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 3,007-acre Devil's Backbone Open Space. It has 17.25 miles of trail that 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.

The Devil's Backbone itself is one of the most impressive and visible geologic landmarks in Larimer County showcasing:

• The Devil's Backbone is a geologic feature known as a "hogback", which forms when flat layers of sedimentary rock are bent into wave-like shapes and then eroded away unevenly, leaving a spine of a harder layer of rock sticking out almost vertically from the ground.
• This unusual vertical orientation of sedimentary rock (called the Dakota Group) was formed over 100 million years ago when sand and gravel were deposited along an ancient seashore.
• Some 50 million years later, this hogback, known as the Devil's Backbone, was steeply tilted by the same tectonic forces that created the Rocky Mountains. 
• You can find 4 layers of sedimentary rock at Devil's Backbone Open Space representing different prehistoric eras. 

Drinking water is available at the trailhead. Please carry enough for your hike or ride. This open space is popular. If you arrive to a full parking lot, that means trails are at maximum capacity. Please consider a different open space for the day and come back another time.

Devil's Backbone Open Space is open from sunrise to sunset and is located west of Loveland, Colorado.