Super easy hike with some decent views. I wanted more of a challenge, but still had a good time. There is a lot of traffic on these trails and a lot of kids were there...not an issue, but it was busier than a lot of the hikes I do. Parking is $10 though! read more

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Make it a destination when in NoCo....the place is just a beautiful place, close to town, and stands out as must not miss !! Great place for a short hike, or use their amenities to start your longer adventure. read more

Nice trails but there's a fee to park! I have an issue with paying to hike a trail for an hour.

This is a great trail for if you are wanting to get into nature and dont have a bunch of time to drive. It is just around 10 minutes out from loveland. There is not much shade on this trail so if its a hot warm day, this is not the most ideal hike. There are also a lot of snakes along this trail in the warmer months. The first loop is always a little more busy. Lots of people of all skill levels tend to visit the first loop of the trail, or at least up to the keyhole. This seems to be a favorite spot for families as well. If you venture on further, you can get onto the hunter loop and then the laughing horse loop. As you get onto the 2nd and 3rd loops there are less people which is nice. This is a ON LEASH trail for dogs. Sometimes people seem to forget that. There are bathrooms at the trail head. Along with a water pump where dogs can get a drink. There are poop bags and trash bags at the trail head as well. You can check the parking lot camera before you go to make sure there is space. If you are lucky you might get to catch a glimpse of the local elk herd. Last time i was there we saw them and they are truly very beautiful! read more

Devil's Backbone - Hiking Near Me - Loveland, Colorado

Did this hike a couple of times while living in Colorado. First time I did it is from my original review. Now that I look back after doing it so many times, wasn't bad at all lol. It is definitely brutal on the hottest day of summer. Walkways and steps are wide enough to take breaks. Perfect BEGINNER hike lol read more

Seeking a spot in the Greeley area for a midweek hike with my girl Marissa C and my pup - we made out way to Loveland to explore Devil's Backbone! PRO: Going during the week meant there were less people on the trails! CON: That being said, we narrowly missed a large elementary summer school field trip. PRO: Fairly easy hike on Wild Loop Trail that runs alongside Devil's Backbone and through a meadowy area with very little elevation gain. Makes it a great easy hike for kids and pups alike! CON: Meandering through a meadow means very little shade! Ouch! Bring LOTS of water, wear sunscreen, and take breaks. PRO: Great views from the Keyhole! CON: If you stand on the trail-side looking through you get a great view... Of the neighborhood below. Boo! Stand on the rocks and look back towards the trail and you will have a much better view. PRO: Epic views of Devil's Backbone that are even enhanced by a storm rolling in! CON: No shelters in the event of a sudden downpour. Bring a poncho! PRO: Dog-friendly! CON: None! Bring your furry leashed friend and enjoy a little day-venture. Any day I'm able to get outside and soak up nature is def a great day in my book! I would gladly come back to check out more of Devil's Backbone again in the future! read more

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This trail is amazing! Especially for a trail close to a city. Perfect place to go watch the sunset. Its fairly easy, so a good place to start hiking, or go if you haven't been in awhile. And there are a number of good places for photos! The only issue is that it can get crowded. If you don't get there early on a weekend you probably won't get a parking spot. read more

Devil's Backbone - Arch at devils backbone - Hiking Near Me - Loveland, Colorado

What's a visit to Colorado without a hike? During our Thanksgiving week visit to Fort Collins, we made a family trek out to Devil's Backbone for a pre-Thanksgiving dinner hike. The trail was reasonable with some moderate up and down parts that led to the keyhole -- a great spot for photos and to grab a sip of water while soaking in the view. From there you can head back or continue on through the loop trail, which is what we did. This leads up to a bit more uphill hiking, but we all had no trouble keeping a good pace. The view from the top of that part of the area gives a great view of the rock formations that make up the "Devil's Backbone" with the mountains in the backgrounds. Breathtaking, really. Definitely a worthwhile spot to visit and good for many ages. read more

Free entrance with plenty of parking. They have a crap station and a water bowl for dogs. Hike north for about 1 mile to get to the Keyhole. After the first .3 miles, turn left into Wild Loop at the split because the right trail has no views. The trail can be narrow and rocky. There is no shade except at the Keyhole so I would not recommend in 90+ degrees weather. Bulldog did not encounter any rattlesnakes, they are most active during summer evenings between 70 to 90 degrees. read more

Ended up here after parking at the horse tooth mountain open space was filled up! Devils backbone did not disappoint, easy trail would bring the parents here for a beautiful drive/ scenic trail, easy for all skill levels! read more

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This is a great spot to get some exercise in after work, or if you don't want to be outside all day. Living 3 min from Devil's Backbone Open-space, I'd much prefer to hike up to Keyhole than walk flat for 2.5 miles. I think the area has over 40 miles of trials. Can't wait to go back. read more

