Having written about the beautiful bridges found on the Oregon Coast and built in the 1930s, I now turn to a modern bridge with equal but different beauty built in 2004: The Sundial Bridge across the Sacramento River in Redding, California.
It seems like I have been driving through Redding, California forever— traveling back and forth between Southern Oregon and Northern California, heading into the beautiful Trinity Alps on backpacking adventures, and once, even starting a seven-day canoe trek down the Sacramento River from the town. I often stop for food or gas, but I have never considered Redding a destination.
That has changed.
In March, Peggy and I met our friends Ken and Leslie there to begin a week of wandering. We didn’t have anywhere we needed to be, so we decided to spend a day exploring the town and area, which Ken knows well. Our explorations led us to Turtle Bay Park and the incredibly beautiful Sundial Bridge. In addition to its architectural beauty, the bridge happens to be exactly what its name suggests, a sundial. In fact it is one of the largest sundials in the world.
The bridge, completed in 2004, spans the Sacramento River with a 700-foot deck that is made up of 200 tons of granite and glass. Graceful cables connect the deck with the bridge’s 217-foot tall sundial/pylon and provide suspension. The renowned Spanish architect, Santiago Calatrava, designed the bridge. Known for his work on bridges in Europe and numerous other structures around the world, the project was his first freestanding bridge in the United States.
Walkers, bicyclists, runners and one very large group of children on a school field trip were crossing the bridge when we arrived. Peggy, Leslie, Ken and I joined the crowd. I took out my camera and went to work while the others waited patiently. I think you will agree with me on just how spectacular the bridge is.
4300 feet of cable connect the deck with a 217 foot pylon, the sundial, and create a freestanding bridge. The deck is composed of glass and granite.
I was particularly struck by the elegance of the pylon that forms the sundial and took several photos from different angles.
I shot this photo of the pylon from under the bridge. It also captured the glass used in the deck.
From the base looking up.
Another perspective.
A view of the Sacramento River from the bridge. Coastal Ranges can be seen in the distance.
The Sacramento River is the main source of water for the Northern Sacramento Valley, one of the richest farmlands in the world. The river eventually flows into San Francisco Bay and out into the Pacific Ocean. The region is now suffering from a severe drought.
One of the reasons for the bridge is to connect the town of Redding with an extensive series of hiking and biking trails on the opposite side of the river, starting with a trail through the McConnell Arboretum. Redbud can be seen on the left.
Manzanita was also in bloom with its sweet-smelling flowers. This shrub grows on our property in southern Oregon.
A final view of the pylon that captures its ‘sundial’ look. NEXT BLOG: Since we were in the area, we went for a hike along the Sacramento River. I’ll feature photos.
Wandering through Time and Place 
there’s a bridge JUST like this one in northern Jerusalem
It’s possible Jacob that it was designed by the same person. –Curt
It is wonderful how many interesting/startling/stunning bridges are being built around the world now. Whether they’re for people, animals or cars. Your photos are super – hadn’t heard of or seen this one – glad so many people are experiencing it. One shot looks like a shark jaw.
Europe definitely led the way in building beautiful modern bridges. It has taken the US a while to catch up. And I love the walking and biking bridges. I can remember crossing a few highway bridges on a bicycle when they were crowded with cars. It was a nightmare. –Curt
Definitely a spectacular bridge. And that blue sky in the pics is pretty spectacular too. Gorgeous.
Thanks Carrie. And I think it made a fun contrast to the Oregon bridges I posted earlier. BTW, you commented on one of those posts and I did something with my fingers to make it disappear, and no, it was’t delete. 🙂 Sorry. –Curt
The vanishing comment. Must be my son’s magic at work. (He’s a magician. 🙂 )
I like magicians. I would love to be one. 🙂 As for the genies who live in my computer and do strange things (with my help, no doubt), I am not so sure. –Curt
Bridges suspended are often magical structures. It seems to defy gravity. A very graceful bridge, Curt.
Right, Gerard. Well said. Almost magical. And I might add, they have minimal impact on the environment. –Curt
Absolutely striking bridge – reminds me of some of those structures created for Burning Man.
Absolutely. When artists, whether they are architects or painters, or sculptures are turned loose to play, the results are often incredible. –Curt
Fabulous bridge shots. Really fond of the “From the base looking up” one. And the flowers aren’t too shabby either. Very pleasant post.
Glad you enjoyed it. Architecture is a form of art. And for so long it was missing from American bridges, at least out west. I am so glad to see it back. –Curt
Simply beautiful. The glass and granite deck captured my attention and imagination.
Right Timi, beauty in simplicity. Quite a contrast to the Oregon Bridges I was featuring earlier but equally beautiful. –Curt
Curt I love that bridge! I just saw it for the very first time last summer before my Trinity Alps hike. It was a total surprise walking in from the parking lot because I was just trying to ask someone for directions, and I came around the corner, and WOW! It’s so stunning. I love the blue glass and the elegant shape and Redding’s blue skies and everything about it.
I can’t believe it took me as long as it did to get to the bridge, Crystal. I had seen it from a distance a few times, and read about it. I knew it was supposed to be special. 🙂 –Curt
Those are some pretty neat shots of that bridge Curt!
Alison
Fun, eh, to put it in Canadian. 🙂 It is gorgeous and I had fun photographing it. Thanks, Alison. –Curt
I love the Sacramento River valley — lots of good memories there — and I’ve always wanted to go back. If I ever make it, this will be a first stop. It’s absolutely glorious. It reminds me of an aeolian harp. Your photos are stunning — and of course that sky didn’t hurt a thing!
I am still kicking myself for not checking it out sooner, Linda. I’ve driven by it dozens of times. Always seems I was in a hurry to get somewhere else. –Curt
What a beautiful structure. I love that vision like this actually gets built as well.
I am not surprised. It goes with your artistic bent, Hilary. –Curt
Nice–could you tell the time of day when you took the pictures, are there marks along the bridge marking the hours? -Ginette
I kicked myself for not taking a photo of the actual clock, Ginette. It was on the opposite side of the bridge and you actually could tell the time. –Curt
Now you have reason to visit again–it’s all for the blog:)