Devil's Backbone Open Space
The Devil's Backbone Open Space protects wildlife habitat, a rare plant community and provides for expanded recreational activities. Its focal point, a unique rock formation featuring The Keyhole, is easily spotted from many locales. The Devil's Backbone is located off Hidden Valley Drive, approximately 2 miles west of the intersection of Wilson and Eisenhower in Loveland.
It is a very popular spot, so if you should arrive and find the parking lot full you will know that the trails are at maximum capacity. Please consider one of our other open spaces, such as Ramsay-Shockey Open Space or Rimrock Open Space for your outdoor enjoyment that day, and come back to the Devil's Backbone another time.
| Yes | No | Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permit Required | * | ||
| Trails |
* | Easy to moderate. Trail length is currently 7 miles long, round trip, and unpaved. The Backbone Trail loop (3.5 mi.) has marked stops that coordinate with an interpretive brochure. The Keyhole trail is closed seasonally in the spring to accommodate nesting ravens. | |
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| Restrooms | * | Restrooms at trailhead. | |
| Drinking fountains | * | Located at the trailhead. No water facilities on the trail | |
| Dogs allowed | * | Dogs must be leashed at all times. |
| Type of Acquisition | #Acres | Property Value |
Partnerships Bargain Sales Donations |
Date Acquired |
Public Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fee simple | 1545.0 | $ 5,410,000 | Larimer Co - $ 1,352,500 Fort Collins - $ 4,057,500 |
2003 | Future Trail 2006* |
| Fee simple | 219.0 | $ 2,084,000 | Larimer Co - $ 208,400 Loveland - $ 1,875,600 |
2003 | Yes |
| Fee simple | 9.5 | $ 248,000 | Larimer Co - $ 248,000 | 2002 | Yes |
| Fee simple | 22.0 | $ 95,000 | Larimer Co - $ 95,000 | 2000 | Yes |
| Fee simple | 7.1 | $ 35,500 | Larimer Co - $ 35,500 | 2000 | Yes |
| Fee simple Conservation easement |
248.0 0.5 |
$ 864,500 | Larimer Co - $ 589,500 Stryker Short - $ 200,000 Loveland - $ 75,000 |
1999 | Yes |
| Fee simple Conservation easement |
140.0 1.1 |
$ 485,520 | Larimer Co - $ 410,520 Loveland - $ 75,000 |
1998 | Yes |
| Fee simple | 6.1 | $ 92,500 | Larimer Co - $ 92,500 | 1998 | Yes |
* This will be part of the future regional trail system from Devil's Backbone to Lory State Park.
A management plan for Devil's Backbone Open Space has been in place since 1999. It was updated, with an extensive public process in 2004. The plan accommodates multiple-use recreation such as hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding on the 7-mile trail system. The trailhead at Devil's Backbone features restroom facilities, drinking water, horse-trailer parking and a picnic area.
The complete plan can be accessed at www.larimer.gov/naturalresources/openlands.
Click a photo to enlarge.
