Backbone

Backbone is a short mountain biking route in Colorado, about 3 miles from Gunnison. It is a short, low-elevation ride, with a high point of 7,950 feet and a low of 7,780 feet, and it covers less than a third of a mile. The climb is brief but has a steep section. The route starts at about 7,943 feet, and the steepest part comes at about 0.14 miles in, with a grade of 14%. The total gain is 128 feet, and the total loss is 169 feet, so the route is roughly downhill from the start. Summer is the most comfortable time to ride. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in Gunnison show July highs around 80°F with lows near 44°F, while winter highs stay in the 20s. Several other rides sit right next to Backbone. V-Drop and The Whoosh (Hurricane) are each about 0.1 mile away, and The Notch is about 0.2 mile away. Climbers can find Buddha's Belly Wall about 0.3 mile off.