01
Best overall pick
Sacramento River Trail & Turtle Bay Loop
Redding Riverfront • Paved River Canyon Loop With Big Bridge Views • Scenic Any-Season Favorite
A classic paved loop along the Sacramento River with canyon views, artful bridges, and easy access from downtown Redding.[5]
This loop strings together the Sacramento River Trail, Sundial Bridge, and the Turtle Bay area for a hike that feels polished but still close to nature.[5] You get river bluffs, shade, and long views into the canyon, with options to shorten or extend your walk depending on how far you want to go.[5] It is an easy choice when you want a memorable outing that works for a wide range of abilities.
02
Best easy walk close to Bella Vista
Clover Creek Preserve
East Redding, Toward Bella Vista • Flat Preserve Paths Around Wetlands And Grasslands • Best For Relaxed Walks And Sunsets
A gentle loop around ponds and seasonal wetlands on Redding’s east side, just a short drive from Bella Vista.[1][5]
Clover Creek Preserve features an easy, mostly flat path around water and open fields, making it a natural go-to for quick evening or family walks.[1][5] Birdlife is good here, and the open views mean you often get colorful skies at sunset. It is not remote, but when you only have an hour to spare, it is one of the most convenient ways to stretch your legs in real open space.
03
Best garden-and-river combo
Arboretum Loop Trail
Mcconnell Arboretum, Redding • Garden Paths Linking To Riverside Trail • Best For First-Time Visitors
A relaxed loop that connects the McConnell Arboretum gardens with the Sacramento River corridor near Sundial Bridge.[1][5]
The Arboretum Loop Trail weaves through curated gardens before easing out toward the river, giving you landscaped plantings up close and wilder views in the distance.[1][5] It is a good introduction to the area for visitors, with clear paths, interpretive features, and straightforward navigation. Pair it with a stroll across Sundial Bridge for a half-day outing that feels polished but still outdoorsy.
04
Best low-key local network
Churn Creek Trails
South Of Bella Vista • Oak Woodland Singletrack And Open-Space Paths • Dog-Friendly Local Spot
A web of informal-feeling dirt paths in oak woodlands and grasslands, popular for everyday hikes with dogs and kids.[1]
Churn Creek Trails offer an unfussy network of routes where you can improvise shorter or longer loops without straying far from town.[1] Expect a mix of open grassland, scattered oaks, and creekside stretches rather than big views, which makes it ideal for routine morning walks or after-work outings. The mellow grades and multiple access points keep it accessible even when you do not have a big hike in mind.
05
Best big-day summit
Lassen Peak Trail
Lassen Volcanic National Park • High-Elevation Volcanic Summit Hike • Bucket-List Day Trip From Bella Vista
A stout but manageable climb to the 10,457-foot summit of Lassen Peak, delivering sweeping views over the national park and surrounding ranges.[4]
Lassen Peak Trail is one of the top-rated hikes in the region and a true standout for hikers willing to drive a bit farther from Bella Vista.[4] The trail climbs steadily through volcanic terrain to a broad summit with far-reaching views, snowfields early in the season, and a real sense of being in the high country.[4] It is best saved for clear summer and early fall days when the road is open and you are ready for a more demanding outing.