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North Backbone

Intermediate Intermediate
 3.8 (5)
  1. Areas
  2. CO
  3. …Central Rockies
  4. …Salida
  5. Arkansas Hills Trail System
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“A rocky, crunchy, challenging trail with excellent views. ”

Elvis Riggs
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Map Key

3.2

Miles

5.1

KM

Point to Point

7,702' 2,347 m

High

7,580' 2,310 m

Low

241' 73 m

Up

276' 84 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

11%

Max Grade (6°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Description

The northern extension of the Backbone Trail is a steep, challenging trail with excellent views of Salida and the Collegiates. There are many beautiful rock formations surrounding this trail, but keep a look out for shark fin rock, one of the most memorable features on the way!

Contacts

Local Club: Salida Mountain Trails

Feb 19, 2025: Salida Mountain Trails to launch youth cycling program

Feb 19, 2025: Newsletter: February 2025

Dec 2, 2024: Salida Bike Skills Park to open Friday, December 6 

Land Manager: BLM Colorado - Royal Gorge Field Office

Shared By:

Elvis Riggs
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 5 votes

#16

in Arkansas Hills Trail System

#15549

Overall
  3.8 from 5 votes
5 Star
20%
4 Star
40%
3 Star
40%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#16

in Arkansas Hills Trail S…

#1,348

in Colorado

#15,549

Overall
5 Views Last Month
925 Since Mar 20, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate
0%
40%
40%
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20%
0%
Add a Photo

Photos

View of S Mountain from North Backbone.
Apr 15, 2024 near Salida, CO
Traversing below a small rock cliff.
Apr 15, 2024 near Salida, CO
Just around.
Jan 5, 2024 near Salida, CO
High desert flowing.
Jan 5, 2024 near Salida, CO

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 14 days ago
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Check-Ins

Aug 24, 2021
KARA LEACH
Beautiful trail with intermittent Collegiate views and interesting rock formations. 6.7mi — 3h 07m
Dec 27, 2020
Kathleen Hargarten
11h 52m
Sep 23, 2020
Private User

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