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3.1 miles
Distance
307 ft
Climb
-330 ft
Descent
00:31:46
Avg time
-23 ft
Altitude change
7,572 ft
Altitude min
7,699 ft
Altitude max
7,617 ft
Altitude start
7,595 ft
Altitude end
-0.1%
Grade
-19.7%
Grade max
25.5%
Grade min
5,148 ft
Distance climb
1 mile
Distance down
5,105 ft
Distance flat
00:31:46
Avg time
North Backbone Details
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Activities
- Mountain Bike
- Hike
- Trail Running
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Riding AreaArkansas Hills Trails
Salida, Colorado -
Difficulty Rating
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Local Popularity80 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 55 in Trail Running
- 95 in Hiking
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Global Ranking
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Trail TypeSingletrack
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Bike TypeAM, XC
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Climb DifficultyBlack Diamond
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Physical RatingHard
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Dogs AllowedYes
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eBike Allowed
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TTFs on TrailDrop, Rock Face
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Land OwnerBureau Of Land Management
North Backbone is one of the best technical XC trails in the area. It can be ridden from either direction or as an out and back. The stand-out features of North Backbone are its sections of rough rock slabs in the middle section. They will challenge the best of climbers. Scamper up what you can - many riders will be hiking short sections. The rest of the trail is a mix of swoopy hillside in pinions with lots of rocks in and around the trail to catch a pedal or rob you of momentum.
Access Info
The trailhead on the east side starts at the top of a steep, loose climb on CR 173. The west side trailhead is on CR 175 and has a parking lot and kiosk.
Trail Supporters
BLMLand Manager
Local Trail Association
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-
Please consider joining or donating to the local trail association to supportDonate to earn trail karma!
trail development & maintenance.
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
Recent Activity on Trail
Past Week
- 2 rides
- 8 miles average
6 Months
- 35 rides
- 17 miles avg distance
All
- 246 rides
- Last: Jul 5, 2026
| c1 | c2 | c3 | c4 |
|---|---|---|---|
January | February | March | April |
May | June | July | August |
September | October | November | December |
North Backbone Trail Reports
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Trail Conditions
- Unknown
- Snow Groomed
- Snow Packed
- Snow Covered
- Snow Cover Partial
- Freeze/thaw Cycle
- Icy
- Prevalent Mud
- Wet
- Variable
- Ideal
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Directions to north-backbone trailhead
(38.568420, -105.982990)
Photos
10 more »
Videos
2 more »
0:03 |
153 |
Jan 28, 2025 , Salida
14:48 |
495 |
May 8, 2019 , Salida
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Nearby Trails
- County Rd 175 30 ft
- County Rd 175 3,681 ft
- The Dude Arise 2 miles
- El Duderino 2 miles
- The Dude Abides 2 miles
Arkansas Hills Trails
- By todd
Trailforks & contributors - #13997 - 3,687 views
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Frequently Asked Questions About North Backbone
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Where is North Backbone located?
North Backbone is located in Arkansas Hills Trails, Salida, Colorado, United States. It is part of the Arkansas Hills Trails trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 38.56842, -105.98299.
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How hard is North Backbone?
North Backbone is rated as Black Diamond difficulty. The physical rating is Hard. The average grade is 0.1%. The climb difficulty is rated Black Diamond.
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What is the elevation gain for North Backbone?
North Backbone has 307 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 330 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 7,572 ft to 7,699 ft.
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How long is North Backbone?
North Backbone is 3.1 miles long. The trail type is singletrack.
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