Redding Convention & Visitors Bureau

GROUP TRAVEL PLANNER

Tourism Opportunities

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Parks Adventure

Redding, California Group Tour Opportunities

From the world-class Sundial Bridge in Redding to the natural and pristine setting of Lassen Volcanic National Park, Redding offers a wide variety of tourism opportunities for your next group tour. This publication is designed to help make planning and operating your next tour through our area as easy as possible.

We will gladly provide you with additional information if there is something you need to know that is not included in this guide.

We look forward to working with you!

Laurie Baker, Group Travel ManagerRedding Convention & Visitors BureauDirect line: 530-225-4105E-mail: Laurie@VisitRedding.comWebsite: www.VisitRedding.com

The Sundial Bridge at Turtle Bay

The world-famous Sundial Bridge in Redding is a must-see when planning your next group tour itinerary to the Redding area. The bridge, designed by world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, is an actual working sundial, casting its massive shadow on a garden-bordered Spanish tile dial plate marked with bronze time stamps.

In easy-to-recognize “Calatrava” style, the bridge is made of white painted steel and glass. During the evening hours, the opaque glass deck of the bridge is lit from below. The resulting glow, which can be seen from an airplane flying at 30,000 feet, draws you to stroll more than 700 feet across the cold and swift Sacramento River below.

Day or night, the bridge is spectacular, and walking across it affords magnificent views of the Trinity Mountain Range, fly fisherman trying their luck in the river below, and wildlife swimming, flying, and hopping all around you. However, an evening walk across the bridge really is something special, and is sure to be a highlight of your group’s entire trip.

Direction:

Contact: Laurie Baker, Group Tour Manager, Redding CVB530-225-4105 / Laurie@VisitRedding.com

Hours: 6:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m., dailyLocation: Located in the heart of Redding, just 5 minutes from Hilltop hotel

properties and 1 minute off Interstate 5.Cost: There is no fee to cross the bridge--it is not part of Turtle Bay Park

Tour Guides: The Redding Visitors Bureau currently offers guided tours of the bridge free of charge to group tours and travel journalists.

Time: A guided tour of the bridge takes approximately 45 minutes and includes a small gift and Fun Facts brochure.

More Info: http://www.visitredding.com/sudialbridgeSpecial Notes: During warm summer months, groups are encouraged to take

advantage of Redding’s beautiful evening weather when planning a tour of the Sundial Bridge. An evening visit to the bridge (after dinner works nicely) not only offers cooler temperatures, but smaller crowds and the amazing sight of this spectacular bridge casting its glow on the river below. Increase the exposure and bring those cameras and tri-pods for some incredible one-of-a-kind photo ops!

Shasta Dam Tour

Shasta Dam is a curved gravity concrete dam. Built between 1938 and 1945, Shasta Dam was a continuous pour concrete project and, in its day, ranked as one of the great civil engineering feats of the world. The dam is 602 feet high and 3,460 feet long, making it the second largest dam, in mass, in the United States.

The friendly and knowledgeable tour guide staff at Shasta Dam offer free dam tours for people of all ages. Guides will discuss the history, purpose, and construction of this fascinating project. After the short walk through the dam, the tour heads to the powerhouse for a chance to view the State’s largest hydroelectric generating station.

Directions: From Interstate 5, take Shasta Dam Blvd/Exit #685, and drive west about 6 miles on Shasta Dam Boulevard (also called “Highway 151.” Exit #685 is located about 8 miles north of Redding. It takes approximately 25 minutes to drive to the Shasta Dam Visitor Center from Redding.

Contact: Sheri Harral, Public Affairs Officer530-275-4463 / sharral@mp.usbr.gov

Hours: WINTER (Sept 2 - May 30):9:00, 11:00, 1:00, and 3:00, Wednesday - SundaySUMMER (May 31 - Sept 1):9:00, 10:15, 11:30, 1:00, 2:15, and 3:30, daily

Location: Just outside Shasta Lake City approximately10 miles north of Redding.

Cost: Free for groups of 40 or less.Tour Guides: This tour is guided by Shasta Dam personnel.

Time: A guided tour of the bridge takes approximately one hour, not including the walk to/from the dam elevator, which takes approximately 10 minutes.

More Info: http://www.shastalake.com/shastadam/Special Notes: Absolutely no weapons (including pocket knives), electronics (including cell phones, cameras, or iPods), or bags (including purses or fanny

packs) will be allowed on the tour. Please leave these items on the bus.

