25 REDDING TRAILS FOR 2025: ADVENTURES AT YOUR OWN PACE

The morning fog lifts off the Sacramento River, revealing a mountain biker’s silhouette against the sunrise.

A runner’s footsteps echo across the Sundial Bridge.

A family stops to watch salmon spawn near the Turtle Bay trails.

This is Redding—where every trail tells a story, and every path leads to adventure.

Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely stroll or ready to test your limits on technical terrain, we’ve got your perfect trail waiting.

Here’s your insider’s guide to Redding’s trails, organized by pace—because sometimes you want to stop and smell the wildflowers, and sometimes you want to feel the wind in your face.

Mellow Walking Trails: Riverside Paths & Nature Walks

When you want to take it easy and soak in the scenery.

1) Sacramento River Trail

The crown jewel of Redding’s trail system invites you to slow down and savor the moment.

Watch osprey dive for fish, wave to passing kayakers, or simply find a bench and let the river’s rhythm become your meditation.

• Perfect for: Sunset strolls, easy bike rides, wheelchair accessibility
• Distance: 17.4 mi. (varies by section)
• Elevation gain: varies
• Trail Features: Paved, river views, Sundial Bridge access, dog-friendly (on leash)

2) Nur Pon Open Space

Nature’s greatest show happens right here in town. Witness the salmon’s incredible journey and spot river otters playing in the current.

This trail proves you don’t need to break a sweat to escape the ordinary.

• Perfect for: Wildlife watching, easy walking, education
• Distance: ~ 1 mi. loop
• Elevation gain: mostly flat
• Trail Features: Salmon spawning views, interpretive signs, dog-friendly (off-leash)

3) Clover Creek Preserve

128 acres of urban wilderness where every visit brings a new discovery. The 6.7-acre lake mirrors the sky while providing a stage for local wildlife performances.

• Perfect for: Bird watching, nature walks, photography
• Distance: 1.4 mi. loop
• Elevation gain: 13 ft.
• Trail Features: Lake views, natural setting, dog-friendly (on leash)

4) Lema Ranch

Time travel by foot—this historic ranch-turned-trail-system offers a glimpse into Redding’s past while providing perfect paths for your present-day adventures.

Three interconnected loops let you customize your experience, whether you have 20 minutes or two hours to wander.

This walking-only trail keeps things peaceful for nature observers and photographers. Save the bike rides and dog walks for our other scenic trails!

• Perfect for: Morning walks, evening strolls, photography
• Distance: Leah’s Loop + Secluded Loop 2 mi. | Mule Loop 1.4 mi.
• Elevation gain: 98 ft. | 49 ft.
• Trail Features: Paved paths, peaceful ranch setting

5) Turtle Bay East

The figure-8 layout makes this trail a choose-your-own-adventure story. Short on time? Take one loop. Having too much fun to head home? Do both!

• Perfect for: Family walks, dog walking, picnicking
• Distance: 1.4 mi. loop
• Elevation gain: 36 ft.
• Trail Features: Figure 8 layout, river access, dog-friendly (on and off-leash)

Best Family Trails: Kid-Approved Hiking and Biking Adventures

Where little explorers become big adventurers.

6) Kum Bay Xerel

The perfect introduction to Redding’s trail system. Close enough to civilization to feel safe, but just wild enough to feel like an adventure. Plus, those river views make the perfect backdrop for family photos!

• Perfect for: Family outings, beginning trail users
• Distance: 0.7 mi. out-and-back
• Elevation gain: Negligible
• Trail Features: I-5 trail access, river views, dog-friendly (on leash)

7) Fisherman’s Trail

One of Shasta County’s first trails tells the story of early settlers while providing an easy adventure for modern-day explorers. This trail proves sometimes the best adventures come with a history lesson.

• Perfect for: Bird watching, casual walks
• Distance: 2 mi. out-and-back
• Elevation gain: 147 ft.
• Trail Features: Historical significance, easy terrain, dog-friendly (on and off-leash)

8) FB Trail

Don’t let the simple name fool you—this trail delivers fantastic beauty around every bend. Perfect for those “just one more corner” kind of adventures.

