Panorama on Dirty Bismark - Marshall Mesa MTB trail near Boulder, Colorado
Panorama on Dirty Bismark - Marshall Mesa MTB trail near Boulder, Colorado

Dirty Bismark - Marshall Mesa Mountain Biking Trail

Boulder
View Photos
Trailhead of Dirty Bismark - Marshall Mesa MTB trail near Boulder, ColoradoFlatirons on Dirty Bismark - Marshall Mesa MTB trail near Boulder, ColoradoViews on Dirty Bismark - Marshall Mesa MTB trail near Boulder, ColoradoTrack on Dirty Bismark - Marshall Mesa MTB trail near Boulder, ColoradoPath on Dirty Bismark - Marshall Mesa MTB trail near Boulder, ColoradoRiding the Dirty Bismark - Marshall Mesa MTB trail near Boulder, ColoradoOverview of Dirty Bismark - Marshall Mesa MTB trail near Boulder, ColoradoBiking in the Eldorado Canyon

Dirty Bismark - Marshall Mesa Mountain Biking Trail

Distance: 15.2mi
Elevation: 886ft
Time: 2-3h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
9.3 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty

Dirty Bismark is a cross-country rider’s paradise! It is a big loop just east of the Doudy Draw Loops and is a mostly smooth ride through the foot hills with great views of the iconic Boulder Flatirons.

Dirty Bismark - Marshall Mesa Mountain Biking Trail Map

Getting there

From Boulder head south on 93 towards Golden. At the southeast side of the intersection with Eldorado Springs Dr. (170) you will find the trailhead parking for Marshal Mesa Trailhead.

I’ve done this 25 people have done this
I want to do this 32 want to do this route

About

Route Signage

Good

Crowd Levels

High

Route Type

Loop


Dirty Bismark - Marshall Mesa
Elevation Graph


Route Description for Dirty Bismark - Marshall Mesa

Dirty Bismark is a 15.3mi loop that rides through the rolling foot hills in view of the iconic Boulder Flatirons. The ride varies from single track to maintained gravel trails and snakes around the treeless plains of the flatland. With only minimal technical sections, this is a good ride to get in some miles while not kicking your butt too badly. This trail also gives you the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere, even when there are major cities and highways never too far away.

The description is based on riding the loop clockwise. As you head out from the trailhead along Marshall Valley, the trail traverses a grassy hill towards the east. After passing through a couple of cattle gates and side roads, via Community Ditch, Cowdrey Draw and Mayhoffer Singletree Trail; the trail becomes a maintained, city gravel trail that is shared with hikers and dog walkers.

Continue along Meadowlark Trail to Coalton Park Trailhead. A turn towards the west puts you on a straight climb up an old dirt road, Coalton Trail, to the top of Davidson Mesa. From this vantage point, you will be able to see far back into the mountains and see the snow-capped Indian Peaks and Longs Peak (14259ft).

Eventually you will return to single track via High Plains and Greenbelt Plateau Trail. As you make your way back to the Marshall Mesa Trailhead, the riding gets a little more exciting, with the final section of trail being the most technical.

Insider Hints

  • Pay to Park at the trailhead unless your vehicle is registered in Boulder or there is free parking just across the street in a large gravel parking lot.

  • Check Boulder Trail Conditions here.

Comments

Kelly U R 6 years ago

Good trail, great views, really enjoyable.

9.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Cykelly 6 years ago

The views on the Dirty Bismark ride were amazing!

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
2h 30m Time Taken
Mikey 6 years ago

great bike ride. the conditions were good when i've done it

9.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
3h 00m Time Taken
3 Comments

Similar Mountain Biking Trails to the Dirty Bismark - Marshall Mesa Mountain Biking Trail

Mountain Biking in Betasso Preserve near Boulder

Betasso Preserve

Difficulty:
9.3mi
2182ft
1.5-2.5h

Betasso Preserve is a great all-around MTB trail with enough challenges to keep it interesting and test your riding skills.…

Scenery on Heil Valley Ranch MTB trail near Boulder, Colorado

Heil Valley Ranch

Difficulty:
7.9mi
951ft
1.5-2.5h

Heil Valley Ranch is a popular MTB trail just north of Boulder that boasts semi-technical rocky trails in a picturesque…

South Sourdough Mountain biking trail

South Sourdough Trail

Difficulty:
11.2mi
1703ft
2-3h

South Sourdough Trail is a ride at altitude! Starting at 9200ft with a climb right out of the…