Marshall Mesa - Beginner Loop route

This is BMA's recommendation for the second easiest ride at Marshall Mesa (for the first, see https://www.trailforks.com/route/marshall-mesa-beginner-ride/).

This loop has a few rocks and roots, a bit of climbing and no shade on a hot day. It offers spectacular views of the Flatirons, a first hand look at the Open Space cattle program and occasional rattle snakes.

Start at the main Marshall Mesa parking lot off of Highway 93. The directions are to ride this counterclockwise but either direction is works. You'll start off through a small rock garden and then hit the intersection of Marshall Valley and Coal Seam. Turn right onto Coal Seam. This trail climbs (sometimes a little bit steeply) to the Community Ditch irrigation channel. At the top of Coal Seam, turn left onto Community Ditch - East. This part of the trail is a ranch road - wide and flat. Keep heading east and you'll get to the intersection with Cowdrey Draw. You have a decision here - you can turn left to stay on Community Ditch and head back down the hill for a 3 mile ride, or you can keep going east on Cowdrey Draw until you hit 66th Street and add 2 miles (the route is mapped for the second option). It's mostly downhill to 66th Street and back uphill to Community Ditch - East.

Either way, your next step is to you head west on Community Ditch East down the hill. This section was recently realigned by BMA and City of Boulder OSMP and has some flow and bumps and a couple optional jumps. Enjoy At the bottom of the hill, you'll cross a bridge, keep heading west (and don't ride down to Marshall Road).

Now you are on Marshall Valley. This trail has a nice flow and goes through two short rock gardens featuring big sandstone slabs. This trail brings you back to the beginner of Coal Seam and the parking lot to your right.

If this route seems short and easy, try https://www.trailforks.com/route/marshall-mesa-doudy-draw-loop/ or https://www.trailforks.com/route/dirty-bismark/.