• Perfect for: Family bike rides, afternoon walks
• Distance: 22.7 mi. out-and-back (lower and upper trails combined)
• Elevation gain: 1.496 ft.
• Trail Features: Well-maintained path, gentle grades, dog-friendly (on leash)

9) Churn Creek Trails

Follow the creek’s journey while creating your own. This trail offers enough distance to clear your head and enough beauty to fill it back up with inspiration.

• Perfect for: Nature lovers, cross-country runners
• Distance: 3.6 mi. loop
• Elevation gain: 170 ft.
• Trail Features: Creek views, natural terrain, dog-friendly (on leash)

10) Cloverdale Loop

Sometimes the best trails are the ones that keep it simple. Beautiful views, easy-to-follow paths, and just enough distance to feel like you’ve accomplished something special.

• Perfect for: Beginning hikers, families
• Distance: 5.5 mi. loop
• Elevation gain: 538 ft.
• Trail Features: Well-groomed trail, scenic views, dog-friend (on and off-leash)

Hiking & Running Trails: Scenic Views & Training Routes

For those who like to earn their views.

11) Top of the World

They named it Top of the World for a reason. Your reward for this climb? One of Redding’s most impressive viewpoints where Mt. Shasta and Lassen Peak compete for your attention.

• Perfect for: View seekers, photographers
• Distance: 1.4 mi. loop
• Elevation gain: 468 ft.
• Trail Features: Panoramic vistas of Mounts Shasta and Lassen, dog-friendly (on leash)

12) Chamise Peak

Want to see three Shastas at once? This trail delivers views of Mount Shasta, Shasta Lake, and Shasta Bally all from one spectacular vantage point. Worth setting that early alarm for.

• Perfect for: Peak baggers, sunrise chasers
• Distance: 4.6 mi. out-and-back
• Elevation gain: 698 ft.
• Trail Features: 360-degree views, Three Shastas vista, dog-friendly (on leash)

13) Davis Gulch Trail

When you can’t decide between a workout and a scenic tour, Davis Gulch offers both. The lake views provide perfect excuses to catch your breath.

Find your starting point at Brandy Creek Beach’s second lot near the restrooms. Planning a one-way trek? Team up with friends and park a second vehicle here to avoid the return trip!

• Perfect for: Trail runners, lake viewers
• Distance: 6.4 mi. out-and-back
• Elevation gain: 744 ft.
• Trail Features: Lake views, varied terrain, dog-friendly (on leash)

14) Palisades (“The Bluffs”)

Looking for the perfect date night trail? This is it. Pack a picnic, time it for sunset, enjoy a stroll, and watch the Sundial Bridge cast its golden glow across the Sacramento River.

The surrounding mountains provide a backdrop worthy of any special moment.

• Perfect for: Sunset chasers, photographers, romantic outings
• Trail Features: Sacramento River overlook, Sundial Bridge views, dog-friendly (on leash)

15) Salt Creek Trail

Let the kids splash in the creek while you soak in the scenery. The bridge crossings become instant photo ops, and the gentle sound of running water makes everyone forget they’re getting exercise.

• Perfect for: Nature walks, creek exploration
• Length: 2.9 mi. out-and-back
• Elevation gain: 249 ft.
• Trail Features: Creek views, bridge crossings, dog-friendly (on leash)

RELATED: REDDING MOUNTAIN BIKING: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO LOCAL BIKE TRAILS

Mountain Bike Trails: Intermediate Riding Adventures

When two wheels are better than two feet.

16) Escalator

What goes up must come down—and both directions on this trail will keep you engaged. A local favorite for building endurance and technical skills.

• Perfect for: Intermediate riders, climbers
• Distance: 4 mi.
• Elevation gain: 877 ft.
• Trail Features: Sustained climbs, technical features, dog-friendly (on leash)

17) “T” Party

Bring your best technical skills to this party. Local riders love it for the creative line choices and engaging features that keep you coming back for more.

