Parks & Outdoors
Bidwell Park
A California Park and Recreation Society 2013 Regional Treasure
One of the largest municipal parks in the nation, Bidwell Park truly is the crown jewel of the City of Chico. With its array of hiking and mountain biking trails, picnic areas, swimming holes, it is a city park like none other. We invite you to explore the many resources and amenities the park has to offer.
Maps, Documents and Other Information
Vegetative Fuels Management Plan Final EIR-April 2021
Final Vegetative Fuels Management Plan-April 2021
Caper Acres Master Plan
Bidwell Park Map
Bidwell Park Rules
Lower Bidwell Park Map
Adaptive Wet Weather Trail Management Plan (Revised 2013)
One Mile Recreation Area Map
Other City Parks
The City operates additional parks within the community including Children’s Park and City Plaza. For other Chico parks run by the Chico Area Recreation and Parks District (CARD), please see their website.
Park Reservations & Donations
Due to COVID restrictions, we are currently not accepting park reservations. Please note, the fees and times available for reserving City park facilities will change on January 1, 2021.
All City park areas are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, unless the area is reservable and is already reserved (a reservation sign will be posted).
- One Mile Picnic/Barbecue Area
- Cedar Grove
- City Plaza
- City Plaza Diagram
- Children's Playground
- Campfire Council Ring Area
- Bidwell Bowl Amphitheater
- Caper Acres
- Depot Park
- Lower Bidwell Park Map
- 5K and 10K Lower Bidwell Park run/walk map
- Upper Bidwell Park Map
- Application for Park Reservation
- Fees Information
- Park Reservation Insurance Requirements
- Special Use Permit
- Five Mile West
- Five Mile East
- Picnic Site no. 37
- Read more
Trail, Gate, & Facility Status
Please be advised that trails, gates, and parks may be closed due to weather and other factors that may not be posted here.
Volunteer Program
Make a Difference in your Parks and Greenways!
Join the PALS volunteers
Partners, Ambassadors, Leaders & Stewards
Did you know that each year 50% of Americans donate a total of more than 20 billion hours to various causes? The City’s Park Division, like a number of agencies and non-profit groups in Chico, seeks volunteers to contribute to the care of our Parks and Greenways.
The Stansbury Home
The Stansbury Home is a Victorian home built by Dr. Oscar Stansbury in 1883. The home was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 and in 1991 was listed as supporting the South Campus Historic District. Owned by the City of Chico, the Stansbury Home Preservation Association helps to fund and maintain the 19th-century historic residence.