Mule Mountain

Back up Mule Mountain again, an 8-mile version of the loop out of the Wintu Trailhead this time. Same reliable climb up through the Swasey Recreation Area, a small footbridge and a trailside marker along the way breaking up the steady grind toward the summit ridge.

The ridge delivered the usual wide views out across the Sacramento Valley, hazy winter sun breaking through scattered clouds overhead. A good stretch of exposed trail near the top, loose shale underfoot same as always, before the payoff at the high point looking back over the hills toward Redding.

Another solid lap on one of Redding's best backyard trail systems — different mileage than the first visit, same dependable payoff at the top.

Mule Mountain sits in the Swasey Recreation Area just west of Redding, a BLM-managed network of trails that's as popular with mountain bikers as it is with hikers. Starting from the Wintu Trailhead, the route climbs steadily up the Escalator toward Mule Mountain Pass, a well-graded singletrack that gains elevation without ever feeling brutal.

The final push to the summit narrows onto skinnier trail with loose shale underfoot, but nothing that slows things down for long. From the top, the views open up across the Sacramento Valley toward Mount Shasta and Lassen Peak, both visible on a clear October day — a solid payoff for a hike that stays close to town.

A good reminder that Redding's backyard trail system punches above its weight — no long drive required, just a straightforward climb and a genuinely rewarding summit view.