Dog-friendly Arboretum Loop trail at Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding

Arboretum Loop Trail

840 Sundial Bridge (Auditorium) Drive
Redding, California 96001
Visit Website
Local Phone: (800) 887-8532

This paved, 1.2-mile multipurpose trail circles the McConnell Arboretum at Turtle Bay Exploration Park, rolling gently through riparian forests, oak savannahs and wetlands along the Sacramento River.

Park at the main Turtle Bay Exploration Park complex and walk over the Sundial Bridge to reach the trail. Or, leave your vehicle in the lot next to a water tower on Hilltop Road, where a steep spur trail connects with the loop.

Other side-trails connect to the Sacramento River National Recreation Trail, which extends 20 miles to Shasta Dam.

• Distance: 1.2 - 1.7
• Difficulty: Flat & Rolling Hills
• Restrooms: Yes
• Drinking Water: Yes

Help us keep this trail beautiful and dog-friendly:
• Always follow the posted rules as they may have changed
• If in off-leash area, keep your dog under voice command
• Respect and protect wildlife and habitats
• Pack in and pack out, leaving only paw prints

trail, turtle bay, turtle bay exploration park, gardens, sundial bridge, redding, shasta cascade, hilltop road

Maya walking on the Sacramento River Trail. Photo by Roxanne Kendrick.
Maya walking on the Sacramento River Trail. Photo by Roxanne Kendrick.
DogTrekkers know Redding as “California’s Trail Capital,” thanks to 225 miles of trails found within 15 miles of town. Most of those miles welcome furry best friends, and many are within minutes of Redding’s lodging properties. From the Sacramento River Trail, which samples the region’s diverse urban and rural landscapes, to flat paths winding through oak woodlands at Clover Creek Preserve, your biggest challenge will be choosing where to explore first. more »
Obi on Sundial Bridge
Obi on the Sundial Bridge. Photo: James Navarro
What a difference a bridge makes! It’s been 10 years since Redding’s Sundial Bridge, designed by celebrity architect Santiago Calatrava, opened to international acclaim. To mark its first decade as an iconic symbol of the region, the city is preparing to celebrate in a big way.  more »

Kayla on Sundail Bridge

Kayla on Sundial Bridge Hang onto your leash: You'll need it to steady yourself when you get your first close-up look at Redding’s iconic Sundial Bridge. The stunning pedestrian structure designed by celebrity architect Santiago Calatrava links dog-friendly trails on both sides of the Sacramento River and is a major visitor attraction in this part of the state. Start off with a stroll over the glass-decked span and let Rover splash at the water access points on the far side.  more »

Water feature at Mcconnell Botanic GardensThe McConnell Arboretum and Botanical Gardens at Turtle Bay Exploration Park in Redding is overlooked by many visitors to the Shasta Cascade region. After all, the soaring (and dog-friendly) Sundial Bridge over the Sacramento River is Redding’s star attraction. You and Champ won’t want to miss walking over the iconic structure, but neither should you miss the 20 acres of Mediterranean-climate display gardens on the far side. more »
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