![]() This erosion creates cliffs that steepen as the softer rock continues to erode away. A hogback is defined as a steep slope that is greater than 30° - 40° with a near symmetric slope on each ridge face.ĭevil’s Backbone is a hogback that has a spine that rises about 220 feet above the surrounding valleys and was deposited during the Cretaceous Period about 145 to 65 million years ago. As time goes on, the softer rock erodes away leaving the harder sedimentary rock behind. The softer rock erodes more quickly than overlying hard rock. In most cases, the sedimentary rock that composes a hogback is two different types of rock that each erode at various speeds. The name comes from the ridge resembling the high, knobby spine between the shoulders of a hog. PLEASE FOLLOW ALL REGULATIONS SET BY THE PARK!ĭevil’s Backbone is what is known as a hogback, or a rocky ridge with steep sides and tilted sedimentary rock protruding from the earth’s surface. Bike riders - Control your speed at all times and remember trail courtesy.Firearms, fires, fireworks, hunting and trapping are prohibited.Stay on the trail to avoid and not disturb wildlife, including rattlesnakes.Pets must be kept on a leash at all times.The "dusk-to-dawn" gate at the trailhead opens and closes at sunset - please time your hike/ride accordingly.Please consider a different open space for the day and come back another time. If you arrive to a full parking lot, that means trails are at maximum capacity. Please carry enough for your hike or ride. 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.ĭrinking water is available at the trailhead. Its 12 miles of trail 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. 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 2,198-acre Devil's Backbone Open Space. (Note: Valid LCDNR Annual Permits purchased in 2021 will provide access to Devil's Backbone.) () 1, 2022 which now includes a new 10$ entrance fee at Devil’s Backbone south trailhead. The Larimer County Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved adjustments to 2022 user fees for Larimer County Department of Natural Resources (LCDNR) parks and open spaces on September 14, 2021. It would be a great training trail for trail runners and is fun to get some flatter hiking miles on.Devil's Backbone Open Space is open from dawn to dusk and is located west of Loveland, Colorado. If you park a vehicle at another trail head you can go distances of 10- 20 miles. You can go for miles along this trail as it hooks into the foothill trail system of Larimer County. ![]() It is in between the hog backs and if you know geology, it is along tilted strata that are found up and down the front range. This trail offers nice views and many options if you don't have time to go up into the mountains. Do be aware there are rattle snakes in this area, I have seen them quite often, thus wise to look and carry a hiking stick to get them out of your way gently if needed. The higher trail to the key hole, is for hikers only and does add some elevation and great views. It is a rolling hills type of hike on a trail that can be shared with horses, bikes, and hikers. ![]() It is just a few miles from the mouth of the Big Thompson Canyon on the drive heading up to Estes Park. It is north of highway 34 on the west side of Loveland. ![]() The Devil's Backbone is aptly named because that is what it looks like from a distance. ![]()
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