Ok, if you're going in the summer go early because there's not a ton of shade. Took my kids (11,8 and 3). It's definitely better suited for adults, older kids or ones you can put in a hiking backpack because my 3 year old gave up 15 minutes in and I ended up with a very sweaty, heavy, whiny backpack and a sore neck but that's all my fault. This is an easy hike with beautiful views. Still glad we went but I should have planned better! Bring water and hats/sunglasses for sure. read more

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Beautiful trail with some nice elevation you can do this for an early morning or midday afternoon the views are amazing on both sides of the trail lots of snow today when we went but not too much where we needed spikes on our shoes we went up to keyhole which is well worth the trip recommend for a quick fun outdoor adventure read more

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Looking for a cool place to hike? This is your spot... Despite the heavy foot traffic we encountered today, it wasn't that bad... The Open Space is so expansive and you're gaze is forever pulled toward the plentiful vistas, that, really, you don't much mind those peeps passing you on the trail. As a climber, I totally wanted to, at least, explore some of the "This is not a trail" trails. Alas, I suppose you can't climb everything your eyes see. And, if you wanna respect the park and its rules, then just take the views in and be content... Okay. This was the only drawback from a perfect rating... And yes, you've already discovered my bias. Other than that, the park was great. I appreciated the decently clean bathrooms at the trailhead and plentiful parking as others have mentioned. Colorado is wondrously beautiful and this park is yet, another example of its beauty. read more

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My friend and I arrived at this amazing hike early morning. We did pass the entrance to the parking lot for the hike. You are able to bring your dogs which is great! They have picnic tables and restroom facilities as well as a water fountain for your dog and you. We enjoyed the hike very much it can be long hike. Where we stopped at was a hr and half in and turned back you could definitely keep going.The views were amazing! They do have benches you can take a rest at. the train wasn't too bad either. The trail was a one person walkway you can't be next to your partner when you're walking. I will definitely go again this time I'll make it all the way! read more

Devil's Backbone - We are on Hunter trail. - Hiking Near Me - Loveland, Colorado

When we moved to CO, we immediately started looking into the availability of bike and hiking trails, that offered some challenge, but also easy enough for us over 50, looking forward to getting in better shape folk. ;) This was one we discovered, and loved it. Nice hike, very family friendly, I know we read about ratings, I can't speak to it's number in that regard, but its a great walk with some incline, well groomed paths, and not at all hard. We did the Keyhole route, and the view was spectacular. Course...for us, just having moved here...all the views have been amazing! We look forward to bringing our bikes, and doing the bike trail. read more

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I love this place and have hiked here many times. Aside from the fact that there isn't any shade and there are occasional rattlesnakes in the hot summer days it is still my go to place for a quick jaunt into nature. The geological formations are massive and intriguing. I just love the Backbone!! read more

I was in heaven. Let's preface this by saying I'm from Illinois....so this is a great place for me (i.e. some of you may find this too elementary). But I'm not looking to bite off more than I can chew while flying solo. Did a great trail run. Bring water, wear sunscreen = no shade. Well appointed restrooms at the parking lot. Kids can do these trails and there are interactive maps and postings on the hikes. Check the boards at the parking lot for the info. Bikes are allowed on certain paths. I'd be here daily if I was a local. Have fun! read more

Devil's Backbone - Hiking Near Me - Loveland, Colorado

The rocks are awesome, if you're going for the lookout alone maybe skip. There is very little shade and can get hot fast even on a nice day. You walk for a bit before reaching the cool stuff. Love the trailhead bathrooms and water fountains for both people and dogs. Parking lot is nice and big and you can often fine a spot. read more

An easy and interesting hike. You can keep going and going into yawner hills. I think we did around 7-8 miles. You can also bike this trail. I was disappointed you can't actually hand out on the backbone, alas, the monkey in me was not assuaged. Picturesque and pastoral, close enough to Loveland to easily enjoy one of the many delicious breweries afterwards and get rid of your rubber legs. The loop around the more rocky areas was my favorite part. read more

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This is open land, many hikes and some easy walks, different terrain and many signs to educate you on the trails. Be aware of the snakes but great to see many miles away. read more

Devil's Backbone - Devils Backbone - Hiking Near Me - Loveland, Colorado

Great walking and riding trails very scenic and peaceful and close to town. Also, great for beginners to start a walking regimen.

Always beautiful views! A great place to trail run as well can make it as short or as long as you want. Bring water trail is hot

Great hike! Went during the week, only saw a few people. Definitely need to bring a hat/ sunglasses and water! Beautiful views. Some small hills but very doable. read more

OMG you have GOT to be shitting me! what a super awesome running/biking/walking trail am I right? but in the summer time you have GOTTA be careful because there is plenty of those dirty little sonsabitch'n rattle snakes. Those little bastards will straight up kill you and or your dog for sure because you're far enough away from first aid that chances are you're done for if you get bit. Such incredibly amazing picturesque views and excellent photo ops for you and your four legged friend and I've never tried it but according to other avid trail runners you can take this trail all the way to Ft. Collins. Theres also some rich folks homes out in this area that are easily 2-3 million dollar homes, also gotta be careful in the winter time of ice and snow on the ground. I cant count how many times I have busted my ass on this trail but I've been lucky enough to be able to get up and keep going. Theres even a water pump and a shithouse at the start of the trail for bathroom breaks and water for the pups or you as well. If you can find a small one it would probably be a good idea to bring a first aid kit with you because if you're deep enough on the trail and you're hurt real bad theres no way you're getting out on anything except a helicopter. Oh and for the summer time trail hikes a snake bite kit is an excellent idea for a worse case scenario type of shit storm, better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Definitely come here and get you some great exercise with great views! read more

