Cardiac Loop, United States - Trail Running Directory

A technical challenge down into the canyon and up again

Cardiac Trail, Eagles Nest Connector Trail

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Last Updated: 2nd Oct 2026

Beginner - Intermediate

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Grunt Factor: 14 ?

Gnarl Factor: 54 ?

8.6km

Length of run

315m

Total Ascent

315m

Total Descent

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Dog Friendly

Riverside

Open farmlands

Open tussock/grasslands

Run Makeup

40%

60%

Easy Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +7.20%

Average Downhill Gradient: -7.20%

Garmin Course

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Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

2:00

Slow

1:20

Moderate

0:50

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

From Maidu Drive, take Shirland Canal Trail heading south, staying on the canyon side (east side) of the canal. At around 2km, find Cardiac Trail on your right and drop down. This steep and technical trail drops about 250m.

At the parking lot at the bottom, take the Pioneer Express Trail down to the river and then turn right, following the North Fork American River for around half a km. Once the trail starts heading uphill again, look for the turn-off for Eagles Nest Connector Trail, which heads up a gully until meeting the street (Eagles Nest) at around 5.2km into the run.

Continue up the street for a short way until the turn-off for Shirland Canal Trail on your right. Follow the Canal Trail back, crossing over to run on the west bank for a bit of variety.

You can take the WST - Pioneer Express Trail by leaving the canal trail to your left at around 7.4km (as per the GPX/map), otherwise, following the canal all the way will also take you back to the start.

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Transport and parking:

Parking at 471 Maidu Drive (Canyon View Community Center).

Dog friendly:

Yes

Navigation Rating:

Easy.

Cellphone Coverage:

Generally good.

Suggested Gear List:

Cellphone, Map

Use your judgement:

The information provided is a guide only. Conditions, access and hazards can change, so use your own judgement and check current local information before heading out. Make sure the route or location is suitable for your experience, fitness and equipment, and check any access restrictions or permissions that may apply.

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Fastest Known Times (FKTs)

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