Lake Shasta Caverns

The tag line for the caverns is “Three Adventures in One!” Here’s why:First, enjoy a 15 minute catamaran cruise across the McCloud River arm of beautiful Shasta Lake. You will be surrounded by majestic mountain scenery on your way to the caverns, so be sure to bring your camera! Next, a scenic bus ride will take you more than 800 feet above the Lake’s surface and through part of the Grey-Rock Mountain forest on your way to the caverns. You just might catch a glimpse of a Columbian Black-Tail deer, a ring-tail cat, or even a black bear. Also, watch for bald eagles and osprey diving to the lake to catch a trout for lunch. After a warm welcome to the caverns, a brief history of the area is explained before entering the caves for your tour.

Directions: Approximately 30 minutes north of Redding on Interstate 5, take exit #695 O’Brien/Shasta Caverns Road. Drive approximately 1.5 miles east to the gift shop.

Contact: Patton Bailey, Assistant General Manager530-238-2341 / shascav@aol.com

Hours: SUMMER (May 31 - September 1):Every 1/2 hour from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.APRIL, MAY, SEPTEMBER:Every hour from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.OCTOBER - MARCH:10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m.

Location: Northeast of Redding on Shasta LakeCost: $16/adult for 20+ people.

Tour Guides: This tour is guided by Shasta Caverns personnel. Time: Approximately two hours for the entire 3-part experience, port to port.

More Info: http://www.lakeshastacaverns.comSpecial Notes: Two weeks advance notice during busy summer months is

recommended. The caverns are closed during extremely inclement weather. The caverns contain a total of 650 stairs that are both up

and down and occur periodically throughout the tour. There is a half-way point where visitors can rest and watch a video. For senior groups,

the best time to visit the caverns is during the month of June when the lake level is still high. The lower the lake, the longer the walk uphill from

the catamaran to the bus.

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park

The tag line for the caverns is “Three McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is the second oldest park in California’s park system, established in 1922. Many vacationing “regulars” represent four generations of visitors to the park! Frank McArthur donated the park to the State of California so the power company wouldn’t ruin the falls by turning it into a hydro electric plant. At that time, it took him two years to convince the state to purchase the park! The water that feeds the falls comes from underground springs, and although the surface water from Burney Creek all but disappears from July through September, the falls continue to pour out 100 million gallons of water a day all year round. Water issues from the falls at 38 degrees Fahrenheit and warms to a chili 42 degrees in the summer.

Directions: In Redding, take Exit 680, Hwy 299E/Lake Boulevard. Stay right on the off-ramp and turn right onto Hwy 299E. Travel approximately 60 miles to Hwy 89. Travel north on Hwy 89--about 10 minutes to the park entrance.

Contact: Ranger Andy Urlie530-335-2777

Hours: Year-round, seasonal. Please contact the park.Location: One hour east of Redding off Hwy 299E

Cost: $50 for small bus (24 people or less), and $100 for large busTour Guides: No guided tour, per se, but Rangers will meet and speak to the group.

Time: No more than 15 minutes is necessary, but plan on spending an hour and walking the trails to enjoy the mist from the falls.

More Info: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=455Special Notes: This is a very old State Park, and roads within the park were built

before buses; therefore, please do not attempt to maneuver a bus past the parking lot area near the falls, other than to drive to the lake. Parking is limited throughout the busy summer months. During this time, the park literally allows one car in when another car leaves. Call Ranger Andy directly, in advance to make your reservation on the park calendar.

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park - Cont.

THE TOUR:

A hike down and back to the falls takes approximately 30 minutes. At the view point on the trail, you can look directly across to the falls. Do you see any Black Swifts flying around the falls? These birds fly right through the waterfall and into the rocks behind to nest. There are only five places in the United States where the Black Swift can nest, due to the moisture their eggs require.

"The Falls" loop trail, leaves from the same location near the parking lot, and takes about 40 minutes, including stops. This trail meanders along the creek that runs to Lake Britton. An arched wooden bridge crosses over the creek and up to the top of the falls. Stop on the bridge and look back towards the falls. Can you see it through the trees? This is a great photo op.

On the way up to the top of the falls, you will pass the Pacific Crest Trail. Stop to take a photo at a sign that includes mileage to Mexico and Alaska! You're half way to each!

A second bridge crosses over the creek at the top of the falls and continues back to the parking lot.

