01
Best big views close to town
Fort Sage Off-Highway Vehicle Area
Fort Sage Mountains East Of Doyle • High-Desert Multi-Use Trail Network • Best Big-Sky Ridge Ramble
A sprawling web of roads and singletrack winds through sagebrush hills with long views toward Honey Lake and the northern Sierra.
Although it is managed primarily for off-highway vehicles, Fort Sage also works well for hikers who like wide-open country and don’t mind sharing the landscape. Start from the Fort Sage or Diamondback trailheads and follow signed routes up onto the ridges for broad panoramas and quiet side draws once you leave the main corridors. Go early or on weekdays to avoid the busiest motorized hours, and bring plenty of water and sun protection—there is almost no shade out here.
02
Best quick nature fix
Doyle Wildlife Area
North Of Doyle Along The Susan River • Quiet Riparian And Sagebrush Wildlife Zone • Closest Low-Key Nature Walk
An under-the-radar spot for easy wandering along the Susan River with good chances of spotting deer, raptors, and spring wildflowers.
The Doyle Wildlife Area feels surprisingly wild for being so close to town, with cottonwoods along the river and open sage benches above. Hikers follow old ranch roads, faint two-tracks, and game trails, choosing their own loops on mostly gentle terrain. It’s best in cooler months or early mornings, and because it’s a wildlife area, you’ll want to watch for posted notices about seasonal closures and be mindful of hunting seasons.
03
Best trail variety
Susanville Ranch Park
Foothills Just North Of Susanville • Well-Signed Multi-Use Trail System • Best All-Around Day Of Hiking
Rolling singletrack loops through meadows, oak and pine pockets, and rocky overlooks give you plenty of options for short strolls or half-day hikes.
Susanville Ranch Park is where many locals go when they want a reliable, well-marked trail network with a bit of everything. Lower trails trace grassy meadows and seasonal creeks, while higher routes climb to viewpoints over Susanville and the surrounding hills. You can stitch together mellow loops or longer circuits, but plan to share the path with mountain bikers and the occasional horseback rider, especially on weekends.
04
Best easy mileage
Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail
Along The Susan River West Of Susanville • Scenic Rail-Trail Along A Canyon River • Best For Relaxed, Family-Friendly Miles
This nearly level rail-trail follows the Susan River through a colorful canyon, passing old trestle bridges, short tunnels, and layers of volcanic rock.
With its gentle grade and broad tread, the Bizz Johnson Trail is ideal for walkers who want to cover some distance without a lot of climbing. Start right in Susanville for a casual out-and-back, or head to a downstream trailhead for a quieter stretch of canyon and river access. It’s especially pretty in fall when the cottonwoods turn gold, and the packed dirt and gravel surface works well for strollers and casual hikers alike.
05
Best for spotting wildlife
Honey Lake Wildlife Area
Wetlands Near Honey Lake, Between Doyle And Susanville • Open Wetland And Desert Edge Walking • Best Bird-Watching Hike
Levees and dirt tracks offer easy, mostly flat walking with huge sky, wide horizons, and standout bird life when the marshes hold water.
Honey Lake Wildlife Area is all about big-sky scenery and wildlife, especially during migration seasons when waterfowl and shorebirds crowd the wetlands. Hikers typically follow maintenance roads and dikes, creating their own routes while keeping an eye on muddy spots and seasonal closures. Bring binoculars, expect little shade, and time your visit for spring or early summer if you want both water views and active bird life.