Marshall Mesa Trailhead: A Prairie Gateway

Explore prairie trails with Flatirons views at Marshall Mesa Trailhead, a historic coal mining site turned outdoor haven in Boulder, Colorado.

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Marshall Mesa Trailhead

Marshall Mesa Trailhead offers access to a network of trails through a diverse prairie ecosystem with historical coal mining remnants and stunning views of the Flatirons. Open from 5 am to 11 pm daily, it's a popular spot for hiking, biking, and equestrian activities.

A brief summary to Marshall Mesa Trailhead

5258 Eldorado Springs Dr, Boulder, Colorado, 80303, US
+1303-441-3440
Visit website

Monday 5 am-11 pm
Tuesday 5 am-11 pm
Wednesday 5 am-11 pm
Thursday 5 am-11 pm
Friday 5 am-11 pm
Saturday 5 am-11 pm
Sunday 5 am-11 pm

Local tips

Check trail conditions before you go, as the area is subject to closures when muddy.
Bring water, especially if hiking with dogs, though a canal provides water in summer.
Be aware that parking is available with a fee, and cars not registered in Boulder County must pay a $5 day use fee.
Consider visiting during the week to avoid crowded parking conditions.

Getting There

Driving

From Boulder, take Highway 93 south to the intersection with Marshall Road/Eldorado Springs Drive (Highway 170). Turn east onto Marshall Road. The trailhead is located a short distance east of the intersection on the north side of the road. Parking is available at the trailhead with a fee. Parking fees apply; check OSMP website for current rates.
Public Transport

From downtown Boulder, the Jump bus (Route 208) goes towards the South Boulder Rec Center. Get off at Eldorado Springs Dr & Marshall Rd. Walk south on Eldorado Springs Dr for about 0.5 miles to the trailhead. The Eldo Shuttle provides free weekend and holiday service from various locations in Boulder and Superior to Marshall Mesa from late May to mid-September. Check the schedule for specific dates and times. The Eldo Shuttle stops at CO 170 & CO 93, where you can access Marshall Mesa Trailhead.
Walking

From the intersection of Broadway and Baseline Rd in Boulder, follow Baseline Rd west for about 1.5 miles until you reach Eldorado Springs Dr. Turn left onto Eldorado Springs Dr and walk for about 1 mile. The Marshall Mesa Trailhead will be on your right.

Discover more about Marshall Mesa Trailhead

Marshall Mesa Trailhead serves as a portal to a captivating blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Situated just east of the intersection of Highway 93 and Marshall Road, this trailhead provides access to Marshall Mesa and the Greenbelt Plateau area trails. Once the site of bustling coal mining activity from the 1860s to the 1930s, the area now offers a tranquil escape with expansive views of the Front Range. The landscape is characterized by a rare remnant of dry tall-grass prairie, where wildflowers bloom throughout the seasons. The area's geology is also noteworthy, with rippled rocks revealing evidence of ancient seas and fractures resulting from the uplift of the Rocky Mountains. Interpretive kiosks along the trails recount the history of the once-thriving town of Marshall, which provided coal for heating, railroads, and steam engines. Today, visitors can explore a network of trails suitable for various activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The trails connect to a larger circuit that extends through Superior and back to Marshall Mesa. Keep an eye out for birds of prey, coyotes, and mule deer that frequent the area. The trailhead is open from 5 am to 11 pm daily and provides restrooms, picnic tables, and parking. Note that the area may be closed when conditions are too muddy.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge

6.1 km

Discover the beauty and tranquility of Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for wildlife and nature enthusiasts in Colorado.

Continental Divide Overlook

6.3 km

Explore the breathtaking Continental Divide Overlook in Golden, Colorado, where stunning mountain vistas meet peaceful nature trails for an unforgettable experience.

Landmark Lofts

6.4 km

Discover the ideal blend of comfort and location at Landmark Lofts, your stylish home base in beautiful Boulder, Colorado.

Jeanelle & Sayres Law Group Auto Accident Lawyers

6.8 km

Expert legal representation for auto accidents in Boulder, Colorado, ensuring your rights are protected and justice is served.

Jeanelle & Sayres Law Group Auto Accident Lawyers

Dairy Arts Center

7.8 km

Explore the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder, a vibrant venue for art, dance, and film that celebrates creativity and community.

Boulder Historic Preservation

8.0 km

Discover the architectural heritage of Boulder at the Historic Preservation Office, a treasure trove of local history and preservation efforts.

Hannah Barker House

8.0 km

Explore the historic Hannah Barker House in Boulder, Colorado, a Victorian gem that reveals the rich heritage of the area and the lives of its early settlers.

Visit Boulder

8.1 km

Explore the natural beauty and vibrant culture of Boulder, Colorado – a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and local charm.

RE/MAX Alliance - Boulder

8.3 km

Discover the charm and opportunity of Boulder, Colorado, where stunning landscapes meet a vibrant real estate market.

Historic Boulder, Inc.

8.3 km

Explore Boulder's rich history with Historic Boulder, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to preserving the city's cultural heritage and offering engaging educational experiences.

R Gallery & Boulder Wine Bar

8.4 km

Experience the vibrant fusion of art, wine, and live music at R Gallery & Boulder Wine Bar in the heart of Boulder, Colorado.

Morse Well

8.4 km

Explore the historical significance of Morse Well in Boulder, Colorado, and enjoy a serene escape into the past surrounded by nature.

Mork & Mindy House

8.5 km

Explore the Mork & Mindy House in Boulder, Colorado, a historical landmark celebrating the beloved sitcom and its unforgettable characters.