Lake Britton is a short mile-and-a-half drive within the park. Get off the bus and walk to the swim beach area. You don't have to wait long before you see or hear a bald eagle in the area. Seven or eight pairs are known to nest around the lake, and

they stay year-round.

Lassen Volcanic National Park

All four types of volcanoes and every type of lake that exists naturally in the world can be found inside Lassen Park which boasts incredible mountain scenery reminiscent of Yosemite as well as fascinating thermal wonders similar to Yellowstone, with just a fraction of the visitors of either of those National Parks! Lassen contains three of the four different types of geothermal features including fumaroles or steam vents, mud pots, and hot springs, and at 350 degrees, they are some of the hottest in the world. The Pacific Crest Trail and the Nobles Immigrant Trail both pass through this beautiful and interesting park which was a meeting point for at least four American Indian groups: the Atsugewi, Yana, Yahi, and Maidu. Lassen Park offers spring all over again to summertime visitors!

Directions: See page 2 for driving directions.

Contact: Ranger Steve Zachary, Education Specialist530-335-2777 Ext. 5132

Hours: The park is open to visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week, seasonally. The park road is closed during the winter (approximately November until mid- to late June). Loomis Museum: Daily 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., hours vary per season.

Location: One hour east of Redding off Hwy 44E or 36E.Cost: Fees vary based on seating capacity of bus, but average about $200.

Tour Guides: No step-on guides are available through the park; however Rangers are available to speak to groups. These talks last from 20 minutes to an hour. Please make arrangements ahead of time.

Time: Allow a minimum of three hours to drive through the park and make stops.

More Info: http://www.nps.gov/lavo/Special Notes: Late June through early September, demonstrations and wildlife

programs occur at the Loomis Museum. Check the schedule to find out what might be going on when your group goes through. When the Kohm Yah-mah-nee (the Mt. Maidu name for Snowy Mountain) visitor center opens in Fall 2008, it will provide information, exhibits and displays, an auditorium for showing a park film, books, maps, and educational supplies, and a concession-run gift shop and restaurant.

Lassen Volcanic National Park - Cont.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS:

To access the park from the north entrance: From Interstate 5, take Exit 678 to Hwy 44E/Lassen Nat'l Park. Travel east approximately 48 miles to the north entrance of the park.To access the park from the south entrance: From Interstate 5, take Exit 649 to SR36E/Chico/Lassen Park. Travel south on Antelope Boulevard (Hwy 36) through Red Bluff approximately three miles to Hwy 36E. Travel east on Hwy 36E approximately 50 miles to south entrance of the park.

THE TOUR:

Starting at the north end of the park (Hwy 44): You will stop at the Loomis Museum, view history and Native American exhibits and

maybe even catch a Ranger-led demonstration or talk. --There are splendid restroom facilities available at this location, including flushing toilets and running water.--

Back on the road, you pass Chaos Jumbles on your left. It is the heart of a rock fall avalanche!

As you pass the Lost Creek Group Campground, take note that portions of the existing roadway are a part of the Nobles Immigrant Trail.

Stop at the Devastated Area. So named because it was devastated during the eruption of Lassen. New wayside panels display information and photos to assist in interpreting the park's history. You can look straight up to Lassen Peak from this location and you are able to view three different types of volcanoes from this very point. Great bus turnaround and wonderful panoramic views of the area.

You will pass Summit Lake, so named because you can see the summit from this location. You will note on your map that the road goes out and around before continuing south out of the park at this location. The reason is that you are actually driving around a glaciated area of a large plug dome volcano. You will then be climbing the flank of that volcano as you continue south.

Stop again at the "peak" parking lot. This is the road's high point at 8,512 feet. From the parking lot, you may hike the trail to the "top" of Lassen. (Food and beverage are available for sale at this location) --Restrooms Available Here--

As you descend the mountain, you will be driving right into the center of an old volcano, Mt. Tehama. At this point, you will pass Lake Helen, a deep blue gorgeous glaciated lake great for photos. (Glaciated = created by a glacier melting or moving through the area)

This is also where you will find trails to Bumpass Hell and Devil's Kitchen, an area full of mudpots and fumaroles—some of the hottest in the world!

As you approach the south entrance to the park, you will smell the Sulphur Works area before you see it… Park and walk the wooden pathway to see the steam and mud bubbling. –Restrooms Available Here--

The south entrance will soon be home to the new Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Facility, not to be missed. Great for group tours, it will include a gift store and amphitheatre.