Devil's Backbone Open Space wilderness guide
Open Space · CO

Devil's Backbone Open Space

Devil's Backbone Open Space offers a unique outdoor experience with its signature rock formations and miles of trails ideal for hiking and biking enthusiasts.

Open Space2,1983+ Trails
DesignationOpen Space
Total Wilderness Area2,198
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Devil's Backbone Open Space

Devil's Backbone Open Space offers a unique outdoor experience with its signature rock formations and miles of trails ideal for hiking and biking enthusiasts.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Devil's Backbone Open Space, located near Loveland in northern Colorado, is celebrated for its impressive geological formations including the distinctive spiky ridge that resembles a devil’s backbone. Covering over 2,000 acres, this area is a hotspot for outdoor recreation. The unique geography, shaped by millions of years of erosion, provides habitats for diverse wildlife, including mule deer, bobcats, and a variety of bird species. Historically, the land served as a travel route for Ute tribes and later for settlers in the region. Today, it offers ample opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife photography, with trails leading visitors through scenic vistas and serene backcountry landscapes. Notable landmarks such as Keyhole and the Wild Loop Trail offer stunning views of the Front Range and the distant peaks of Rocky Mountain National Park, making this open space a popular draw for both locals and visitors.

Field Guide · Open Space
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Devil's Backbone Open Space

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Keyhole, a natural rock formation and popular photography spot✦ Diverse habitats supporting myriad wildlife including prairie dogs and raptors✦ The scenic Wild Loop Trail with panoramic views of the Front Range✦ Interpretive signs along the trails providing insights into local geology and ecology
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Devil's Backbone Open Space

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Devil's Backbone Open Space
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Devil's Backbone Open Space
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Devil's Backbone Open Space
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Devil's Backbone Open Space
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Devil's Backbone Open Space.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free Access

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Devil's Backbone Open Space

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Loveland, Colorado
⌖ 5.38 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Loveland, Colorado

Loveland, CO is a gateway to Colorado's great outdoors, offering hiking, mountain biking, and skiing opportunities. Discover the local scenery with adventures around every corner.

Summer and Fall
Explore Town
Berthoud, Colorado
⌖ 9.17 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Berthoud, Colorado

Berthoud, Colorado offers easy access to Colorado’s Front Range outdoor pursuits from hiking and biking to fishing and winter skiing. Its small-town charm pairs with scenic berths into Roosevelt National Forest and Berthoud Pass adventures.

Spring through Fall, with winter for snow sports
Explore Town
Timnath, Colorado
⌖ 12.62 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Timnath, Colorado

Timnath, Colorado, offers a quiet basecamp close to Fort Collins with easy access to hiking, mountain biking, and fishing. Explore local natural areas and nearby foothills for year-round outdoor fun.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Fort Collins, Colorado
⌖ 12.70 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Fort Collins, Colorado

Fort Collins is an outdoorsy college town with stellar hiking, biking, and paddling spots. Dive into its craft beer scene after adventures in the scenic Rocky Mountain foothills.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Lyons, Colorado
⌖ 14.26 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lyons, Colorado

Lyons, Colorado offers adventures in hiking, biking, and paddling among the stunning Rocky Mountains. A haven for nature enthusiasts, it provides the perfect gateway to explore Northern Colorado's beauty.

Spring, Summer, and Fall
Explore Town
Laporte, Colorado
⌖ 14.56 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Laporte, Colorado

Laporte, Colorado, offers a peaceful foothills setting with excellent hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and fishing opportunities along the Cache la Poudre River, making it a perfect base for outdoor lovers seeking a quiet adventure.

Late Spring through Early Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Devil's Backbone Open Space

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Avalanche Safety & Rescue Package
ADVEXPEDITION
Loveland, Colorado
RentalsADV Bookable

Avalanche Safety & Rescue Package

Prepare yourself for Colorado's winter terrain with a private avalanche safety and rescue experience in Loveland. Learn rescue techniques, navigate snowy trails, and explore the stunning Colorado mountains in this comprehensive UTV adventure.

RentalsCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Ram 2500 & Grey Wolf: A family-ready tow package out of Loveland
ADVEXPEDITION
Loveland, Colorado
RentalsADV Bookable

Ram 2500 & Grey Wolf: A family-ready tow package out of Loveland

A rental pairing a 2022 Ram 2500 with a Wolf Pup 17JGBL travel trailer, fully furnished and pet‑friendly—this guide explains what the package includes and the practical details for a smooth trip.

RentalsPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Honda EU2200 Generator
ADVEXPEDITION
Loveland, Colorado
RentalsADV Bookable

Honda EU2200 Generator

Discover the thrill of private UTV rides in Loveland, Colorado, with KB Rentals Colorado. Experience scenic trails, wildlife encounters, and the freedom to explore at your own pace, all powered by reliable Honda EU2200 generators.

RentalsCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip