Stagecoach-Serrano Ridge Loop

Dogs No Dogs

E-Bikes Not Allowed

This is a loop combining the Stagecoach Trail North to Serrano Ridge Trail to West Canyon and then back up to the parking lot via Stagecoach South Trail.

Stagecoach Trail North has nothing in common with its cousin to the south, Stagecoach South Trail. The doubletrack leaves Nix Parking Lot from the north side, goes under Highway 133 and moves along a dry-bed lake, then goes back under the highway and through a short hilly meadow until it intersects with West Canyon trail.

This part of Laguna Coast Wilderness has decent views, and on completely clear days you can see downtown LA. Since it lies in the middle of Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, the only way to access it is via other trails including Quail Trail, West Canyon, and Camarillo Canyon Trail/Upper Laurel Trail. There's a relatively large free parking area in Irvine at the Quail Hill Trailhead.

Camarillo is best ridden in a counter-clockwise direction as the ride up to Serrano Ridge is difficult. Half of this trail is clearly meant for downhill singletrack riding. However, if you find yourself coming in from Stagecoach, riding clockwise like I did, here's what to expect:

West Canyon begins as a pleasant doubletrack trail. Once it begins the climb up to Serrano Ridge though, it is consistently difficult until its junction with Serrano Ridge Trail. Riders coming down Camarillo will enjoy lots of speed, short berms, a couple flowing sections, and a few, very small rock gardens. This singletrack portion of the trail is not for beginners, although the doubletrack section is definitely a green trail.

The trail starts from the south side of the LCWP Nix parking lot and immediately begins short switchbacks until you are more than halfway up to the ridge. The switchbacks near Nix are sharp with a few steep parts but nothing too hard, it just takes a little perseverance. This part is popular with hikers and bikers coming in either direction.

The track eases up as it moves across the midline of the ridge, then descends near the intersection of LCR and 73. If you are going south and descending near the highway intersection, this part of the trail has some medium-sized rocks that dot the middle of it. However, the lower part of this section is smoother and flowy.