Abstract: In one embodiment, candidate routing backup paths are limited based on policy considerations. In one embodiment, a smaller plurality of next-hop candidates is established by policy filtering a plurality of next-hop candidates for backing up one or more routes over one or more links to a first packet switching device in a network, with the smaller plurality of next-hop candidates consisting of fewer next-hops than in the plurality of next-hop candidates. A shortest-path, loop free backup route is determined for each of the plurality of routes by considering each of the smaller plurality of next-hop candidates and not all of the plurality of next-hop candidates. This routing information corresponding to each of said determined shortest-path, loop free backup routes for use in backing up corresponding routes is installed in a routing data structure.