Weekly Itinerary

This is an incredible itinerary to plan. With 16 people, horses, and pets in tow, the Pit River Valley is your ultimate basecamp. I’ve designed this week to balance high-energy adventure with educational moments, ensuring the kids learn about geology and conservation while the adults enjoy the rugged beauty of the Shasta-Lassen corridor.

The "High Desert & Peaks" Weekly Itinerary

Day 1: The Eighth Wonder of the World

• Morning: Hearty pancakes in the courtyard.

• Activity: Horseback Ride to Burney Falls. Since you are staying at an equestrian dream, saddle up and take the trail directly to the falls.

• Education: Teach the kids about volcanic aquifers. Burney Falls isn't just snowmelt; 100 million gallons of water a day come through the basalt rock.

• Lunch: Picnic at the Burney Falls overlook.

• Evening: BBQ Tri-tip and a soak in the hot tub.

Day 2: Volcanic Explorers & Lava Tubes

• Morning: Breakfast burritos to-go.

• Activity: Head south to Subway Cave and the Lava Fields.

• Education: Bring powerful flashlights! Explore the "Spelunking" aspect of the region. Explain how liquid lava formed these tubes thousands of years ago.

• Afternoon: Visit Lassen Volcanic National Park. Hike the Devastation Area—it’s an easy, educational walk showing the power of the 1915 eruption.

• Evening: S'mores by the campfire.

Day 3: Water & Wildlife (The "Secret" Park)

• Morning: Fresh fruit and pastries in the 1500 sq/ft courtyard.

• Activity: Trailer the boats or rent pontoons for Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park.

• Highlight: This park is only accessible by boat. It is one of the largest freshwater springs in the world.

• Education: Bring binoculars for Birdwatching. Look for Ospreys and Bald Eagles nesting along the shore.

• Evening: Grilled salmon BBQ.

Day 4: Rail Trails & Iron Horses

• Morning: Traditional eggs and bacon.

• Activity: Split the group! One half takes the E-bikes on the Great Shasta Rail Trail, the other half takes the horses.

• The Route: Enjoy the wide, level paths of the 90-mile trail system. It’s safe for the kids and perfect for the pets to run alongside.

• Afternoon: Visit the Crystal Springs Hatchery for a tour.

• Education: Learn how trout are raised to restock California’s "World Famous" Hat Creek.

Day 5: The Majesty of Mt. Shasta

• Morning: Quick breakfast before the 1-hour drive north.

• Activity: Summer? Mountain Biking at the Ski Park. Winter? Skiing/Snowboarding.

• The "Big View": Take the chairlift up for a family photo with the 14,179-foot peak behind you.

• Afternoon: Stop at the McCloud River Falls on the way back. Hike the easy trail to see the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls.

• Evening: Heavy appetizers and a Findleton Estate Winery tasting for the adults while the kids play in the secure courtyard.

Day 6: Lake Britton "Party Boat" Day

• Morning: Slow morning with a big family brunch.

• Activity: Lake Britton. Rent a large Pontoon/Party boat.

• Adventure: Visit the famous "Stand By Me" train bridge (now part of the rail trail) and let the kids swim in the clean, full-to-the-brim water.

• Education: Discuss the Pit River Hydroelectric system and how water creates power for the state.

• Evening: Build-your-own burger night.

Day 7: The Summit & The Send-off

• Morning: Clean out the fridge breakfast feast.

• Activity: Lassen Peak Trail. For the final day, take the challenge of hiking the best trail to the top of a volcano. It’s a steady climb but well-maintained and achievable for active families.

• Alternative: For those with tired legs, head to Fall River Mills for some light Antiquing at Annes Main Street and a quiet final picnic by the river.

• Evening: Final soak in the hot tub under the Milky Way (the stargazing here is world-class due to zero light pollution).

Quick Tips for your Group of 16:

• Pet Safety: The Shasta Trinity National Forest is your backyard, but keep pets on leashes near the PCT to respect through-hikers.

• Accessibility: Since your estate is ADA Compliant, ensure the less mobile members of your group take the Highway 299 bike lane—it’s level, paved, and very safe for a morning stroll.

• Provisions: Do your major "Stock Up" at the outlets/shops in Redding before heading up the hill to the gated estate!

Which season are you planning to visit in, so I can refine the gear list for the kids? We have four fabulous seasons and encourage you to experience them all!