Ascending Hikes – Devil's Backbone Open Space

Carpool Place & Time: JAX West in Loveland (SE Corner) at 7:00AM for 7:15AM departure (JAX Loveland West Outdoor Gear, Farm & Ranch - Google Maps)

We'll carpool to the Devils Backbone Trailhead parking (Devil's Backbone Trailhead - Google Maps)

Setting out on the rugged, sun-drenched trail of Devil’s Backbone, we weave through undulating terrain where towering sandstone spires claw at the sky, their jagged silhouettes casting dramatic shadows against the endless Colorado blue. The air hums with the whisper of the wind as we ascend, each step unveiling sweeping vistas of rolling foothills, golden grasslands, and the distant, snow-capped Rockies. The trail snakes toward the legendary Keyhole, a mesmerizing rock window framing a picture-perfect view of the wild expanse beyond, beckoning us to step through and embrace the untamed spirit of the land. Every twist and turn of the path teems with adventure—coyotes yip in the distance, red-tailed hawks soar overhead, and the earth itself tells a tale of time etched in stone. As we retrace our steps the Devil’s Backbone lingers in your mind, a spine of the earth’s ancient past and a gateway to boundless exploration.. We'll find a comfortable spot at/near the scenic overlook for lunch/snack. Our pace will be comfortable for all members of the group. Overall this hike is ~6 mile and ~850 ft elevation gain. (Devils Backbone Loop - CalTopo)