Shirland Canal

The Shirland Canal, Pioneer Express and Cardiac Bypass Loop offers a dynamic touring bicycle experience, blending shady gravel paths along the Shirland Canal with more varied singletrack and fireroad sections of the Pioneer Express and Cardiac Bypass trails. You'll pedal through oak woodlands, enjoy views of the American River Canyon and Folsom Lake, and encounter both flat stretches and some engaging climbs and descents, making for a constantly changing backdrop.

This 5.0-mile (8.1 km) loop, with 408 feet (124 metres) of elevation gain, is rated easy and typically takes around 47 minutes to complete. Access is convenient from Railhead Park, which offers parking. However, due to the mixed terrain, including some rocky sections and singletrack, and potential bike prohibitions on certain parts of the Pioneer Express Trail, a hybrid or mountain bike is often a more suitable choice than a traditional touring bike.

This route stands out for its clever combination of three distinct trails, offering a taste of the region's diverse natural beauty. It's a multi-use path, so you'll share the way with hikers and potentially horseback riders, especially on the Pioneer Express sections. The varied views, from the canal to the canyon and Folsom Lake, make it a rewarding short ride for those seeking a varied Cardiac Bypass Loop cycling route.