This Northern California city sits amid the Shasta Cascade mountains, with access to Lake Shasta and Sacramento River. Known for its Sundial Bridge and extensive trail network.
Redding lies at the northern end of California's Central Valley, where the Sacramento River flows through downtown beneath the Sundial Bridge's distinctive glass deck. From here, you can drive to Whiskeytown Lake's waterfalls, climb Mount Shasta's snow-capped peaks, or explore the geothermal areas of Lassen Volcanic National Park. With sunshine on most days and more than 100 miles of trails within city limits, Redding has become a key destination for hikers, cyclists, and water sports participants in Northern California.
The Sundial Bridge
The 217-foot white pylon of the Sundial Bridge spans the Sacramento River, functioning both as a working sundial and a pedestrian crossing. Architect Santiago Calatrava designed this glass-decked walkway, completed in 2004, to connect the two campuses of Turtle Bay Exploration Park. Walk across at different times to see how the bridge's shadow moves across the large dial on the ground, marking time throughout the day.
Exploring Turtle Bay
The 300-acre Turtle Bay Exploration Park stretches along the Sacramento River. At the museum, you can examine local watershed models and learn about regional wildlife through hands-on displays. Walk through the forest camp to identify native plants, or follow paths through Mediterranean-climate gardens in the arboretum. The wildlife area includes foxes, bobcats, and birds of prey in naturalistic enclosures.
Trail Network
The Sacramento River Trail creates the core of Redding's trail system. This 5.5-mile paved loop runs along both riverbanks, linking to many other paths throughout the city. You can walk flat riverside sections or tackle challenging mountain bike tracks in the surrounding hills. Check the Redding Trail Alliance website for current trail maps and conditions.
Day Trips From Redding
Several natural areas lie within an hour's drive. At Whiskeytown Lake, 15 minutes west of downtown, hike to four different waterfalls. Fish or rent a houseboat at Shasta Lake, the state's largest reservoir, 20 minutes north. In Lassen Volcanic National Park, about an hour east, walk past steam vents and bubbling mud pots, or hike around volcanic peaks and alpine lakes.
Getting Around
RABA (Redding Area Bus Authority) runs regular bus routes throughout the city. You can fly to San Francisco or Los Angeles from Redding Regional Airport via United Express and Avelo Airlines. Interstate 5 runs through Redding, putting it 2.5 hours north of Sacramento and 6 hours south of Portland, Oregon.
Weather and Climate
Summer temperatures in Redding often exceed 100°F (38°C) from June through September. Winters bring mild temperatures and rain, with snow possible at higher elevations. Spring and fall temperatures range between 60-80°F (15-27°C), making these seasons good for hiking and cycling. The dry season runs from May through October, when most people visit the surrounding parks and waterways.