Arnett-Fullen House

8.5 km

Discover the Arnett-Fullen House, a hidden gem of Boulder’s architectural history showcasing Victorian elegance and charm.

Carnegie Library for Local History

8.6 km

Explore the rich history of Boulder at the Carnegie Library for Local History, a treasure trove of archives and community heritage.

Unmissable attractions to see

South Boulder campus Lake

2.8 km

Escape to the serene beauty of South Boulder Campus Lake for walking, birdwatching, and peaceful moments in nature.

Flatirons Vista

3.6 km

Discover scenic trails with iconic Flatirons views near Boulder. Perfect for hiking, biking, and nature walks in a beautiful Colorado landscape.

Mesa Trail

4.2 km

Hike, run, or ride along Boulder's scenic Mesa Trail, a foothills escape with Flatirons views and connections to countless adventures.

NCAR Mesa Laboratory

4.7 km

Explore Earth's atmosphere at the iconic NCAR Mesa Laboratory: science, architecture, and stunning views in Boulder, Colorado.

Mallory Cave

5.5 km

Hike to Mallory Cave near Boulder for stunning views, challenging trails, and a glimpse into a protected bat habitat.

Eldorado Canyon State Park

6.0 km

Experience world-class climbing, scenic hikes, and stunning natural beauty at Eldorado Canyon State Park, a Colorado outdoor paradise near Boulder.

Royal Arch

6.1 km

Hike to Boulder's iconic Royal Arch for panoramic views and a challenging adventure in the heart of the Flatirons. A must-see natural wonder!

Fiske Planetarium

6.3 km

Discover the wonders of the universe at Fiske Planetarium in Boulder, Colorado, where immersive shows and interactive exhibits await every star-gazer.

CU Events Center

6.3 km

Experience thrilling sports, concerts, and events at the CU Events Center, the University of Colorado Boulder's premier entertainment destination.

Colorado Scale Model of the Solar System, CU Boulder

6.3 km

Walk the solar system at CU Boulder! Explore a 1:10 billion scale model and discover the vast distances between planets in an engaging, educational setting.

Colorado Scale Model of the Solar System, CU Boulder

Flatirons

6.5 km

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Flatirons in Colorado, a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Third Flatiron

6.5 km

Hike or climb this iconic sandstone formation for panoramic views and a taste of Boulder's outdoor spirit. A Colorado landmark!

Second Flatiron

6.6 km

Hike or climb Boulder's Second Flatiron for stunning views and a unique perspective on Colorado's natural beauty. A must-do for outdoor enthusiasts!

Chautauqua Park

6.7 km

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University of Colorado Boulder

6.7 km

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Essential places to dine

Carelli's

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Dark Horse

5.5 km

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Chautauqua Dining Hall

6.6 km

Discover delightful dining at Chautauqua Dining Hall in Boulder, where local flavors meet stunning mountain views for an unforgettable experience.

Blackbelly Market & Restaurant

6.9 km

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Boulder Social

7.0 km

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Ado's Kitchen

7.2 km

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The Sink

7.3 km

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Alice and Rose

7.3 km

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Rincon Argentino

7.4 km

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BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

7.5 km

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The Buff

7.5 km

Experience the best brunch at The Buff in Boulder, offering delicious American cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere perfect for any occasion.

Twisted Pine Brewing Co

7.7 km

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Thrive

7.8 km

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The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse

8.0 km

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River and Woods

8.1 km

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Explore the vibrant artistry of Zuni, a unique gift shop in Boulder, Colorado, showcasing Native American crafts, jewelry, and more.

Discover a vibrant bar experience at The Squeeze in Denver, where craft cocktails and a lively atmosphere await you.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Marshall Mesa Trailhead: A Prairie Gateway

A brief summary to Marshall Mesa Trailhead

Local tips

Getting There

Driving

Public Transport

Walking

Unlock the Best of Marshall Mesa Trailhead

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Marshall Mesa Trailhead

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge

Continental Divide Overlook

Landmark Lofts

Jeanelle & Sayres Law Group Auto Accident Lawyers

Dairy Arts Center

Boulder Historic Preservation

Hannah Barker House

Visit Boulder

RE/MAX Alliance - Boulder

Historic Boulder, Inc.

R Gallery & Boulder Wine Bar

Morse Well

Mork & Mindy House

Arnett-Fullen House

Carnegie Library for Local History

Unmissable attractions to see

South Boulder campus Lake

Flatirons Vista

Mesa Trail

NCAR Mesa Laboratory

Mallory Cave

Eldorado Canyon State Park

Royal Arch

Fiske Planetarium

CU Events Center

Colorado Scale Model of the Solar System, CU Boulder

Flatirons

Third Flatiron

Second Flatiron

Chautauqua Park

University of Colorado Boulder

Essential places to dine

Carelli's

Dark Horse

Chautauqua Dining Hall

Blackbelly Market & Restaurant

Boulder Social

Ado's Kitchen

The Sink

Alice and Rose

Rincon Argentino

BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse

The Buff

Twisted Pine Brewing Co

Thrive

The Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse

River and Woods

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Sweet Ruckus

Crystal Dragon

The Root of the HIll

Meow Meow

SLCT Stock Colorado

The Boulder Store

Twenty Ninth Street

Altar'd State Twenty Ninth Street

Jones + Co Modern Mercantile

Boulder Nepal

Loop Boulder

Bliss Boulder

Boulder Bazaar

Lunieva

Zuni

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Southern Sun Pub & Brewery

T-Zero Lounge

Attic Bar & Bistro