Marshall Mesa Trailhead

Click on the map at left for a larger PDF map (3.34 MB).

Download the Marshall Mesa Trails and Nature Brochure389.05 KB.

LOCATION

Just east of the intersection of Highway 93 and Marshall Road.

Please check for temporary or seasonal closures or advisories.

PARKING

Parking is available for cars and horse trailers.

TRAILS

Marshall Mesa Trail connects to the Community Ditch Trail and a loop hike can be taken combining these two trails. Self-guided interpretive signs about the coal mining and geologic history of the Marshall area are located along this trail.
Community Ditch Trail provides access to the south to the Greenbelt Plateau Trail and to the west to the Doudy Draw area.

pdf Illustrated Geology Tour for Marshall Mesa 1.04 Mb - A guided tour into geologic and cultural history along the trails of Marshall Mesa by Dr. Sue Hirschfeld and Peter Stevens.

RESTROOMS

Yes.

PICNIC FACILITIES

Yes.

BIKE REGULATIONS

Bicycles are allowed on Marshall Valley Trail, Coal Seam Trail, Cowdrey Draw Trail, Greenbelt Plateau Trail, and Community Ditch Trail. Bicycles may be ridden only on those trails that are posted with the international bicycle symbol. Other bike trails on Open Space and Mountain Parks.

DOG REGULATIONS

All dogs must be leashed in the Trailhead Leash Area. Beyond the trailhead, dog control requirements vary from trail to trail, so carefully watch for dog regulation signs at trailheads and trail intersections, and check the Dog Regulations by Area page before your trip. On most OSMP trails in this area, dogs must be on a hand-held leash at all times unless they meet the voice and sight control standard and display a City of Boulder Voice and Sight tag. Dog excrement removal is required by law.

HORSE REGULATIONS

Horses are allowed on all trails. On-trail riding is encouraged to protect rare plants and wildlife habitat.

WILDLIFE

Birds of prey are frequently sighted in this area. Coyotes and mule deer are common. There is a large prairie dog town near the trailhead.

HISTORIC INFO

Coal mining area in the 1860s. Mines after 1900. For a fascinating account of the coal mining at Marshall Mesa, download a copy of Joanna Sampson's brochure "Walking through History on Marshall Mesa."