Blue Sky Trailhead to Devil’s Backbone Trailhead (B)

This moderately challenging and rewarding B rated one-way shuttle hike from the Blue Sky Trailhead in Fort Collins, CO to the Devil’s Backbone Trailhead in Loveland, CO is a hike of approximately 9.5 miles, with a net elevation gain of approximately 780 feet. The hike will commence from the Blue Sky Trailhead near the Horsetooth Reservoir and will gently meander down to the valley below while offering constant views of the valley and the surrounding hogback rock formations and foothills. Traversing the valley floor will be very pleasant, and we will then steadily climb uphill to the trails of the Devil’s Backbone Open Space, and then take those trails to the Devil’s Backbone Trailhead. The Devil’s Backbone itself is one of the most impressive and visible geologic landmarks in Larimer County. The most significant elevation gain will be when we near the end of the Blue Sky Trail and link up with the Laughing Horse Trail, but it is pretty steady and not very hard. However, this section can be quite rocky and uneven at times, but is only 1.5 miles or so in length. Sturdy hiking shoes and hiking poles should mitigate any concerns. This hike is almost entirely unshaded, which makes for a wonderful excursion on a sunny spring day. The hike features wonderful views of the valleys, grasslands, foothills and towering rock formations. Vaccinated hikers only please. Limit is 8 hikers. This will be a shuttle hike so if interested, please indicate if you have a Larimer County Pass and would be willing to drive. Contact Stephen Hatcher at skhatcher57@gmail.com.