The Marshall Valley, Community Ditch and Coal Seam trails form a short, multi-use loop through the Marshall Mesa area in southeast Boulder. Runners, cyclists and families will enjoy mild grades, good trail conditions and panoramas across Eldorado Canyon and distant snowcapped peaks. The Marshall Mesa Loop touches the Southern Grasslands Habitat Conservation Area, which protects the largest remaining parcel of intact grassland habitat in the Boulder area.

Exposed outcrops provide useful vantages and are good places to look for snakes an

Prolific wildflowers in early June on the Marshall Mesa Loop

Kestrels can detect the ultra-violet light of urine trails left by voles, a common prey species

View of Eldorado Canyon from the Marshall Valley Trail

Herons and other waterfowl are drawn to nearby Marshall Reservoir

The bridge over Community Ditch, an important irrigation channel for Front Range residents

Views over the plains, foothills and beyond from atop Marshall Mesa

Open space on long stretches of the Marshall Mesa Loop

Wildflowers peak in late June in Boulder's open space parks

The Marshall Valley Trail

Panoramas from the loop's highest points include peaks from Rocky Mountain National Park and the Indian Peaks Wilderness