For runners looking for a long outing in the hills, North Backbone can serve as merely the access point to the greater Arkansas Hills Trail System. But for many, the 6.5-mile out-and-back run on North Backbone will be enough of an adventure.

By itself, North Backbone is a stunning trail run, affording beautiful views of Salida, the Sawatch mountain range, and the northern end of the Sangre de Cristo range. Along the way, the trail dips in and out of dry washes, traverses along rocky cliff sides, and wends its way through stands of pinon pines.

During the winter, North Backbone often holds snow longer than the other trails in the Arkansas Hills trail system. The mostly northern aspects of the hills fall in the shade during the days of low angle winter sun.

But once the weather warms up, you’ll know that you’re running through a high desert environment! Cacti sand, and sharp rocks greet runners traveling through this challenging ecosystem. In the height of the summer, keep an eye out for rattlesnakes, and be sure to keep your dog under control at all times.

While North Backbone will never receive the acclaim lavished on the trails high up in the big mountains, this delightful trail provides a welcome escape from the challenges of daily life.