish rocky ridge protruding from the earth gave the area its unusual name. Stunning rock formations, grasslands, and high desert. There is a surprisingly peaceful feeling. When you enter, you feel like you stepped away from the bustle and hustle of your everyday life. The name sounds a bit scary but the Devil's Backbone Open Space is a beautiful slice of nature that offers a variety of trails suitable for the whole family, including Grandma. And since our friends at REI are one of the sponsors, you know the prizes will be great! When you visit all 16 open spaces, you can win the grand prize. You can pick up your passports at any of these locations and start collecting the rubbings. Trying to get the kiddos away from all their electronics? Larimer County has a fun program called Passport to Your Open Spaces. Family Funĭevil's Backbone is one of many open spaces of Larimer County, Colorado. We love it because it's practically in our backyard, a short drive from Wild Zora Foods facility in downtown Loveland. It’s part of the Larimer County Open Spaces. One of the spots only known to locals but it definitely worth checking out is Devil’s Backbone in Loveland, Colorado. Plus, we have 300 days of sunshine a year. When you live in Colorado, day hikes are all around and many of them offer breathtaking views. Once you round the loop, you'll head back down and retrace your steps.It’s March and we are all tired of winter, right? There is nothing like a nice hike in the sun to chase away the winter blues. This one is also smoother singletrack with less extreme pitch - great for intermediate riders. Finally, you'll hook up with Indian Summer loop. Most riders will thoroughly enjoy this fun section of the ride. This trail is less technical, and flows very well. The trails meet back up after 1/2 mile or so and climb to the top of the ridge. Both trails are very rocky however the trail to the right (east) is more difficult and will require most riders to push a few sections. The trail splits again at around mile 2.5. The trail then turns into a gradual climb with a few rocky sections. Stay to the right (hikers and horses to the left) and the trails rejoin in 1/2 a mile or so. Most riders will have to push up a few of the technical sections.ģ/4 of the way up the climb the trail splits. Stay to the right where the trails meet back up and climb a steep hill with a few switchbacks and water bars. Stay to the right at the first split (hikers only to the left). The trail continues to climb with a few small rock obstacles. Go around the footbridges using the bypass trails and travel through a fence. Devils Backbone Trail starts as an easy gradual climb from the free parking area north of Highway 34.
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