Backbone State Park Devil’s Backbone Trail
Iowa's premier limestone technical challenge
Devil’s Backbone cuts through Iowa’s most rugged terrain along a knife-edge limestone ridge that drops 200 feet to the Maquoketa River on both sides. The trail follows old logging roads that wind around massive limestone outcroppings and through tight passages between rock walls. The technical crux comes at “The Narrows,” where you thread between two limestone pillars with inches to spare on each side—scrape marks on the rocks tell the story of drivers who misjudged the gap.
This is Iowa’s answer to technical rock crawling, requiring careful line choice and precise wheel placement. A stock Jeep with skid plates will make it, but wider rigs might not fit through The Narrows. Spring brings muddy conditions that make the limestone slick as ice. Park entry fee required, no camping on the ridge itself, but Backbone State Park campground provides a base. It’s the closest thing to desert rock crawling you’ll find in Iowa’s corn country.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Rock |
| Features | Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 8 mi / 12.9 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1380 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD with skid plates |
| Nearest town | Strawberry Point, Iowa |
| Land manager | Iowa Department of Natural Resources |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can my stock Jeep Wrangler handle Devil's Backbone Trail?
Yes, but you'll need skid plates minimum since the limestone ledges will scrape your undercarriage. Stock clearance is adequate but armor is essential.
Is Devil's Backbone Trail open in winter?
No, the trail closes October through May due to freeze-thaw cycles that make the limestone extremely slippery and dangerous.
Do I need a permit to drive Devil's Backbone Trail?
Yes, you must obtain a permit from Iowa DNR before entering. Contact Backbone State Park office or check their website for current permit requirements.
What's the hardest part of this trail?
The limestone ledge drops about halfway through where you're navigating 2-foot rock steps with steep drop-offs. Take your time and spot carefully.
Should I bring extra fuel for this 8-mile trail?
Not necessary for fuel, but bring tools and a first aid kit since there's zero cell service and you're committed once you start the technical sections.