Type: Trail, Loop
Difficulty: 5 / 10
Dog Friendly: Yes
Jog-Stroller Friendly: No
Filed Under: Cycling, Hiking, Running
This is a fun short loop to run that encompasses the Marshall Trail and the east end of the Community Ditch Trail. The upper part of the trail features an irrigation canal, thus it is popular for dog owners as well.
From the trailhead, head uphill. Right after the short bridge, you can go straight or left. Straight is for Marshall Trail, Left is for Community Ditch Trail. Take either direction, both go uphill fairly steadily.
If you go straight (appears as a steep ascent just straight ahead of the bridge) just after the bridge, watch for the trail intersection at the top of the hill. You'll pass through one gate before you get to that key intersection. Go left at the intersection (with the water ditch on your right), you will be on the Community Ditch Trail. The trail will be flat for a ways. Watch for trail post (that also says Community Ditch Trail) the trail descends gradually from that point.
If you go left just after the bridge onto the Community Ditch Trail, the trail will take you up onto the top of the hill and into the plateau. Follow this flat portion of the trail (note water ditch on your left) and watch for the trail junction with the Marshall Trail on your right to come back down.
For anyone who wants to slow down or stop long enough to read, the trail features self-guided interpretive signs about the coal mining and geologic history of the Marshall area.
Coming from West/Central Boulder:
Take Broadway all the way South out of town limits. At the edge of town Broadway becomes Hwy. 93. At the Eldorado Springs turnoff intersection/stoplight, head east/left. This is Marshall Drive/Hwy. 170. You'll curve north then east (right). You'll pass South Cherryvale Rd. on your left. The trailhead is 0.3 mile east of South Cherryvale Road on Highway 170 (Marshall Drive). Park on your right (South side of road).
Coming from East Boulder:
From South Boulder Road, take Cherryvale Road. Turn left as it dead ends into Marshall Drive/Hwy 170. Trailhead is 0.3 miles east of this intersection.
Coming from Golden/Arvada:
Take Hwy 93 to the Eldorado Springs intersection/stoplight. Turn right/east onto Marshall Drive/Hwy. 170. You'll curve north then east (right). You'll pass South Cherryvale Rd. on your left. The trailhead is 0.3 mile east of South Cherryvale Road on Highway 170 (Marshall Drive). Park on your right (South side of road).
Coming from Denver:
Take Hwy 36 to the Louisville/Superior Exit. Take a left(west) at the exit, cross over Hwy 36. Turn at first stoplight like you are going to the large Superior shopping center (with Wild Oats, Target, etc.). Take main road PAST the shopping center, this becomes Hwy 170/Marshal Drive. You'll go up a hill, then down a long hill direction west. Watch for trailhead on your left.
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