🚴♂️ Why Cycling is the Ultimate Wellness Activity
Biking isn’t just a fun way to explore the outdoors—it’s also a fantastic low-impact workout that boosts both physical and mental well-being.
🏋️ Physical Benefits:
✔️ Strengthens legs, glutes, and core
✔️ Improves cardiovascular health and endurance
✔️ Burns calories while being easy on the joints
🧠 Mental Health Benefits:
✔️ Reduces stress and anxiety by being in nature
✔️ Enhances focus and mental clarity
✔️ Provides a sense of freedom and adventure
If you’re looking for the best places to cycle in Redding and surrounding areas, we’ve got you covered! Whether you prefer paved scenic rides, mountain biking trails, or group cycling events, here are the top routes you need to check out.
🚵♂️ 1. Sacramento River Trail – The Best Scenic Ride in Redding
📍 Location: Redding, CA
🚴 Best For: Leisure riding, fitness cycling, family-friendly biking
📏 Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
📏 Distance: 5.5 miles (loop)
💡 Why It’s a Must-Ride:
✔️ Paved and beginner-friendly, perfect for all levels
✔️ Stunning river views and Sundial Bridge
✔️ Low elevation gain, making it great for long-distance rides
🌟 Best Starting Points:
📍 Turtle Bay Exploration Park – Central access near Sundial Bridge
📍 Keswick Dam Road Trailhead – Great for extended rides toward Shasta Dam
📍 Local Tip: Ride at sunrise or sunset for the most breathtaking views!
🚵♀️ 2. Swasey Recreation Area – Best for Mountain Bikers
📍 Location: Redding, CA
🚴 Best For: Intermediate to advanced mountain biking
📏 Difficulty Level: Moderate to Hard
📏 Distance: Varies (multiple trail loops)
💡 Why It’s a Must-Ride:
✔️ Thrilling singletrack trails with technical challenges
✔️ Beautiful oak woodlands and scenic overlooks
✔️ Varied terrain that includes smooth rides and rocky sections
🌟 Notable Trails:
📍 Terminator – A fun, flowing singletrack with jumps and turns
📍 Escalator – A steady climbing trail with rewarding views
📍 Local Tip: Bring plenty of water—Swasey can get hot in the summer!
🚵 3. Churn Creek Greenway – Great for a Relaxing Ride
📍 Location: Redding, CA
🚴 Best For: Beginners, commuters, low-intensity riding
📏 Difficulty Level: Easy
📏 Distance: 4 miles (loop)
💡 Why It’s a Must-Ride:
✔️ Flat, paved trail—perfect for casual riders and kids
✔️ Peaceful nature views with minimal crowds
✔️ Easy access from multiple points in Redding
📍 Local Tip: Pair this ride with a picnic or stretch session at one of the nearby parks!
🚴♂️ 4. Shasta Dam to Sundial Bridge – The Ultimate Fitness Challenge
📍 Location: Redding to Shasta Lake
🚴 Best For: Road cyclists, long-distance endurance training
📏 Difficulty Level: Moderate to Hard
📏 Distance: 18+ miles
💡 Why It’s a Must-Ride:
✔️ Long, uninterrupted stretch—perfect for serious cyclists
✔️ Gradual elevation gains for strength and endurance building
✔️ Incredible views of Shasta Dam, Shasta Lake, and the Sacramento River
📍 Local Tip: Ride early in the morning to avoid midday heat and traffic.
🚵 5. French Gulch Trails – Hidden Gem for Mountain Bikers
📍 Location: Near Whiskeytown Lake
🚴 Best For: Intermediate mountain bikers, scenic off-road riding
📏 Difficulty Level: Moderate
📏 Distance: Varies (multiple interconnected trails)
💡 Why It’s a Must-Ride:
✔️ Less crowded than Swasey & popular MTB spots
✔️ Challenging but rewarding climbs and descents
✔️ Gorgeous views of Whiskeytown Lake and surrounding forests
📍 Local Tip: Watch for wildlife and loose gravel on the descents!
🚴♀️ Join a Local Cycling Group in Redding
Cycling is even more fun and motivating when done with others! Here are some local groups where you can connect with fellow riders:
🚴 Redding Mountain Bikers – A community for MTB enthusiasts who ride weekly
🚴 Shasta Wheelmen – A local cycling club with group rides and road biking events
🚴 Redding Bike Month Challenges – Participate in local cycling competitions and charity rides
📍 Local Tip: Join a group ride or bike race to challenge yourself and meet new people!
🛠️ What to Bring for a Safe & Enjoyable Ride
✅ Helmet – Always wear one for safety
✅ Hydration Pack or Water Bottles – Stay hydrated on long rides
✅ Cycling Gloves – Reduce hand fatigue & improve grip
✅ Bike Lights & Reflectors – Essential for early morning or evening rides
✅ Spare Tube & Repair Kit – Just in case of a flat tire
📍 Local Tip: Check your bike’s brakes, tire pressure, and chain before heading out!
🎯 Final Thoughts: Get on Your Bike & Ride for Wellness!
Cycling is an amazing way to stay fit, explore Redding, and enjoy the outdoors. Whether you’re into leisurely rides, mountain biking, or road cycling, there’s a perfect route waiting for you.