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This trail takes hikers to a beautiful overlook of the mountains before a gradual return to the trailhead.


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Map Key

2.1

Miles

3.4

KM

Point to Point

5,309' 1,618 m

High

5,085' 1,550 m

Low

235' 72 m

Up

179' 55 m

Down

4%

Avg Grade (2°)

12%

Max Grade (7°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views

Opens at sunrise and closes at sunset.

Description

This trail starts at the Devil's Backbone Open Space parking lot. A gradual downhill through a secluded picnic area on the Wild Loop helps hikers ramp up for the slight uphill for .7 miles. The dirt trail is well marked, and hikers should take the trail towards the Keyhole. The trail will split sendering bikers one way and runners and hikers to the left.

About half a mile in, hikers will come across a slightly rocky surface before returning to a smooth dirt path meant only for foot traffic. It travels mostly uphill for .8 miles before a gradual down and up leading the Keyhole. The overlook is popular towards the end of the day with the great view overlooking the mountains west so the trail can get a little busy.

Continuing past the Keyhole overlook north, the trail will become less busy. Hikers will connect with the Wild Loop Trail again where a different, more gradual section will move along the base. Bikes are allowed on this section of the trail so pay attention here. The trail stays mostly flat with a slight uphill before it connects back in with the main Wild Loop Trail to the parking lot. It is a very enjoyable route and one of the local go-to spots.

Flora & Fauna

This preserved open space is home to both birds and local plant life.

Contacts

Land Manager: Larimer County, Colorado

Shared By:

Kayla Dome

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 11 votes

#10043

Overall
  4.0 from 11 votes
5 Star
27%
4 Star
45%
3 Star
27%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#803

in Colorado

#10,043

Overall
10 Views Last Month
1,588 Since Feb 20, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Keyhole Balloon takes you to this phenomenal view.
Feb 17, 2017 near Loveland, CO
Keyhole Balloon follows the Devils Backbone and affords this fantastic view.
Feb 17, 2017 near Loveland, CO

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

All Clear 55 days ago
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Check-Ins

Sep 19, 2024
Rochelle Chandler
Hiked with lead auditor Janice while in Loveland for an audit 2.1mi — 0h 52m
Nov 5, 2022
Caitlin Heckman
Jul 10, 2021
Shanna Kramer
Jun 2, 2021
Josiah Mittelstadt
4.4mi
May 25, 2021
Tracey Ziniel
Apr 5, 2021
Chris Holton
Stopped to check out rocks, Keyhole, and local geology. Great easy trail. Recommend. 6mi — 1h 45m
Aug 2, 2020
Stone Olson
2.1mi
Jan 12, 2020
Mark Williamson
Dry and busy
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