Willow Canyon Road – Old Emerald Trail loop from Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
Willow Canyon Road – Old Emerald Trail loop from Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
3.2
(6)
94
riders
Willow Canyon Road – Old Emerald Trail loop from Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
01:48
16.3km
460m
Cycling
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: May 22, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
670 m
Willow Canyon Road
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
4.55 km
Old Emerald Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Translated by Google •
Tip by
8.15 km
Fenceline / Missing Link Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
12.8 km
Bommer Spur Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
16.3 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
8.83 km
6.63 km
546 m
313 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
15.5 km
546 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Thursday 9 July
24°C
17°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're considering the Willow Canyon Road – Old Emerald Trail loop from Laguna Coast Wilderness Park for a touring bicycle, you need to know this 10.1-mile (16.3 km) route, rated difficult with 1494 feet (455 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 1 hour and 48 minutes, is actually far more suited for mountain bikes. Its technical terrain, including singletrack and rock gardens, makes it a demanding ride that most touring cyclists will find unmanageable. This loop is best for experienced mountain bikers seeking a challenging workout.
What to expect on Willow Canyon Road – Old Emerald Trail loop from Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
The journey begins with a significant climb up Willow Canyon Road, gaining approximately 550 feet over 1.5 miles on what starts as a steep ascent before leveling out into a fire road. From there, you'll navigate the undulating terrain of Boomer Ridge, which offers panoramic views of Laguna Beach, Irvine, and the Pacific Ocean, often accompanied by refreshing ocean breezes. The real test comes on the Old Emerald Trail, a narrow singletrack known for its substantial downhill sections, dropping between 400 to 750 feet over 0.7 to 0.75 miles. Expect technical challenges like sandstone, boulder drops, and rock gardens, which can be tricky, especially with ruts after rain; many cyclists find themselves needing to hike-a-bike through parts of it. This route is a serious workout, designed for those who enjoy significant climbs and technical descents on a mountain bike.
Planning your visit
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park generally allows daily access, though you should be prepared for parking fees. The park's proximity to the coast means you can often enjoy pleasant ocean breezes, making it a good option on warmer days. While the loop itself is a solid workout, you can extend your ride by connecting to trails in nearby El Moro Canyon or Aliso-Woods Canyon if you're looking for more mileage.
Trail details
- Distance: 10.1 miles (16.3 km)
- Elevation gain: 1494 feet (455 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 1 hours and 48 minutes
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