mesa trail

I highly recommend this trail is you are looking for an easier hike without a lot of elevation gain! We went here with friends that had a 2 year old, and it was perfect. Beautiful views of the flatirons. Make sure you wear boots if it's muddy!

Sited against the Flatirons open space parks and adjacent to Historic Chatauqua it really doesn't get any better for hikers and visitors.

Just a wonderful hike. Be sure to wear hiking boots and be prepared for the weather! Things change rapidly around here.

This trail runs north to south, between Chautauqua and Eldorado Canyon. It is a little over 6 miles in length. Provides magnificent views of the Flatirons and the vast prairie to the east. It's best if you can arrange a shuttle, but just out and back from any trail-head (one at NCAR is near the half way point between Chautauqua and Eldorado) provides and outstanding hike. Have lunch at Chautauqua after your hike, or breakfast before. Wonderful way to spend a few hours.

We made our first visit to Marshall Mesa on a warm (60-degree) windy, sunny Sunday in January. Access is from the parking area off Eldorado Springs Drive (Route 170). Parking is free if your vehicle is registered in Boulder County (compliance is checked by license plates). There are toilets in the parking lot. There is no public drinking water supply available. We made a counterclockwise loop out the Coal Seam Trail, continuing on the Community Ditch Trail, and looping back on the Marshall Valley Trail, for a total of about three miles. Before you visit the site, read the fascinating "Walking Through History on Marshall Mesa," which is available through the City of Boulder website for Marshall Mesa. This publication gives a fascinating account of the mining history of Marshall Mesa.The mining method was room-and-pillar, which resulted in a rectilinear pattern of subsidence on the north side of Eldorado Springs Drive - check Google Earth for a good view or the top of the Community Ditch Trail. The subsidence reflects the gradual settling of the landscape into the abandoned mine workings. You can also see subsidence pits along the Coal Seam Trail. There are ruins of the old mines visible along the various trails, and across the valley to the north. The view of the Front Range is beautiful.The trails are unimproved bare earth and bedrock. The walking is easy, although you will share the trails with bicyclists and open-range cattle. We had our dog with us, who was curious about the cows, who were unperturbed about us and our dog. Dogs must be leashed or under voice control. There were many bicyclists on the trail, mostly traveling counterclockwise. Because of the strong wind, we couldn't hear the tire noise behind us. Some cyclists called out well in advance, and others assumed we could hear them when we couldn't. None of the cyclists had bells or other audible warning signals. Some were pointedly anti-social and seemed stuck for an answer to "hello." I enjoy cycling myself, and make a point of being seen and heard, especially if approaching from behind. So be polite and let pedestrians know you're overtaking them.

This is a good place to hike if you are not up for a drive up into the mountains. There are any number of places you can start your hike, and they are all nice.

I hike the Mesa Trail 2-3 times a week, two hours each time. The trail is well maintained andnever crowded. A lot of varied terrain, both in the sun and shade. Lots of sitting rocks.Great views from certain points. I believe it is voice & sight (no leash) for dogs, and one gets tomeet some very nice four legged friends.

It's an easy hike and the views are beautiful. The terrain is varied and you go through woods and open areas. Chautauqua at one end and NCAR are both worth exploring. It's an attraction you should not miss.

I really like the Mesa trail, especially once I get south of NCAR. That is when the casual "walkers" drop off. Then you start to be able to enjoy the solitude. The scenery is great. From Chatauqua Park to NCAR is a popular stretch and is well maintained. Actually, it is all well maintained but that stretch more so. From NCAR to Eldorado Springs is very nice - and so close to town.

This is a pretty easy place to hike. Parking can be limited. Always meet interesting people when I've hiked here. Nice trails, but not very strenuous.

I wanted to hike Walker Ranch loop but Baseline road was closed up to Flagstaff. So I stopped at Chatauqua park and hiked the Mesa trail - beautiful and you can hike up to 14 miles on this trail (7 out & back). I hiked 5 miles and every bit of it was scenic.

I started at Chautauqua Park and ran and hiked for about 7 miles to the South Mesa Trailhead. It was a moderate hike with great views and reasonable trails. I did see a fox with prey in its mouth walk right by me on the trail... Great hike to choose if you have limited time in Boulder!

Great views, enjoyed this hike with my son and his malamute. I took some great pictures. Would love to go back again soon.

Boulder is blessed with the best of the Flatirons and the Rockies on the Mesa Trail running along the Foothills of the Rockies right on the edge of town. The trails are well maintained and the scenery is both Flatirons, ponderosa, fir, open meadows spring flowers and great viewing expanses of Boulder and points North and East. There is a diversity of trails for every hiking level whether you are taking the kids on a short discovery stroll and seriously trying to scale the FlatIrons. Most folks just hike and enjoy the great outdoors and the beauty we are blessed with so close to the great community of Boulder

We loved our hike on Mesa Trail. I've hiked it many times in the past, but this time was special because it snowed and it was just gorgeous. Some rock scrambles, but very doable for families.