Discover Susanville: Trails, History, and High Desert Landscape

Susanville is located on a high desert plateau and combines extensive trails, railroad history, and lively events. For planning your trip, it is worth first deciding what you would like to focus on: Would you like to hike, cycle, and ride horses, learn about historic sites, or combine various activities? You can then choose your vacation rental based on which experiences are most important to you.

Trails for Hiking, Cycling, and Horseback Riding

A particularly distinctive starting point is the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail, which begins in Susanville. The trail offers opportunities for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding and follows the route of the former Southern Pacific Railroad. As a result, it combines an experience of the landscape with railroad history along a single route. The historic Susanville Railroad Depot also serves as a starting point for the trail and is itself a destination for visitors who want to learn about Susanville’s past.

For a stay with different plans for each day, Susanville Ranch Park offers another extensive range of options. The shared-use recreation area covers 1,100 acres and features more than 30 miles of trails for cycling, walking, and horseback riding. If you want to combine active days with shorter outings during your trip, you can incorporate these trails into your plans without limiting yourself to just one type of activity.

Memorial Park also has a bicycle pump track with banked turns and undulating rises. A footbridge in the park connects the area across Paiute Creek with Roop's Fort. You can reach Inspiration Point via Inspiration Point Road and a short trail. These different formats can be planned as individual outings and give your trip a change of pace between longer trails and more compact destinations.

History and Cultural Impressions

The Lassen Historical Museum houses relics from 160 years of history in Honey Lake Valley and Lassen County. Roop's Fort was built in 1854 as a trading post and ranch along the emigrant trail. The Noble Emigrant Trail passed through a city park in Susanville that served as a rest stop for emigrants. Together with the historic Railroad Depot, this creates a varied way to explore the area’s history: You can view regional development, travel routes, and railroad traditions from different perspectives.

Events also shape Susanville’s character. The Susanville Indian Rancheria’s Pow Wow takes place every year and includes dances, drum music, food, and family-friendly activities that are open to everyone. The Rails to Trails Festival at the historic Susanville Railroad Depot features handcar races, local vendors, craft beer, and family-friendly activities. If you would like to combine your trip with a cultural or community experience, these events are among the area’s special occasions.

More Options for Planning Your Days

Diamond Mountain Golf Course is an 18-hole course at the foot of Diamond Mountain. Skyline Park has a nine-basket disc golf course that is open to players of all ages and experience levels. This means that in addition to hiking and cycling days, you can plan sporting activities with other focuses as well.

For travel purposes, Susanville’s location five miles from U.S. Highway 395 is relevant. Susanville Municipal Airport has facilities for general aviation and supports private, recreational, and business flights. When choosing a vacation rental in Susanville, you can therefore first consider whether nature trails, culture, events, or a versatile mix should be the deciding factor. You can also find additional destinations to plan your trip under Westwood and Doyle.

For the higher-level travel overview: Lassen.