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Devil's Backbone Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 3.8 (87)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Front Range
  4. …Loveland
  5. Devil's Backbone Open Space
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“More technical than strenuous, some very rocky sections. ”

Wendy Sweet
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13.2

Miles

21.3

KM

100%

Singletrack

5,792' 1,765 m

High

5,080' 1,548 m

Low

1,238' 377 m

Up

1,234' 376 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

22%

Max Grade (12°)

Dogs Leashed

E-Bikes Not Allowed

Overview

Just West of Loveland off of 34, this trail is an interesting diversion. It follows a hogback, and some of the trail is build on layers of off-camber, crumbling sedimentary rock.

You'll ride Indian Summer and Blue Sky on this loop as well.

2022 update: There used to be no fee for access. Starting in 2022, there is a daily fee of $10. This is now the same as a number of other Larimer County parks. Larimer County annual passes are available. larimer.org/naturalresource…

Description

Devils Backbone Trail starts as an easy gradual climb from the free parking area north of Highway 34. Go around the footbridges using the bypass trails and travel through a fence. The trail continues to climb with a few small rock obstacles.

Stay to the right at the first split (hikers only to the left). Stay to the right where the trails meet back up and climb a steep hill with a few switchbacks and water bars. Most riders will have to push up a few of the technical sections.

3/4 of the way up the climb the trail splits. Stay to the right (hikers and horses to the left) and the trails rejoin in 1/2 a mile or so. The trail then turns into a gradual climb with a few rocky sections.

The trail splits again at around mile 2.5. 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 trails meet back up after 1/2 mile or so and climb to the top of the ridge.

You'll then ride a portion of Blue Sky. This trail is less technical, and flows very well. Most riders will thoroughly enjoy this fun section of the ride. Finally, you'll hook up with Indian Summer loop. This one is also smoother singletrack with less extreme pitch - great for intermediate riders.

Once you round the loop, you'll head back down and retrace your steps.

Contacts

Local Club: Overland Mountain Bike Club

Land Manager: Larimer County, Colorado

Shared By:

Wendy Sweet with improvements by Emma McVey and 2 others
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 87 votes

#1

in Devil's Backbone Open Space

#226

Overall
  3.8 from 87 votes
5 Star
20%
4 Star
49%
3 Star
25%
2 Star
3%
1 Star
2%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Devil's Backbone Open…

#74

in Colorado

#226

Overall
94 Views Last Month
20,194 Since Nov 20, 2013
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71%
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Photos

The view facing east.
Jul 20, 2013 near Loveland, CO
Lots to be said for a morning ride out to Indian Summer.
Jul 23, 2016 near Loveland, CO
Steep chunky love
Aug 2, 2017 near Loveland, CO
Nice view right before sundown
Apr 19, 2018 near Loveland, CO
Fun downhill on Devil's Backbone Loop trail!
Apr 19, 2015 near Loveland, CO
Devil's Backbone Loop is a must-do FoCo ride!
Jan 29, 2017 near Loveland, CO

4 Comments

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Sep 7, 2024
Christian W
Jun 11, 2024
JJ Perez
Jun 1, 2024
Jeremy Orr
10.2mi — 1h 36m
Dec 31, 2023
Scott Moulton
7mi — 1h 14m
Apr 8, 2023
Harley Denkers
2h 15m
Nov 16, 2022
Loren D
May 7, 2022
Stefan Feider
Apr 16, 2022
Billy Ross

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