more stats
5,052 ft
Distance
-443 ft
Descent
00:08:11
Avg time
-445 ft
Altitude change
444 ft
Altitude min
889 ft
Altitude max
889 ft
Altitude start
443 ft
Altitude end
-8.8%
Grade
-40.2%
Grade max
3.2%
Grade min
131 ft
Distance climb
4,908 ft
Distance down
13 ft
Distance flat
00:08:11
Avg time

Old Emerald Falls Trail Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • E-Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
    Laguna Beach, California
  • Ref Number
    #63
  • AKA
    Old Emerald Falls
  • Difficulty Rating
    Black Diamond Rate
  • Voted Difficulty
    Blue (7 votes)
  • Local Popularity
    90 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 55 in Trail Running
    • 45 in Hiking
  • Global Ranking
    #46215 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #82005 in Trail Running
    • #106978 in Hiking
  • Trail Exposure
    Normal
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    AM, XC
  • Physical Rating
    Hard
  • Season
    All Year
  • eBike Allowed
    Yes up to Class 1
  • TTFs on Trail
    Drop
  • Land Owner
    Laguna Canyon Foundation

Fun piece of trail that has a bit of everything. Flowing turns at the top, gets steeper and chunkier towards the end. Can be very sandy. Actual difficulty somewhere between Blue Square and Black Diamond, though I am no expert.

Access Info

Moro Ridge

Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 6 rides
  • 15 miles average
6 Months
  • 80 rides
  • 13 miles avg distance
All
  • 685 rides
  • Last: Jun 21, 2026
c1c2c3c4
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Old Emerald... Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
Jun 5, 2026 @ 1:15pm (America/Los_Angeles)
Jun 5, 2026
Feb 17, 2026 @ 1:15pm (America/Vancouver)
Feb 17, 2026
 Has some nice flowy sections, but the rockies will ruin your ride if you aren't comfortable with line selection and speed. At the of the steep is...
Dec 15, 2025 @ 9:45am (America/Los_Angeles)
Dec 15, 2025
 perfect conditions and recent maintenance
Sep 28, 2025 @ 8:22am (America/Los_Angeles)
Sep 28, 2025
 Ruts are there but very avoidable.
Sep 13, 2025 @ 8:30am (America/Los_Angeles)
Sep 13, 2025
 Some big ruts at the top that will ruin your ride, fun trail
more »
Status:
on Jun 5, 2026
Ideal
Avg: 3.9 (24 votes)
Your vote: 0

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  • Unknown
  • Snow Groomed
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Partial
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
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        Directions to old-emerald-falls-trail trailhead (33.588780, -117.784210)

        Photos

        10 more »
        93 |
        Apr 24, 2023 @ 1:44pm
        Apr 24, 2023
        160 |
        Dec 1, 2021 @ 8:24pm
        Dec 1, 2021
        292 |
        Feb 11, 2021 @ 7:35pm
        Feb 11, 2021
        375 |
        Feb 11, 2021 @ 7:35pm
        Feb 11, 2021

        Videos

        10 more »
        youtuber 2 Of My Favorite MTB Trails In Southern California
        11:53 | 386 | Feb 5, 2024 , Laguna Beach
        youtuber Old Emerald Falls (BVD) MTB | Crystal Cove /...
        7:17 | 535 | Feb 4, 2021 , Laguna Beach
        BVD trail | Old emerald | MTB trail
        3:45 | 227 | Nov 19, 2021 , Laguna Beach
        youtuber MTB Riding El Moro, May 22, 2021
        18:56 | 171 | Nov 1, 2021 , Laguna Beach

        Routes with this trail

        142
        Crystal Cove 19 Miles/3k'
        ★ 5.0 • 19 miles • 3,228 ft • 11 • Loop •
        This route will get you 4 popular black diamond runs in this area.
        141
        Buy 2 Get 1 Free
        ★ 5.0 • 9 miles • 1,794 ft • 16 • Loop •
        Up Willow to Bommer to Lizards. Back up Bommer to Moro Ridge to BVD. Old Emerald to Bommer to TnA (Laguna...
        38
        BVD Route
        11 miles • 1,681 ft • 5 • Loop •
        Up moro ridge to . Back up to and down escalator instead of rattlesnake to make things a little easier.

        6 Reviews & Comments


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        Frequently Asked Questions About Old Emerald Falls Trail

        ▼ Where is Old Emerald Falls Trail located?
        Old Emerald Falls Trail is located in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Laguna Beach, California, United States. It is part of the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates 33.58878, -117.78421.
        ▼ How hard is Old Emerald Falls Trail?
        Old Emerald Falls Trail is rated as Black Diamond difficulty. The physical rating is Hard. The average grade is 8.8%.
        ▼ What is the elevation gain for Old Emerald Falls Trail?
        The trail has 443 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 444 ft to 889 ft.
        ▼ How long is Old Emerald Falls Trail?
        Old Emerald Falls Trail is 5,052 ft long. The trail type is singletrack.

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