A:
It is walkable, just mind your pace, and realize that you are at altitude, which can have a significant effect on some people. Be conservative - some expend too much time and energy going out, and don't turn back soon enough. A walking stick or poles may be worth considering, along with water. Weather can change quickly so consider taking a light jacket or extra layer. Parts of the trail are wide and flat. Parts are narrower and at an incline - either across the trail, or changes in elevation up and down as you progress. In some short steeper sections, there are rock steps. There are a couple of options/forks. You can go as far - or not - as you wish. It is generally an out and back, not a loop (there are loop sub-sections). There are a couple of trail options early on - you can go higher, or stay lower - use is open to those on foot, but parts are restricted to walking, other parts can be used by those on bike or horseback. Those trails do connect in a couple of places if you wish to go out one and come back the other. So, go however far you like, then turn back. The north end of the trail connects to Blue Sky trail, which can take you all the way to Horsetooth Mountain Park (also worth a visit) at the SW edge of Fort Collins - which is about 10-12 miles. Some drop folks at one spot and send a car to one of the waypoints for pickup. Many people take the trail and use the upper section to go as far as the keyhole, which is a scenic and interesting feature in the backbone itself, then come back. If you are arriving soon, you may not be able to visit due to construction/improvements starting next week. The county website should provide details on when the project is happening, when access is restricted, and when it is open - see the natural resources section of the Larimer County website. You can find a lot of details on specific loops and the area in general online if you google devil's backbone colorado and things like trail map, hikes, topography, etc. - in particular, if you visit the image tab in google search results you may find some photos of the actual trail. Have fun, and enjoy your visit!
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