Sometimes a drive to rugged country can be too much trouble and take too much time. But in this one-tank trip, Bill Clarke found a beauty along with the beast.

It's west of Loveland, just outside of town on Highway 34. Once a gypsum quarry and processing plant, the devil's backbone is now Larimer County open space.

In reality, it's breathtaking.

"This is pretty spectacular scenery up here. There's probably nothing else like it," said volunteer naturalist Ken Roode.

Roode hikes this land nearly every day. It's prime hiking, jogging, birdwatching and mountain biking territory.

You don't want to miss the view just at sunrise, as the Devil's Backbone transforms from what looks like a primitive stone carving, cold and remote, to a place that comes alive for joggers, hikers and the wildlife that called this rugged country home.

If you happen to see a rattlesnake, stay calm. Above all, do not scare them.

Right next to the rugged country is an oasis almost to lush to imagine, it's the Wild Lane Bed and Breakfast.

It was the home of industrialist Alfred Wild. It was built in the late 1800s, and ist still owned by the family.

Wendy Allen and her friends from New York called it the perfect place to recharge their batteries.

"I love this place. I don't want to leave it. I'll stay forever," Allen said.

It's inspiring to believe that so much man-made beauty and all that industry brought to this land lies so close and yet in such contrast with those 400 acres of natural beauty right next door.

It's less than a hundred miles round trip from Denver to the Devil's Backbone, just west of Loveland.

Rooms at the Wild Lane Bed and Breakfast start at $90 and $125 with a private whirlpool tub for two and a shower. No pets or children under 14 are allowed.

More Information:

Larimer County: Devil's Backbone Open Space
Wild Lane Bed and Breakfast Inn