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4.8 miles
Distance
246 ft
Climb
-248 ft
Descent
1 mile
High Point
0 ft
Altitude change
5,535 ft
Altitude min
5,568 ft
Altitude start
5,568 ft
Altitude end
-16.8%
Grade max
19.5%
Grade min
2 miles
Distance climb
2 miles
Distance down
1 mile
Distance flat
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/.
Detailed Description
Marshall Mesa - Beginner Loop is a 5 mile popular easy route located near Boulder Colorado. This mountain bike primary route can be used both directions and has a easy overall physical rating. This route includes 5 trails. This route climbs 246 ft with a max elevation of 5,726 ft then descends -248 ft.
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Stats
-
Distance5 miles
-
Avg time51 min 23 sec
-
Altitude min5,535 ft
-
Altitude start5,568 ft
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Altitude end5,568 ft
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Climb246 ft
-
Descent-248 ft
-
Grade max-16.8%
-
Grade min19.5%
-
Distance climb2 miles
-
Distance down2 miles
-
Distance flat1 mile
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| 2,940 ft | |||||
| 3,530 ft | |||||
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Difficulty ratingGreen
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Bike typeXC
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DirectionBoth Directions
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Physical ratingEasy
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