• Perfect for: Technical riders, flow seekers
• Distance: 1.6 mi.
• Elevation gain: 145 ft.
• Trail Features: Technical features, rhythm sections, dog-friendly (on leash)

18) Brandy Creek (Ice Box)

When Redding’s famous sunshine cranks up the heat, this trail offers the perfect cool-down. The creek provides a refreshing finale to your ride.

• Perfect for: Summer rides, cooling off
• Distance: 1.3 mi.
• Elevation gain: 126 ft.
• Trail Features: Creek access, shaded sections, dog-friendly (on leash)

19) Trail 58

A perfect blend of old-school charm and modern trail features, Trail 58 follows historic ditch grades while throwing in just enough technical challenges to keep things interesting.

This 3.3-mile out-and-back serves up mostly smooth sailing with a few spicy sections that’ll wake you up—including a scenic bridge crossing that doubles as a winter storm spectator spot.

• Perfect for: Intermediate riders looking to build confidence
• Distance: 3.3 mi. out-and-back
• Elevation gain: 305 ft.
• Trail Features: Historic ditch grades, winter waterfall views, technical rock sections, dog-friendly (on leash)

20) French Fry Trail

Like its namesake, this trail serves up plenty of crispy features that’ll keep you coming back for seconds. A local favorite for testing skills and pushing limits.

• Perfect for: Technical riders, thrill seekers
• Distance: 12.1 mi. out-and-back
• Elevation gain: 1,187 ft.
• Trail Features: Technical features, challenging terrain, dog-friendly (on leash)

Expert Mountain Biking Trails: Redding’s Technical Adventures

Technical mountain biking trails for serious adventurers.

21) Mule Mountain Summit

Summit seekers, this one’s for you. The challenging climb leads to sweeping views of Whiskeytown Lake and Redding’s cityscape. Time it right for a sunset you won’t forget.

• Perfect for: Advanced riders, view seekers
• Distance: 1.1 mi.
• Elevation gain: 473 ft.
• Trail Features: Technical climbing, Whiskeytown views, dog-friendly (on leash)

22) Snail Trail

Don’t let the name fool you—there’s nothing slow about this flow trail with a thrilling 738-foot descent. Perfect for riders looking to work on their rhythm and rail some berms.

• Perfect for: Flow riders, skill builders
• Distance: 1.6 mi.
• Elevation gain: 21 ft.
• Trail Features: Berms, rhythm sections

23) Enticer

This jump trail entices riders to push their skills just a bit further. A great progression trail for advancing mountain bikers.

• Perfect for: Progressive riders, skill development
• Distance: 4,121 ft.
• Elevation gain: ~ 283 ft.
• Trail Features: Progressive features, learning opportunities, dog-friendly (on leash)

24) Terminator

True to its name, this trail means business. Technical features and challenging terrain make this a must-ride for experienced bikers looking to test their limits.

• Perfect for: Expert riders, technical masters
• Distance: 1.2 mi.
• Elevation gain: ~ 545 ft.
• Trail Features: Advanced features, challenging terrain, dog-friendly (on leash)

25) Ono

As Redding’s first and only double black diamond trail, Ono Trail isn’t messing around. This hand-built downhill section on Mule Mountain’s southwest side serves up technical features that’ll keep even expert riders on their toes.

• Perfect for: Expert riders, technical enthusiasts
• Distance: 5,184 ft.
• Elevation gain: ~ 652 ft.
• Trail Features: Double black diamond terrain, dog-friendly (on leash)

Pro Tips for Your Trail Adventure

Best Times to Go

• Sunrise: Beat the heat and catch golden hour on Top of the World or Palisades
• Sunset: Pack a picnic for Palisades—trust us on this one
• Winter: Our sunny days mean year-round trail access
• Spring: Wildflowers put on a show at Clover Creek and Salt Creek

Local Secrets

• Park at the Sundial Bridge lot before 8 am for easy parking
• Download trail maps before you go—cell service can be spotty on some trails
• Pick up a Trails Guide from any local bike shop or the Redding Chamber of Commerce
• The Redding Trail Alliance hosts group rides and special events if you want local intel
• Many trails connect—string a few together for a longer adventure

See you on the trails!