Old Dirty Bismark

Dogs Leashed

Back in the day before the Mayhoffer Singletree was built, this was how you'd hike or bike the Dirty Bismark loop. Now that Mayhoffer is built, it gives you an alternate route and lets you get some easy country miles in.

The route starts on West Coal Creek Drive about 0.25 miles from "town" in Superior. Hike the dirt road as it winds past the creek in some nice prairie. Look for coyotes and eagles. After 1.3 miles, look for a sharp right turn and go up a surprisingly rough and steep bit of road. Don't continue west from here, as the road enters private property.

From the top of the short-but-fierce climb up Lake Mesa, continue north on 66th Street (which becomes paved) and descend into the Marshall Valley. You'll pass various fascinating countryside installations such as a solar power farm and a mysterious, rotating radar dish. About 0.1 miles from the intersection with Marshall Road, the Marshall Mesa Trail crosses the road. Left takes you to Marshall Mesa, right takes you to Mayhoffer Singletree.

From the trail junction at 66th Street just south of Marshall Road (where the Marshall Mesa and Mayhoffer Singletree trail crosses), head south on the paved road up a hill with good views. You'll reach a dirt parking area after about 1.3 miles and a very rough, very steep descent. From here, you're on the dirt Coal Creek Drive.