Devil's Backbone OS

This the final day hike of a phenomenal hiking season, comes amid a week of seasonal change, and neighborhood kids dressed in costume.  In that context, I can't think of a better place to hike this week than Devil's Backbone Open Space (DBOS).  The name projects an image of being a long, rugged, and challenging day ahead.  As you will see,  within the shear natural beauty of this slice of landscape, there is a certain ruggedness not easily explained.  It must be experienced to be fully appreciated.

We leave ACAA with 13 members of the High Country Hikers group on board.  Sunrise this morning was a Colorado classic array of vivid color.  What better way to start ones day.  While heading North on I-25, I am reminded of how fortunate we all are to live and play in a place as packed with the natural beauty as Colorado.

To our right, the natural gas well rigs and fracking sites dot the landscape of Eastern Larimer County...a force in the future of natural energy in this country.  Looking West, the magnificent and statuesque Rocky Mountains stand tall against a late October sky.  The tallest peaks are covered in a distinct white blanket, a sign that Winter has made its way back to the high country. 

Bold and majestic Longs Peak is in clear view from Devil's Backbone.

As I peer out the upper right corner of the wind shield, a solo hot air balloon floats over the plains of Weld County to the north.  As I turn to secure my pack by my side, I am surprised to find a container of date and nut bread being passed around.  Fumei Eldridge has prepared a delicious home made nut bread for the group.  It is extra good with the remains of a cup of java.

Now beyond Johnsons Corner Truck Stop and adjacent Spa...the truckers' answer to stress behind the wheel...we approach Exit 257 (CO Rt. 34) to Loveland.  Lake Loveland is nestled among the trees directly beside the main drag.  It presents a sense of tranquility and peaceful harmony as we pass by.

Lake Loveland, on CO. Rt. 34.

A short distance (2 mi.) beyond is the turnoff to DBOS.  This 2,198 acre site in Larimer County just outside Longmont, turns out to be one of those 'diamonds in the rough' kind of place.  The 12-mile trail system in DBOS, features unique rock formations, one of which is the Keyhole.

AREA HISTORY:  Pioneer Industrialist Alfred Wild purchased the southern part of Devil's Backbone, in the late 1800's.  He grew hops and was dubbed "Colorado's Pioneer Hops Grower."  It was the discovery of gypsum, during the excavation of an irrigation ditch, to carry water from the Big Thompson River through the Devil's Backbone outcrop, that made Alfred Wild rich and famous. 

The mineral is used in the manufacturing of drywall, fertilizers and plaster of Paris.  A rail line was built to move the mineral to a plaster mill built south of the Devil's Backbone.  The mill operated from 1887 until a flood destroyed it in 1924. 

There are three loop trails within DBOS, including; Wild, Hunter, and Laughing Horse loop.  The first is named for Alfred Wild.       

Spine of Devil's Backbone, looking north.

BACKGROUND:  Devil's Backbone rock is sedimentary rock and gypsum rock...little white sedimentary rocks...protruding from the ground at an angle.  The Backbone is a spine of Dakota sandstone rising about 220' above the surrounding valley that was deposited during the Cretaceous Period (145 to 65 million years ago), the same time that Tyranosaurus rex lived.

The rock layers are part of the ancient beach that surrounded the Cretaceous Western Interior Seaway crested by erosion from the 2nd rising of the Rocky Mountains mixing with the ancient sea.

View of the spine from atop the ridge...Long's Peak (right center) towers from behind the foothills.

This Open Space is available to bikers, hikers, runners, equestrians, and dogs on a leash.  At the spacious parking lot, there are pit toilets, and a source of fresh drinking water.

We begin the day on a .4-mile spur trail leading to the first of three small loops in the system.  At the first junction, we bear right...the east side of Wild Loop...for .8 mi., where another connector trail of .6 mi. takes us to Hunter Loop. 

Interesting section of trail.

Another .3 mi. will bring us to Laughing Horse Loop.  This .5 mi. stretch will find us climbing to the top of the ridge a few times only to come down again. 

Trail bed is a combination of loose and partially exposed rock, and smooth hard ground.

Smooth sections of trail is the result of cyclists who frequent these trails daily.  Many of those users reside close by, in large residences built on equally large lots.

Now approaching mid-day, Ed locates a spot near a trail junction to break for lunch.  The area is littered with small rock formations and a few scrub oak providing limited protection from the sun.

