Devil's Backbone Open Space

Know BEFORE you go

Plan to arrive before 9am or after 3pm as the open space will likely reach capacity, especially on weekends in the summer. Check Colorado Trail Explorer (COTREX) at https://trails.colorado.gov for the most up-to-date trail conditions, closures, and alerts. Or check under the "Trails & Weather" tab below.

West of Loveland

Red-tailed hawks soaring above, grasslands carpeted with wildflowers, towering rock formations - these are just some of the natural features to be enjoyed at the 3,007-acre Devil's Backbone Open Space. It has 17.25 miles of trail that connect to Rimrock Open Space and Horsetooth Mountain Open Space for hiking, running, horseback riding, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, observing nature, as well as enjoying close-up inspection of the rock outcrop and long vistas.

The Devil's Backbone itself is one of the most impressive and visible geologic landmarks in Larimer County, as well as an important cultural feature with a rich and colorful history.

Drinking water is available at the trailhead. Please carry enough for your hike or ride. This open space is popular. If you arrive to a full parking lot, that means trails are at maximum capacity. Please consider a different open space for the day and come back another time.

Devil's Backbone Open Space is open from sunrise to sunset and is located west of Loveland, Colorado.

Features

Biking

Drinking Water

Hiking

Horseback Riding

Permit Required

Picnic Area

Restroom

Webcam

Accordion

Map

From Loveland:

Take Highway 34 west of Loveland to just past mile marker #88 (2 miles west of the Jax). Turn right (north) onto Hidden Valley Drive just east of the old water tank. The trailhead is on your left.

From Denver:

Take 1-25 north to Exit 257B (Highway 34 - Loveland). Drive west through Loveland and follow directions from above.

From Fort Collins:

Take Taft Hill Road south from Fort Collins to U.S. Highway 34 (Eisenhower) and turn right (west). Proceed west on U.S. Highway 34 and follow directions from Loveland above.

Trails & Weather

Trails Report: Devil's Backbone Open Space

All Trails Facebook Twitter

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Weather: Devil's Backbone Open Space

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Air Quality

Updates every half hour.

Webcam

Check to see what the parking is like at Devil's Backbone Parking Lot before you come.

Parking for this popular open space is a challenge on holidays and weekends in particular. Visitors have the best chance of getting a space if they plan to arrive before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.

These images are refreshed every five minutes. Please be aware the availability of parking in the lot can change quickly.

For the latest trail conditions follow us on Twitter or find us on Facebook.

Photos

Click a photo to enlarge.

Image 2: Keyhole at Devil's Backbone Open Space

Regulations

For specifics, ask a ranger or see a kiosk for a copy of the Regulations.

Rock is unstable. Rock climbing not allowed.
Day use only. Closed sunset to sunrise.
The gate at the trailhead typically opens by 6am year round and closes at sunset - please time your hike/ride accordingly.
Pets must be kept on a leash at all times - DO NOT bring pets on trails during hot weather
Stay on the trail to avoid and not disturb wildlife, including rattlesnakes.
Drones are prohibited.
E-bikes are prohibited on natural surface trails.
Firearms, fires, fireworks, hunting and trapping are prohibited.
Bike riders - Control your speed at all times and remember trail courtesy. Bikers yield to everyone.

Management Plan

A management plan for Devil's Backbone Open Space has been in place since 1999. It was updated with an extensive public process in 2014. The plan accommodates multiple-use recreation such as hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

2014: Devil's Backbone Management Plan Update.

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Devil's Backbone Open Space

West of Loveland

Features

Accordion

From Loveland:

From Denver:

From Fort Collins:

Trails Report: Devil's Backbone Open Space

Weather: Devil's Backbone Open Space

ALL {{ vm.limitHours }}-Hour Forecast

NIGHT {{ vm.limitDays/2 }}-Day/Night Forecast

Air Quality

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Devil's Backbone Open Space

West of Loveland

Features

Accordion

From Loveland:

From Denver:

From Fort Collins:

Trails Report: Devil's Backbone Open Space

Weather: Devil's Backbone Open Space

ALL {{ vm.limitHours }}-Hour Forecast

NIGHT {{ vm.limitDays/2 }}-Day/Night Forecast

Air Quality

I Want To

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