Trail/Road/Disc Golf Closure Hotline: (530) 896-7899
Upper Bidwell Park:
- Trails are:
- Upper Park Road:
The Upper Park gate at parking lot E is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
OPEN
- Wildwood Park Ball Fields:
OPEN
- Hwy 32 Disc Golf Site:
OPEN
CLOSED FOR CONSTUCTION More information may be found on the ORAI website
NEW!
Bidwell Park Map
BIDWELL PARK AND PLAYGROUND COMMISSIONERS:
Mary Brentwood, Lisa Emmerich, Steve Lucas, Jim Mikles, Rich Ober, Jane Turney, Jamison Watts.
Staff Liaison: Carmen Parachou, Administrative Analyst, 896-7800 or email the Commission.
Bidwell Park
Donate now to Bidwell Park through Annie B's Community Drive:
Donations may be made online from August 1 - September 30, 2010. Or you can mail checks to NVCF/Bidwell Park to 3120 Cohasset Rd. Ste. 8; Chico, CA; 95973. Funds raised during this drive will be used toward Bidwell Park vegetation management and restoration efforts; an Intern volunteer leader program; and general maintenance. For more information read our brochure.
Bidwell Park was established July 20, 1905 through the donation by Annie Bidwell of approximately 2,500 acres of land to the City of Chico. Since that time, the City has purchased additional land, such as Cedar Grove in 1922, and 1,200 acres of land south of Big Chico Creek in Upper Park in 1995. Today, the total Park size is 3,670 acres (nearly 11 miles in length), making it one of the largest municipal parks in the United States.
Bidwell Park is "divided" by Manzanita Avenue. The area west of Manzanita Avenue is referred to as Lower Park and the area to the east is referred to as Upper Park. The noticeable difference between Upper and Lower Park is the terrain. Upper Park is located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It has steep terrain and contains many rock formations, including the unique Chico Formation sandstone and Lovejoy Basalt rocks. Lower Park is flat and level with a thick canopy of trees which provide ample shade for the visitor.
Recreation
Bidwell Park caters to many recreational past times.
For those interested in swimming, the Sycamore Pool, located at the One-Mile Recreation Area, is an uncommon swimming experience, being a concrete pool built around Big Chico Creek. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend each year at the pool. When swimming in Big Chico Creek, be sure to use caution. Water which may appear to be shallow and/or slow moving can actually be swift and powerful. Don't be a victim! Stay in areas where there is no white water. When possible, swim with friends. Also, as with all other activities, bring enough drinking water to stay hydrated.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is one of the most common activities that takes place in Bidwell Park. There are miles upon miles of trails to ride on. Some of the basic bike rules are:
- no riding on Yahi Trail (a pedestrian only trail)
- no bikes on Upper Park trails when closed due to wet conditions
- helmets must be worn by people of all ages when riding off of pavement in Upper Park
To further ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable time, bring plenty of drinking water and a tire patch kit.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is yet another common past time in the Park. Because Park trails are mostly multi-use, there are abundant riding opportunities for equestrians. Basic equestrian rules are:
- no horses on Upper Park trails when closed due to wet conditions
- keep horses 100 feet away from established picnic areas
- and cross the creek only at established and signed horse crossings
Hiking
Hiking in Bidwell Park is a perfect way to spend a day. All trails in Bidwell Park are open to pedestrians. The pedestrian-only Yahi Trail in Upper Park is a recommended visit. Yahi Trail offers the hiker miles of scenic views along Big Chico Creek. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and to bring plenty of drinking water.