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Sacramento River Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 211 Google reviews · Running trail in Redding, California · Open 24 hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Paved
Loop distance
Not reported
Shape
Loop
Shade
Not reported
Access
Open 24 hours

Confirmed from Sacramento River Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

PavedLoopOpen 24hScenicHilly

Park offering kid-friendly hikes, sunset views, and a sundial bridge.

What runners say about Sacramento River Trail

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (211 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 12 mentions

“we've had many fires lately so you will see some burnt areas and some beautiful green areas.”

Truly, one of the best things about Redding is the outdoor activities available. The trail system runs throughout the city, has lots of access points with parking, and has some of the most breathtaking views.

★★★★★ — Christine , Jun 2022

Best place go for a walk or a bike ride in Redding. Beautiful by the River.

★★★★★ — Brian , May 2018

The Sacramento River Trail is a great place to go for the Enthusiast that loves the outdoors we're talking about Runners bikers hikers families on bicycles or just walking around you just can't go wrong with the river trail. Sections of the river trail are a little more challenging than others.

★★★★★ — David , Jan 2019

Catch the most beautiful sunsets at the top. Beware, trail does get very dark going up/down hill, during night time.

★★★★☆ — Adriant , Jan 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 211 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 18 mentions

“The trail system runs throughout the city, has lots of access points with parking, and has some of the most breathtaking views.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 14 mentions

“Suggestions are to start at Keswick dam with the first leg of your ride being heart rate hill ( keswick dam rd ) or starting at the keswick boat launch ( iron mountain road )”

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🛣️ Paved surface 2 mentions

“The entire way is paved and wide enough to accomodate the number of people it attracts.”

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🔁 Loop trail 4 mentions

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Plan your run at Sacramento River Trail

The practical stuff

  • AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
  • SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.

Hours

Monday Open 24 hours
Tuesday Open 24 hours
Wednesday Open 24 hours
Thursday Open 24 hours
Friday Open 24 hours
Saturday Open 24 hours
Sunday Open 24 hours

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Sacramento River Trail

510 Hilltop Dr, Redding, CA 96003

Get directions

Running trails near Redding

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Hilltop Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 23 reviews

Redding, CA

LoopScenic

under a mile away

Sacramento River Trail

4.6 ★★★★★ 29 reviews

Redding, CA

Scenic

under a mile away

Redding River Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 180 reviews

Redding, CA

5.5 miMixedLitScenic

under a mile away

1.7 miles away

Sacramento River Trail at South Diestelhorst Bridge Trailhead

4.7 ★★★★★ 223 reviews

Redding, CA

PavedLitScenic

Popular network of paved trails offering scenic views for walking, cycling and birdwatching.

1.8 miles away

Nur Pon Open Space

4.7 ★★★★★ 72 reviews

Redding, CA

LoopShadedScenicDog-friendly

Clean, off-leash dog park with a river and trails as well as several bridges.

1.9 miles away

All running trails in Redding, CA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.