After lunch, we move farther on the Backbone another 1.4 mi. on the Blue Sky Trail.  Trail continues up and down ridges, over rock-littered trail.  This type of hiking can be tiring because of the level of concentration needed on ones footing.  A trail with a variety of interesting challenges can take a toll on ones feet and lower body.  For me trekking poles are the difference between feeling confident about balance while on trail and being out of control while ascending or descending. 


Marcia McBurnett, Irmgard Bishop, Jane Barber, and Barbara Peck.

Another .4 mile brings us to a large cottonwood standing by itself in the valley.  Benches are provided here to give hikers an opportunity to rest and rehydrate.  We are now beyond a junction where the back side of Laughing Horse Loop would have led us in the direction of the bus.  

A solo biker stops as Ed inquires where we made a wrong turn.  The woman cyclist is quick to clear up the confusion.


Fumei Eldridge, Sandra Arunasalam, Penny Giese, and Robert Choquette.

With our location and directions in hand, the group retraces its steps to where a short spur trail leads to the Keyhole. 

Located among the miles of spine rock formations, this unique natural opening in the rock could be the little brother of the great natural arch in Arches National Park in Utah.

Hot ramen soup with shrimp for lunch.

Half the group decides to continue on to the van while the other half checks out the Keyhole.  This natural feature was formed by erosion of coarse-grained rocks that were weaker than the rocks around the hole.

The Devil's Backbone is composed of grey-brown to tan Dakota Sandstone of the Lytle Formation.  This formation is between 100-115 million years old.

Unique rock formation beside trail.

The Backbone OS is a popular site for locals.  Today in fact, there were many cyclists, runners, hikers, and people out walking their dogs.  Mild temperatures this late in October being the reason.

So what was anticipated to be a loop hike, turned out to be an extended out and back hike.  It's all good because nobody in the group had hiked DBOS before.  As is most often the case, there will be something worth a good memory in store for those who 'Hike the extra mile.' 

As it turned out, members who continued on trail to the bus were followed close behind by those who went to the Keyhole.

We stopped at Perkins Restaurant, in Longmont, for coffee, pie, and ice cream.  Back inside the city of Aurora, Ed points out highlights as he brings us south on Peoria for the last time this year.  First is the new overpass constructed at what will soon become one of the eastern hubs of light rail expansion.  Next is the beautiful University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Complex, a few city blocks that have seen a total transformation in a few years time. 

One thing Aurora residents don't realize is that within the city, are a number of opportunities for unrestricted wildlife viewing.  Today we pass the infamous Aurora Wildlife Preserve (an open field south of Colfax, loaded with prairie dogs).  Finally there is the corner Bar and Grille called Shepes.  Although a few on the bus have threatened to actually patronize the place, to date, there is no proof any member of the group has done so.

Marcia and Barbara enjoy the awesome views.

As Ed reenters the ACCA parking lot for the last time this hiking season, there is a well deserved round of applause for his leadership and knowledge of flora, fauna, wildlife, geology, and history.  His driving skills are exceptional.  After driving from Parker each week, Ed must procure the van in time for it to be loaded to leave ACAA by 7:30 each week.  That happens 20 to 30+ times each year.  For that, we say "Thank You, Ed."

Until next year, see you on trail...because as you know, it's all about the journey. 

Check out previous day hikes made by the High Country Hikers group, plus multi-day backpack trips by the writer.  There are feature articles in a series called "Inspiring Profiles" included in this blog. 

For those who have a family member, friend or neighbor diagnosed with dementia or Parkinson's Disease (PD), a number of articles have been posted...check articles in the month of April each year...regarding the writers personal day to day struggle living with PD.

Heading for the Keyhole (right center in distant background).

Total Miles Completed = 9.6

Looking back at Devil's Backbone.

REMINDER: Register for upcoming snowshoe hikes this winter.  The dates are January 13th and 27th., and February 10th, and 24th.  Call the front desk at ACAA today for details (303) 739-7950

Dorothy Stranberg (center) at the Keyhole. 

STILL TIME: To reserve a seat for you and a guest at the annual High Country Hikers group 'GATHERING.'  Held at ACAA on November 15th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Call the writer to confirm your seat.  (303) 617-9479 or  garyalleman@gmail.com



Left to Right: Dorothy Stranberg, sitting, and Robert Choquette, hike leader/driver, Ed Blum, Sandra Arunasalam, and Albert Barrientos, standing.