Devil's Backbone Guide | Hiking in Loveland, Colorado

A Geological Wonder

Devil's Backbone Open Space is one of Northern Colorado's most dramatic natural areas. The namesake ridge—a dramatic hogback of tilted sandstone fins—rises from the prairie like the spine of some ancient beast. It's less crowded than Boulder's famous Flatirons but equally stunning.

The 2,500-acre preserve sits at the gateway to Big Thompson Canyon, the scenic route from Loveland to Estes Park. The rock formations formed 300 million years ago when sediments on an ancient sea floor were tilted and eroded. Today they provide habitat for raptors, mule deer, and rock climbers.

Multiple trails wind through the property, from easy strolls along the base to more challenging hikes up and over the backbone itself. Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing and a camera for the dramatic rock formations. It's free to visit and open year-round.

Hiking Trails

Routes for all abilities

Backbone Trail

Main Loop

3.5-mile loop circling the backbone formation. Views of rock fins, the Big Thompson River valley, and the foothills. The most popular route with moderate difficulty.

3.5 mi Moderate

Wild Loop

Extended Hike

6.4-mile loop adding the western portion of the property. More solitude, grassland scenery, and wildlife viewing. Less dramatic rock formations but more space to breathe.

6.4 mi Moderate

Keyhole Bypass

Rock Scramble

Short but steep scramble through a natural keyhole in the rock. Requires some hands-on climbing. Great for adventure seekers. Can be slippery when wet.

0.3 mi Challenging

Blue Sky Trail

Long Distance

Connects Devil's Backbone to Horsetooth Mountain Open Space. Part of a larger trail system. Great for trail running or mountain biking. One-way point-to-point possible.

Multi-use Variable

Wildlife & Nature

Raptors: Red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, and prairie falcons nest on the cliffs. Bring binoculars and look up—you'll likely spot something circling.

Mule Deer: Common throughout the property, especially morning and evening. Keep your distance and don't approach wildlife.

Rattlesnakes: Present in warm months. Stay on trails, watch where you step, and give any snake plenty of space. They want to avoid you as much as you want to avoid them.

Wildflowers: Spring brings colorful blooms to the grasslands. Prickly pear cactus flowers in early summer. Fall grasses turn golden.

Visitor Information

Hours: Open sunrise to sunset year-round. Free admission with no permits required.

Parking: Main trailhead at 1800 Rowell Drive in Loveland. Parking lot fills on weekend mornings—arrive early. Overflow parking available.

Rules: Dogs allowed on leash. Bikes permitted on designated trails only. No rock climbing on the main backbone formation (nearby Horsetooth has climbing). Pack out all trash.

Best Time: Early morning for wildlife and cooler temperatures. Spring and fall offer ideal weather. Summer afternoons can be hot with little shade. Winter trails may be icy.

Nearby: The trailhead sits at the entrance to Big Thompson Canyon, the scenic route to Estes Park. Consider combining with a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park.

More Colorado Natural Wonders

Love dramatic rock formations? Explore these spectacular landscapes

Garden of the Gods: Colorado Springs' iconic red rock park. Towering formations, paved trails, and Pikes Peak views. Free admission, world-famous scenery.

Horsetooth Reservoir: Fort Collins' backyard playground 30 minutes south. Hiking, swimming, and rock formations along the shore.

Maroon Bells: Colorado's most photographed peaks. Different landscape but equally stunning alpine scenery.

Devil's Backbone