Chamise Peak Trail

The Chamise Peak Trail in Redding, California is all natural and rocky, yet is a fairly easy and popular hike up to the top of the peak where you can see Sacramento, the Sacramento River, Mount Shasta, Lake Shasta, and the Shasta Dam. It can be just a little bit steep at times, so be ready to get a good workout as you ascend about 700 feet to reach the 1,628-foot lookout point.

From the beginning of the trail on Flanagan Road, you will be walking about one and a half miles of the Flanagan Trailhead to get to the Chamise Peak Trail. Along most of the trail, you and your pooch will be blanketed in oak, pine, and manzanita trees. The paths will also be dotted by wildflowers here and there with just enough color to make it a great place to stop and take some selfies. 

At the turnoff for the Chamise Peak Trail, there is a bench where you can take a load off and relax while your pooch runs around and sniffs everything. Be sure to bring a lot of water for you both as there are no drinking water or restrooms available on the trek. You also need to keep your furry friend on a leash throughout the trip for safety and because those are the rules. You will also need doggy bags to clean up after Fido.

When you reach the top of the Chamise Peak, you are over 1,600 feet up and can see for miles and miles. The view of the Sacramento River Canyon and the Sacramento Rail Trail to the southwest are simply breathtaking, so you better bring a camera because your cell phone camera cannot do it justice. There is also a picnic table to relax on before you start back down to the beginning.