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Marshall Mesa Loop

Dog-friendly hike near Boulder · Marshall Mesa Trailhead, 5258 E Eldorado Springs Dr (CO 170 at Hwy 93), Boulder

Illustration of Front Range foothills trail

Illustration of the region, not this trail.

Dogs on this trail

Dogs must be on a hand-held leash unless under Voice and Sight control with a City of Boulder tag; Marshall Mesa, Marshall Valley and Coal Seam trails allow leash or Voice & Sight control.

Source: City of Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks · checked 2026-10-24. Rules change; confirm before you go.

  • Distance2.7 mi
  • Elevation gain161 ft
  • Leash ruleVoice & Sight tag or leash
  • Water on trailCommunity Ditch carries water seasonally; otherwise carry water
  • SeasonYear-round; one of Boulder's most reliable snow-free winter walks; closes when muddy
  • Parking75-space lot plus horse-trailer spaces; fills on weekend mornings; paid parking for vehicles not registered in Boulder County
  • FeePaid parking lot (free for Boulder County-registered vehicles; OSMP daily fee or permit otherwise)
  • RestroomsRestroom at the trailhead
  • Managed byCity of Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks

Marshall Mesa is the low-stress option on Boulder's south side: a 2.7-mile loop over open grassland and old coal-mining benches with a wide-angle view of the Flatirons and almost no elevation. Tagged Voice & Sight dogs can be off leash on the loop, and the broad trails give leashed dogs room to pass bikes and horses. Shade is nonexistent; it is a dawn-or-dusk hike in July and a go-to in January when the foothills are iced over. Prairie dogs are everywhere and chasing them is illegal. The area closes in muddy conditions, so check the OSMP muddy-trail page after storms.

Need a sitter while you summit?

Independent Boulder boarders and daycares can send free quotes. One short form, no obligation.

Dog boarding in Boulder Daycare in Boulder

After the hike

Upslope Brewing Company – Flatiron Park

1898 S Flatiron Ct, Boulder, CO 80301

Well-behaved, supervised dogs on a leash are welcome on the Flatiron Park patios; dogs are no longer allowed inside because of health department rules.

  • patio

Boulder · verified 2026-10-24

Avery Brewing Company

4910 Nautilus Ct, Boulder, CO 80301

Avery describes its outdoor beer garden and patio as dog-friendly; dogs stay outside while you drink and dine.

  • patio

Boulder · verified 2026-10-24

More trails near Boulder

All dog-friendly hikes near Boulder → · Boulder dog guide