Sacramento River Recreation Trail.mp4

The Grand Ride

Bike The Famous Sacramento River Trail in Redding

11.16.2022

It’s one of America’s best bike rides. The Sacramento River Trail in Redding lives up to its status as one of the premier rail trails in the country for bikes and pedestrians only. Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons to experience this trail, which starts at the architecturally stunning Sundial Bridge and follows the sublime Sacramento River upstream for 17 miles (one-way) all the way to Shasta Dam.

You can go as far as you’d like; there’s plenty to enjoy all along the way. Riding over the Sundial Bridge is a glorious entrance to the route, crossing the glistening river as fly fishers cast for fresh catches. Mount Shasta rises in the distance. Soon, you’re pedaling among ponderosa pines and fall colors.

The ride features two more beautiful bridges: the historic concrete Diestelhorst Bridge and the brightly muraled, Stress Ribbon Bridge. Riding the first several miles to Keswick Dam is mostly flat. And then comes “Heartrate Hill.” This brief but challenging section dips and curves and—yes—gets your heart rate up! Next thing you know, you’re high rolling in the wilds with a bird’s-eye view of the river.

And your reward for the heady climb is a trifecta Shasta scene-stealer: Lake Shasta, Shasta Dam, and Mount Shasta. Shasta la vista (return the way you came!).

BONUS E-BIKE RENTAL: Make the climbs and distance a little easier with the help of an e-bike, which you can rent from Pedego Redding.

BONUS FOOD AND DRINK: Post-ride, relax with a glass of Rocky Top Zin or a Flybird Baja Lime Margarita at the Branch House Riverfront Bistro. Set right at the base of the Sundial Bridge overlooking the Sacramento River, the outdoor patio has a fireplace. Get food here too; there’s an all-day menu. Or have dinner around the corner at the modern and delicious Mosaic Restaurant.

Park at the Sundial Bridge/Turtle Bay Exploration Park. Pedal over the Sundial Bridge, turn left, and continue on the Sacramento River Trail. After about 2.5 miles the trail comes to Harlan Dr.—turn left and continue a few hundred feet to pick up the trail again. About one mile farther, you’ll cross over the Sacramento River at Ribbon Bridge (aka, Sacramento Trail River Bridge). From here to Shasta Dam you’ll be riding on the west side of the river. It’s 34 miles round-trip. Map.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View

  4. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Tram to Cool Treks

    Elevate your fun, getting whisked from palm trees to alpine wilderness on the world’s largest rotating tramcar. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports you up and away on a 2.5-mile scenic route from the desert floor to the refreshing wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

    View

  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Your Mission Is Less Crowded

    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

    View
  4. Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

    Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

    Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.

    View