Great day hike near Loveland there are options to to short or long hikes and they have great stuff for biking ‍ if you're interested in that .. watch out for rattlesnakes on hot summer days read more

Dusty, hot and rattlesnake infested is about all this Loveland native can say about this place. With so many other lovely places to visit I do not understand why tax money was spent to feed wary tourists to the snakes - oh but if you don't like the tourists you probably love this place. read more

After a grueling hike at Rocky Mt. National Park, I wanted to do a trail that was a. only a couple of miles round trip, b. wasn't at 10,000 ft., and c. didn't take an hour to get to. The Devil's Backbone was the perfect trail. Rough enough that you could travel 8 miles from the parking lot from Eisenhower Rd. to Horsetooth Mountain, or go 2 miles around the Wild Loop and see the Keyhole, which is what we did. Plus, it was free, the public bathrooms were in decent shape, they had water fountains and a spigot, and separate trails for bikes and horses in certain areas. Beware of rattlesnakes - we ran into one on the trail! read more

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LOVE the trails here! Currently training for a Ragnar Trail Race and Devil's couldn't be more convenient. This is also perfect for an easy hike if you're just getting out of the house or visiting for a day. The Keyhole route has a great view. read more

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Devils Backbone is one of many of the areas pretty parks and protected open spaces. It's not too far from downtown Loveland and is a great place to get away and take a walk with some great views. Even better is that this is a mixed use trail so bring your bike or a horse if you want. Devils Back Bone gets its name from the crazy rock formations that protrude out from the high hill tops. A more accurate name to describe the actual rocks might be Stegosaurus' Backbone than the devils; but I haven't met the devil yet though I know I will. The rocks range two to three stories high and give some great views with high mountain (Longs) peaks in the back drop. Bring a camera, a water bottle, and a snake bite kit if it's hot. The snakes are not that bad but the trail does have some signs warning you to stay on the trail or you might run into a rattler. This is a great place to work up a sweat or just take in some great views and relax. read more

My god I LOVED this place. Absolutely gorgeous and a very gentle hike even for someone who isn't used to the altitude. Some of the trails were muddy due to the melting snow, but the views were spectacular. One of my favorite hikes I went on this trip! read more

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The best trailhead closest to Loveland. Easy access for folks desiring a gentle hike. Also great mountain biking trails for the more adventurous kinds. Beauty around every turn including wildlife in the early morning hours. Best place for the sunrise and sunset hours too! read more

It was a nice walk, but I wouldn't call it a POI. There was a slight grade going up a hilltop to "the keyhole," which you can look through and see houses on the other side. It was quiet there, which was nice. I wouldn't go again. read more

Great place to go for a hike (and i guess a bike) There are trails that are foot traffic only, and other that allow horses and bikes Keep a look out for the other types if you are on foot - there are some blind corners, The views, ahhhh the views! Jagged rocks sticking out of the ground all lines up and cool looking! You can determine your own distance, there are a couple loops. Just watch out for the afternoon storms! read more

Stunning rock formation, a bit apocalyptic looking. This open space is great for a lunch break or an entire Saturday. It's proximity to downtown kind of makes it crowed on weekends, but once you get way up in the trail it is not really a problem. The views and sense of solitude are memorable, and in afternoons, the foothill valley catches the sun and makes the valley just GLOW. There's a neat little keyhole not too far up the hill that is formed into the rocks that funnels the wind - invigorating. I wish the city of Loveland would reevaluate their existing claim to fame as Sweetheart Capitol (really though?) and plug this natural landmark in instead. read more

Definitely worth a visit! Breathtaking, great hiking area! I've been several times. Highly recommend!

Amazing place to go hiking! Not as much shade as I would like, but you can always wear a hat! Clean trails and pooch friendly!

Great for trail runs. If running stay on the trail that is east of the hiking trail. Watch for bikers, but don't worry because they are all very courteous! In the summer you have to worry about snakes. Well maintained. read more

I moved right next to this place last fall, and I'll never tire of it. I walk my dog here/do a trail run here at least once a week. I've lived in CO ~6 years, and this is a great place for an easy short or long hike (you can hike all the way to the edge of Horsetooth Reservoir if you like). It's easily accessible, and it's not a fee area. The only downside is that it can get pretty crowded on the weekends/on nice days. read more

Really disappointed in the treatment I received at Devil's Backbone. I was under the impression that this was a public park. However, I was told my group was too big to be there and was told we needed to leave in 10 minutes. I would not recommend going to this park unless you are by yourself and did not drive a car. read more