Willow Canyon Road

The VW Drop – Old Emerald Trail loop offers a thrilling mountain biking experience, centered around the exciting downhill run of the Old Emerald Trail into Emerald Canyon. You'll navigate flowy singletrack, berms, and small rock gardens, with the famed 'VW Drop' features adding to the technical fun. The route winds through picturesque coastal sage scrub, offering glimpses of wildlife and, on clear days, panoramic ocean views before descending into the distinct landscape of Emerald Canyon.

To tackle this route, you'll typically climb through Bommer Canyon to reach the Old Emerald Trailhead on Bommer Ridge or Moro Ridge. It's vital to note that many trails in Bommer Canyon are only accessible on designated 'open access days,' which occur a few times a month, so plan your visit accordingly. Parking is available at the Bommer Canyon Open Space Preserve trailhead, and starting early is always a good idea to make the most of your ride.

This moderate 13.4-mile (21.6 km) mountain biking loop, with 1919 feet (585 metres) of elevation gain and an estimated duration of 2 hours and 16 minutes, is a popular choice for intermediate to expert riders. Its reputation stems from the fast, steep characteristics of the Old Emerald Trail, making it a standout among Bommer Canyon mountain biking trails for those who love a challenging descent and don't mind a solid climb to earn it.