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Devil's Backbone Route
Despite the menacing name, Devil's Backbone is one of most pleasant ways of experiencing the Gunnison River -- no steep slopes required!
Plan Around Devil's Backbone Route
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
Devil's Backbone Route Details
Despite the menacing name, Devil's Backbone is one of most pleasant ways of experiencing the Gunnison River -- no steep slopes required! From the East Portal Trailhead, follow this riverside trail into the narrow canyon until you reach a spiny ridge. Use extreme caution navigating this area, as the trail is poorly marked and footholds can be slippery and loose. If you're feeling confident enough to take your eyes off the trail, however, there are some beautiful views into the canyon from here. Once reaching the other side of the Backbone, the trail becomes much more apparent, and the final mile into the canyon seems less perilous. There is no particular trail end here; the narrowing canyon will become impassible and block your way eventually, at which point you'll have to scramble back over the Backbone. To reach the East Portal Trailhead, turn right inside the park entrance on U.S. Highway 50 and follow East Portal Road about five miles to the East Portal Campground.
Difficulty
High
Distance
1 mile
Estimated time
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Devil's Backbone Route
Compare nearby parks around Devil's Backbone Route when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Devil's Backbone Route
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Devil's Backbone Route while the map context is still fresh.
0.4 mi away
Crystal Dam
Crystal Dam is the newest dam on the Gunnison, standing at 323 feet tall.
1.4 mi away
North River Route
You'll need to cross the Gunnison River to hike this inner-canyon route.
1.5 mi away
East Portal Campground
Located just outside of the park boundaries, East Portal Campground has 15 campsites, vault toilets, and drinking water.
3.9 mi away
South Rim Campground
In Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park there's only one campground open year round: South Rim Campground.
3.9 mi away
Rim Rock Nature Trail
The Rim Rock Nature Trail is a self-guided hike along the south rim of Black Canyon to the Tomichi Point overlook.
