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Devil's Backbone Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 289 Google reviews · Running trail in Loveland, Colorado · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- 2.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Devil's Backbone Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Popular system of rocky, scenic trails for hiking and biking, plus a dog-friendly policy.
What runners say about Devil's Backbone Trailhead
“Devils Backbone is a good scenic trail and I would qualify it as easy.”
“Great for families, mountain bikers or individuals looking for an easy hike.”
I did this hike alone with three kids. They had fun. I had fun. It's the perfect distance for my 3.5 year old. I didn't have to carry her. My older two asked to do it again sometime.
Devils Backbone is a good scenic trail and I would qualify it as easy. If you want to bring family you can do so. Also the trails allow dirt biking. If you do the extended hike which is 7 miles round trip there is some rock scrambling and a also very few people that far.
Really nice trail. Great for hiking or biking. Used to be free parking but now it's $10 which it's probably worth but seems a bit high. This trail connects to Coyote Ridge, Indian Summer, and Blue Sky which eventually ends up near Horsetooth Reservoir so you can get as much riding or hiking as you want.
Absolutely fantastic hiking for all levels of experience. Dog friendly (on leash and stay on the trails because cactuses abound)-- jogger friendly (some trails separate into foot traffic only/trail running only/biking only).
Trail conditions & character
“I'd recommend this to anyone in the area looking for some exercise, a good view or just something to do to kill time.”
“Be aware they have a large population of healthy rattle snakes here during warmer months, and I cant recommend taking your dog there unless the temps stay below 50 degrees.”
“I love running here, the trails are rocky and be difficult, but that's part of what I love about it.”
Plan your run at Devil's Backbone Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- Distance2.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitelarimer.org
Hours
| Monday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Friday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am–6 pm |
| Sunday | 8 am–6 pm |
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