Marshall Mesa Offers Views and More

By Bette Erickson

Whether you choose to go with someone or by yourself, Marshall Mesa in nearby south Boulder is a hiking, biking, equestrian or snowshoer’s Shangri-la.

Home to the first coal mining activity between 1860 and continuing through the 1930s, the town site that was once called Marshall provided coal for heating, railroads, and steam engines. Now the site offers visitors solitude punctuated with expansive Front Range views.

At one time, Marshall had 900 residents and boasted three saloons. Several spots along the trail system offer historical markers with information regarding the settlement.

To begin this outing, start from the Marshall Mesa trailhead, following the Marshall Valley Trail east (left) for just less than a mile as it leads you to Community Ditch, crisscrossing another lower irrigation ditch on the way. Next turn west (right), crossing a wooden footbridge and climbing some log steps. Follow the Community Ditch path about a mile to the junction of Greenbelt Plateau. After you veer left, accessing the Greenbelt Plateau route, you`ll encounter the steepest part of the trail — although it really is just a gentle slope — leading you to the top of Marshall Mesa and a vast prairie.

Follow the quiet path for about another 1½ miles, enjoying the scenery, eventually ending at the Greenbelt Plateau Trailhead that is two miles east of south Broadway on Colo. 128.

This now-quiet area of old Marshall housed several coal mines called Black Diamond, Eagle, High View, Pine Cliff, Rocky Flats, and mine No. 3.

The Greenbelt Plateau was once a part of the main route from Boulder to Golden. Because of an incredible unobstructed view, the mountains to the west along the Front Range stand tall and seemingly daunting. The route described here is a pretty easy outing, popular with casual visitors. Enjoy the quiet trail system before returning the way you came.

To the Trailhead:

From Broomfield, take US 36 west to McCaslin Blvd. in Louisville. Turn left (south), and then turn right toward the Superior Marketplace. Follow Marshall Rd. past Costco, continuing west. Just before the stoplight (CO 93), drive up a slight incline on your left to the Marshall Mesa trailhead parking area.

Distance: Varies depending on which trails you choose

Dogs: Yes, on leash

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation gain: Negligible

Jurisdiction: City of Boulder 303-441-3440

Bette Erickson is the author of “Just for Visitors – Where the Locals Hike” (Amazon.com). Contact her at bette_erickson@hotmail.com.