Devil's Backbone Nature Trail
Devil's Backbone Nature Trail
4.5
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4.5
244 reviews
Excellent
156
Very good
77
Average
10
Poor
1
Terrible
0
A J
1 contribution
Sept 2020
We were starting the trail and barely got up it when we saw a rattlesnake. It just hung out on the trail, so we went back down. This was after seeing 2 other venomous snakes (not on the trail) and we had kids so we just decided to abort. When going back down the trail, my husband stepped on a tiny baby snake (which was also venomous) so at that point we were definitely done with it. It's their home so we figured we'd let them be and move on, maybe one day we can hike it when it's not snake season.
Written 22 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ody G
Fort Collins, CO12 contributions
Jul 2023
Good for a short 2 mile loop or a longer hike along the backbone. As you get further out, the trail becomes very rocky and steep, so be prepared. It is very busy on the weekends so come early, also to beat the heat, as there is no shade.You need to pay the fee or have a park pass. Pay it, quit complaining. Someone has to clean the bathrooms and empty the trash.
Written 5 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
goodybroncofan
Fort Collins, CO18 contributions
Jul 2020
This is a Great place to Hike. Take water because there's hardly any Shade. So in the Summer time go early. A lot of Rattlesnakes in the summer. just be smart enough to use caution. If someone is visiting from out of town would be a great short Hike.
Written 9 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason G
Grand Prairie, TX28 contributions
Jul 2020
Easy enough to navigate for slightly out of shape out of towners. My 12 year old son loved it! The views were amazing! No shade to speak of, so wear sunblock. Make sure to bring some water too!
Written 20 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
val m
United States217 contributions
Jul 2020
Uphill to top and then downhill so prepare if it’s a hot day. Once to the “rest” point the trail is far from clear to the Keyhole which was my goal. Barbed wire fence where trail used to be? Other way is dead end. Went around the fence and rock climbed but never sure if I saw the keyhole...did it crumble?!
Written 13 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tamara S
25 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
We throughly enjoyed our visit to Devils Backbone. We took our 9 year old grand daughter. She enjoyed walking the trails and learning about the geography types of rocks that make up this formation. The trails were relatively easy to walk. The wildflowers were beautiful . The day we went it was cloudy, the temperature was comfortable. I would recommend that you bring water. They have water filling stations for you and your pup at the beginning of the trail.
Written 20 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vapour-cabbie
Loveland, CO35 contributions
Jun 2022
Nice place close to Loveland, Colorado to take a hike. Most of the way is easy to moderate. Beautiful view from the top at the key hole. You can make this a short hike up and back or keep gong for a longer one. Don't forget your Larimer Pass.
Written 4 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jjjjam
176 contributions
Nov 2012 • Friends
This trail is not among mountains and pine trees, but it is a great place to go for any type of hike you are seeking. We like it because it is close to town, and when we have visitors from "the lowlands," it is a great place for a walk at a bit lower altitude before they head up to the RMNP.
It is best in the early spring and fall because there isn't any tree cover and the Colorado sun can get hot. There are great views for The Keyhole.
One should be aware that there are rattlesnakes in the area, A bike rider was bitten this year. But, we have never sighted one on the shorter hikes. They don't like us any better than we like them. :-)
It is best in the early spring and fall because there isn't any tree cover and the Colorado sun can get hot. There are great views for The Keyhole.
One should be aware that there are rattlesnakes in the area, A bike rider was bitten this year. But, we have never sighted one on the shorter hikes. They don't like us any better than we like them. :-)
Written 17 January 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol S
Los Altos, CA173 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
Wear sturdy boots, bring water, sunscreen and binoculars. Expect to be wowed whether you hike the entire trail or mostly enjoy the scenery as I did on this trip.
Written 31 May 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Goatesians
Loveland, CO566 contributions
Mar 2013 • Friends
There are hundreds of reasons I moved to Colorado, and places like Devil's Backbone are another example of the state's magnificence. Just a couple of miles from my house and the city, you instantly step into Mother Nature's splendor with this pleasant and rewarding hiking trail.
