North Backbone Trail – Tenderfoot Hill loop from Smeltertown
North Backbone Trail – Tenderfoot Hill loop from Smeltertown
4.8
(6495)
10,976
riders
North Backbone Trail – Tenderfoot Hill loop from Smeltertown
02:43
32.5km
550m
Cycling
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: June 1, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
147 m
Frantz Lake
Highlight • Lake
12.4 km
North Backbone Trail
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
14.9 km
San Isabel National Forest
Highlight • Forest
Tip by
25.6 km
Tenderfoot Hill
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
29.9 km
Salida River Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
32.5 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
26.9 km
3.40 km
1.25 km
893 m
< 100 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
16.4 km
15.2 km
720 m
140 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (2,510 m)
Lowest point (2,150 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Tuesday 7 July
30°C
14°C
69 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 24.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're eyeing the North Backbone Trail – Tenderfoot Hill loop from Smeltertown for a touring cycling adventure, be prepared for a challenging ride that isn't what it seems. This route, listed as a difficult 20.2 miles (32.5 km) with 1791 feet (546 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 2 hours and 43 minutes, combines sections that are vastly different in suitability for touring bikes. It's a route best approached by those who understand the distinction between technical mountain biking and touring, and are ready to adapt their plans.
What to expect on North Backbone Trail – Tenderfoot Hill loop from Smeltertown
While the full loop name might be misleading for touring cyclists, the Tenderfoot Hill area itself offers rewarding experiences. You'll find a mix of paved and dirt roads, providing accessible cycling with spectacular views. From the summit of Tenderfoot Mountain, you can take in panoramic vistas of the 14,000-foot peaks of the Collegiate Range, the Sangre de Cristo Range, and the entire town of Salida below, along with the old Smeltertown chimney. The route winds through Pinyon Pines, offering a desert-like topography, and includes the watchtower at the summit. Be aware that the North Backbone Trail section is consistently characterized as a challenging, technical singletrack mountain biking trail, featuring rough rock slabs and steep sections, making it generally unsuitable for touring bicycles.
Planning your visit
The Arkansas Hills Trail System, which includes parts of the S-Mountain/Tenderfoot system, is easily accessible from downtown Salida, just across the river. While the Tenderfoot Hill area offers pleasant touring options, touring cyclists should avoid the technical singletrack of the North Backbone Trail. The Tenderfoot Mountain Overlook route, for example, is a more suitable option for touring bikes, offering a moderate aerobic challenge. Always check local conditions, especially during shoulder seasons, as weather can impact trail surfaces.
Trail details
- Distance: 20.2 miles (32.5 km)
- Elevation gain: 1791 feet (546 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 43 minutes
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