Sacramento River Rail Trail
A scenic 16-mile car-free trail along the Sacramento River, perfect for biking, hiking, and enjoying nature's beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Sacramento River Rail Trail
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic 16-mile car-free trail along the Sacramento River, perfect for biking, hiking, and enjoying nature's beauty.
"It's always a 'get back to nature' trail with great access to the water."
Bring plenty of water! 💧
Especially during warmer months, stay hydrated on this scenic trail.
Bike or hike to Shasta Dam 🚴♀️
It's a rewarding ride with great views, pack a lunch!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Keswick Dam Trailhead
Northern end of the trail
A popular starting point with parking, restrooms, and direct river access. Great for biking, hiking, and fishing.
Ribbon Bridge
Mid-trail
An iconic pedestrian bridge offering stunning views of the Sacramento River and surrounding landscape.
Shasta Dam Views
Southern end of the trail
Cycle or hike to Shasta Dam for impressive engineering and panoramic vistas of Shasta Lake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Etiquette & Access
+1Best Time for a Stroll
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring plenty of water! 💧
Especially during warmer months, stay hydrated on this scenic trail.
Bike or hike to Shasta Dam 🚴♀️
It's a rewarding ride with great views, pack a lunch!
Check restroom status 🚻
Some facilities can be in rough shape, plan accordingly.
Respect trail etiquette 🙏
Yield to faster users and keep right.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring plenty of water! 💧
Especially during warmer months, stay hydrated on this scenic trail.
Bike or hike to Shasta Dam 🚴♀️
It's a rewarding ride with great views, pack a lunch!
Check restroom status 🚻
Some facilities can be in rough shape, plan accordingly.
Respect trail etiquette 🙏
Yield to faster users and keep right.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Sacramento River Rail Trail for its natural beauty, well-maintained paths, and excellent access to the Sacramento River. It's a highly recommended spot for biking, hiking, and enjoying the outdoors. However, some users note that restroom facilities can be poorly maintained, which is a recurring point of dissatisfaction.
"I really like this trailhead. Your right down the hill from Keswick Dam, easy enough access to the Sacramento River, you get a wonderful view of a lovely Government building, there is a restroom, the parking lot is paved. And, of course excellent access to the trail, I mean, it is the trailhead. It's a great staging point for your biking, walking, hiking, fishing, or pretty much whatever it is you do there, within reason naturally."
Bruce
"I love all the river trails around the Sacramento for the most part they're always nice and clean and have great access to the water"
B Rander
"Its always a "get back to nature" trail."
Mark Shatto
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Sacramento River Rail Trail is located in Redding, California, stretching from near Shasta Dam southwards. It's a connected system with the Sacramento River Trail.
Popular trailheads include the Keswick Dam area, offering parking and restrooms, and access points closer to Turtle Bay.
Yes, most trailheads, like the one at Keswick Dam, have paved parking lots.
Absolutely! The southern end of the trail connects to Shasta Dam, offering a great starting or ending point for your adventure.
From San Francisco, you'll typically drive north on I-5 towards Redding. The trailheads are accessible from exits off I-5. The drive is approximately 3-4 hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Sacramento River Rail Trail is a public trail and is free to access for biking, hiking, and running.
The trail itself is free. However, if you are using specific park facilities or parking areas, there might be nominal fees, though this is uncommon for the rail trail itself.
The trail is generally open from dawn to dusk, offering ample daylight hours for exploration.
Yes, the trail is accessible year-round, though weather conditions can affect your experience, especially in winter.
Dogs are generally allowed on the Sacramento River Rail Trail, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please be mindful of other users and clean up after your pet.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy biking, hiking, trail running, fishing, and simply taking in the scenic views of the Sacramento River and surrounding nature.
The connected Sacramento River Rail Trail and Sacramento River Trail system offers approximately 16 miles of car-free riding one-way, extending towards Shasta Dam.
The trail is mostly flat and paved or well-maintained gravel, making it suitable for beginners. However, some sections near Shasta Dam can have challenging climbs.
Restrooms are available at some trailheads, such as the Keswick Dam area. However, reviews suggest their condition can vary.
Expect beautiful views of the Sacramento River, lush vegetation, and opportunities to see wildlife. The trail also passes through old mining towns and offers views of Shasta Dam.
📸 📸 Photography
The Ribbon Bridge offers unique architectural shots, while the riverbanks and views of Shasta Dam provide stunning natural and man-made backdrops.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
The Ribbon Bridge and the expansive views from Shasta Dam are highly photogenic. The trail itself, with its natural beauty, also makes for great shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions.
Yes, the trail is home to various bird species and other wildlife. Remember to maintain a safe distance and avoid disturbing the animals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and plenty of water, as amenities can be spread out. The trail's length can be adjusted to suit younger children's stamina, and the views of the river and surrounding nature provide constant engagement.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
You can spend hours exploring the scenic paths without spending a dime on admission fees. To keep costs down, pack your own food and drinks from a local grocery store. This allows you to enjoy a picnic lunch with a view and avoid expensive on-the-go purchases.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Sacramento River Rail Trail by Bike
+1 Many visitors rave about the ease of access and the continuous nature of the trail, making it ideal for both leisurely rides and more challenging cycling excursions. The path is primarily paved or well-maintained gravel, suitable for various types of bicycles, from road bikes to hybrids. Popular cycling routes include starting from the Keswick Dam trailhead and heading south towards Shasta Dam, a journey that offers impressive views and a sense of accomplishment upon reaching the dam.
Cyclists often recommend packing a lunch to enjoy amidst the natural beauty or at designated rest stops. The trail's connection to the Sacramento River Trail further expands the cycling possibilities, allowing for longer adventures through diverse landscapes. +1When cycling, remember to be mindful of other trail users, including hikers and runners. Keeping to the right and yielding to faster traffic are essential for a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Hiking and Running the Sacramento River Rail Trail
The trail's relatively flat terrain in many sections makes it accessible for casual walkers and beginner runners, while the gradual inclines towards Shasta Dam offer a good workout for more experienced athletes. Many users appreciate the trail's cleanliness and the consistent access to the Sacramento River, which provides a refreshing backdrop for any activity.
Whether you're looking for a short stroll or a longer trail run, the Sacramento River Rail Trail offers a versatile experience. When planning your hike or run, consider starting early to avoid the midday heat, especially during summer months. Bringing ample water and wearing appropriate footwear are key recommendations from frequent users.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit