more stats
3,465 ft
Distance
38 ft
Climb
-35 ft
Descent
1,060 ft
High Point
2 ft
Altitude change
1,027 ft
Altitude min
1,041 ft
Altitude start
1,043 ft
Altitude end
-13.2%
Grade max
13.6%
Grade min
1,375 ft
Distance climb
1,247 ft
Distance down
791 ft
Distance flat

Backbone Trail Loop Details

  • Activities
    • Hike
    • Gravel Bike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Backbone State Park
    Dundee, Iowa
  • Difficulty Rating
    Blue Rate
  • Local Popularity
    95 in Hiking [+]
    • 95 in Trail Running
    • 5 in Gravel Biking
  • Global Ranking
    #12088 in Hiking [+]
    • #7564 in Trail Running
    • #61552 in Gravel Biking
  • State Ranking
    #13 in Hiking · Iowa [+]
    • #14 in Trail Running
    • #240 in Gravel Biking
  • Hiking SAC Scale
    T1 Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Climb Difficulty
    Green
  • Physical Rating
    Easy
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
    No
  • OSM Way
    #218493836

The Backbone Loop is a hiking trail, not open to mountain biking.

Tags
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
  •  
6 Months
  • 2 rides
  • 3 miles avg distance
All
  • 4 rides
  •  
update trails status or condition

Backbone Trail Loop Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Jul 28, 2026 @ 11:43am (America/Chicago)
Jul 28, 2026
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Status:
on Jul 28, 2026
Ideal
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      Directions to backbone-trail-loop trailhead (42.611650, -91.560750)
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      Nearby Trails

      Backbone State Park

      Frequently Asked Questions

      ▼ Where is Backbone Trail Loop located?
      Backbone Trail Loop is located in Backbone State Park, Dundee, Iowa, United States. It is part of the Backbone State Park trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 42.61165, -91.56075.
      ▼ How hard is Backbone Trail Loop?
      Backbone Trail Loop is rated as Blue difficulty. The physical rating is Easy. The climb difficulty is rated Green.
      ▼ What is the elevation gain for Backbone Trail Loop?
      Backbone Trail Loop has 38 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 35 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 1,027 ft to 1,060 ft.
      ▼ How long is Backbone Trail Loop?
      Backbone Trail Loop is 3,465 ft long. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ Are dogs allowed on Backbone Trail Loop?
      Yes, dogs are allowed on Backbone Trail Loop. Please keep dogs on a leash where required and clean up after them.
      ▼ How long does it take to hike Backbone Trail Loop?
      Based on recorded activities, it takes an average of 19 minutes to hike Backbone Trail Loop. The trail is 3,465 ft long. Actual times will vary based on fitness level, conditions, and pace. View recent activity logs for more details.
      ▼ How busy is Backbone Trail Loop?
      Backbone Trail Loop is a very popular trail. There have been 12 recorded activities on this trail. The trail has received 19 check-ins. View recent activity on this trail.

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