You can choose your length and degree of difficulty with this popular hiking trail that is shared with hikers, bikers and equestrians alike. Highlights include "The Keyhole" which is not far from the trailhead, and magnificent views of the foothills of the Rockies and the magestic, snow-capped peaks further west. Parts of the trail are closed during the spring nesting season, but there is always plenty of trail open for an enjoyable day hike.
Hints for a pleasant hike include carrying water with you and taking advantage of the restroom facilities at the trailhead. Please be aware that this trail is used by cyclists, some of whom ride fairly aggressively.
Directions: Take Hwy 34 westbound from Loveland and Hidden Valley drive is 2 miles past the Rist Benson Reservoir. The turnoff is easy to miss, so be ready to make the turn. There is ample paved parking, but this is a popular venue and on the weekends this hike will be crowded.
You can choose your length and degree of difficulty with this popular hiking trail that is shared with hikers, bikers and equestrians alike. Highlights include "The Keyhole" which is not far from the trailhead, and magnificent views of the foothills of the Rockies and the magestic, snow-capped peaks further west. Parts of the trail are closed during the spring nesting season, but there is always plenty of trail open for an enjoyable day hike.
Hints for a pleasant hike include carrying water with you and taking advantage of the restroom facilities at the trailhead. Please be aware that this trail is used by cyclists, some of whom ride fairly aggressively.
Directions: Take Hwy 34 westbound from Loveland and Hidden Valley drive is 2 miles past the Rist Benson Reservoir. The turnoff is easy to miss, so be ready to make the turn. There is ample paved parking, but this is a popular venue and on the weekends this hike will be crowded.
Written 25 April 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long is the hike from the parking to the keyhole? We have small kids 4,2 yo and 4 mos. I wonder if it's doable for the small kids.
Written 23 September 2019
Little over a mile. A couple of slower go areas, rocks and narrowish areas, but 100% doable. If the 4 and 2 are fearless, keep super tight rein on them if you venture out at the keyhole. Enjoy
Written 23 September 2019
Los senderos para montar bicicleta, son fáciles , moderados o difíciles?
Are bike trails easy, moderate or difficult?
Written 8 May 2018
Traveling with my son who is autistic and very frightened of dogs not on a leash. Are there leash laws for dogs on trails or are they allowed to roam free?
Written 27 March 2017
I've only seen dogs on leashes - but it doesn't mean everyone abides the law.
Written 28 March 2017
We will be traveling with a disabled individual (walks well, just some visual issues). How is the actual surface of the trail for walking (smooth, stones, rocks, inclines, etc...) and how far would you estimate the walk is (from where you would park, to the arched area)? Thank you :-)
Written 3 February 2016
It is walkable, just mind your pace, and realize that you are at altitude, which can have a significant effect on some people. Be conservative - some expend too much time and energy going out, and don't turn back soon enough. A walking stick or poles may be worth considering, along with water. Weather can change quickly so consider taking a light jacket or extra layer.
Parts of the trail are wide and flat. Parts are narrower and at an incline - either across the trail, or changes in elevation up and down as you progress. In some short steeper sections, there are rock steps. There are a couple of options/forks.
You can go as far - or not - as you wish. It is generally an out and back, not a loop (there are loop sub-sections). There are a couple of trail options early on - you can go higher, or stay lower - use is open to those on foot, but parts are restricted to walking, other parts can be used by those on bike or horseback. Those trails do connect in a couple of places if you wish to go out one and come back the other.
So, go however far you like, then turn back. The north end of the trail connects to Blue Sky trail, which can take you all the way to Horsetooth Mountain Park (also worth a visit) at the SW edge of Fort Collins - which is about 10-12 miles. Some drop folks at one spot and send a car to one of the waypoints for pickup.
Many people take the trail and use the upper section to go as far as the keyhole, which is a scenic and interesting feature in the backbone itself, then come back.
If you are arriving soon, you may not be able to visit due to construction/improvements starting next week. The county website should provide details on when the project is happening, when access is restricted, and when it is open - see the natural resources section of the Larimer County website.
You can find a lot of details on specific loops and the area in general online if you google devil's backbone colorado and things like trail map, hikes, topography, etc. - in particular, if you visit the image tab in google search results you may find some photos of the actual trail.
Have fun, and enjoy your visit!
Written 4 February 2016
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