Care for a more strenuous ride than you are used to? The Shady Canyon to Bommer Canyon to Quail Hill Loop in Irvine, California, may just be what you need. This trail makes you do a lot of climbing, which results in exciting descents. Even though it is not technical, expect some steep areas and some sand around the corner.
Also, you can ride through this trail either clockwise (most of the climbing in the initial five miles) or counterclockwise (more gradual climbing).
The Shady Canyon to Bommer Canyon to Quail Hill is a loop trail. You can start it in two potential start and end points. You can start from the Shady Canyon to Quail Hill and back to the Shady Canyon. You can also do Quail Hill to Shady Canyon and back to Quail Hill like our team of bike enthusiasts.
If you’re starting from Quail Hill, your starting point will be the Quail Hill Parking. From there, ride up Shady Canyon to Boomer Canyon. Then, ride through the Bommer Meadow trail to the old Cattle Ranch.
From the ranch, follow the Boomer Pass trail to West Fork Trail. The trail will get you to the gate North of the 73. Rider under the 73, and you will reach Ridge Park along the Boomer Ridge Trail. Stay on this trail until you reach the Laurel Spur trail and veer to the left.
You will find a junction of several trails. Ride towards the Upper Laurel Trail. Turn left at the T junction. You will return under the 73 after a few short but steep climbs. This route will lead you to the Serrano Bridge Trail.
Continue riding through this trail until it connects to the Quail Trail. Now, you can enjoy the trail’s downhill portion. You will encounter a few turns with little sand as you ride downhill; don’t be caught unaware. Continue on the path until you get back to the Quail Hail Parking.
The Shady Canyon to Bommer Canyon to Quail Hill Loop trail has closed side trails that may be tempting to use. However, our team advises against using closed trails, except it is open access day. Resist any urge to veer off the track; stay on it.
10 mi 
