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Marshall Mesa Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 507 Google reviews · Running trail in Boulder, Colorado · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 3 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Marshall Mesa Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Trailhead with a kiosk, picnic tables & hiking/biking, plus parking, wildlife watching & restrooms.
What runners say about Marshall Mesa Trailhead
“Minutes from the City but a world away with crystal clear water, picnic area and gorgeous easy hiking.”
“A great trail for an easy hike or families.”
An easy winter hike with amazing views! The loop is easily accesible from the parking lot with mountains in the backdrop!
An extremely fun green level trail. If you try to park at the trail head Google Maps directs you to for Doudy Draw, it's extremely limited. Pro tip: if coming from Boulder, instead of turning right at the light with the gas station, turn left and park at the larger parking area at the bottom of the trail head.
Beautiful trail & good for gravel & mountain biking. Really good trail for a ride & hike
Amazing views of Boulder and the flatirons. Always love to hike and bike here. The biking is not the toughest around but lots of choices for trail paths. Look out for mud closures as Boulder preserves the trails when they are too wet to hike or bike.
Trail conditions & character
“Minutes from the City but a world away with crystal clear water, picnic area and gorgeous easy hiking.”
“Pro tip: if coming from Boulder, instead of turning right at the light with the gas station, turn left and park at the larger parking area at the bottom of the trail head.”
“I have not done the full trail loop but there are cool hills and big rocks that bikers have gone through.”
“Dogs can be off the leash if they're responsive and there is a cool cattle area at the base of the valley.”
“Could do the rocky sections on a CX or gravel bike too.”
“The trails aren't super technical or anything, but still good & fun.”
“Bathrooms and plenty of overflow parking across the road.”
Plan your run at Marshall Mesa Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance3 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitebouldercolorado.gov
- Phone+1 303-441-3440
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| 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 |
Running trails near Boulder
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Doudy Draw Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 82 reviews
Outdoor area with flatiron views offering hiking and mountain biking trails.
South Mesa Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 568 reviews
Hiking area with a range of trails from easy to challenging and a parking lot.
Flatirons Vista Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 118 reviews
Scenic hiking trails with wildflower-filled meadows and views of the mountains.
Flatirons Vista
4.6 ★★★★★ 679 reviews
Flat, 3.3.-mile loop trail for hikers, bikers & wheelchairs with mountain vistas & facilities.
Bobolink Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 557 reviews
Park for hiking, biking, running and other recreational activities, full of trees and wildflowers.