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City of Chico

City of Chico

Bidwell Park

Bidwell Park

A California Park and Recreation Society 2013 Regional Treasure

 
Upper Park Trail
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.
 

Posts

Bidwell Park Amenities
 
 
 
person on bike
From hiking to mountain biking, swimming holes to disc golf, Bidwell Park has got you covered on outdoor activities. 

Amenities

About Bidwell Park
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.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Picture of a disc golf course
Bidwell Park is home to two disc golf courses, Sherwood Forest in Middle Park and Peregrine Point in Upper Park.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Upper Bidwell Park

Hiking

Hiking in Bidwell Park is an incredible experience and a perfect way to spend a day.
 
 
 
 
Check California Fish and Game Regulations for fishing in Big Chico Creek.
Horseshoe Lake: age 14 and over. catch and release; under age 14: catch and keep
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Horseback riding is a common past time in Bidwell Park. Because trails are mostly multi-use, there are abundant riding opportunities for equestrians.
 
 
 
 
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, and incredible scenery along the way.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Flying in the park offers outstanding views and fantastic soaring opportunities.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Swimming
Bidwell Park’s swimming opportunities are not to be missed. From Sycamore Pool to our Upper Park swimming holes, we’ve got your covered on ways to stay cool.
 
 
 
 
 
Milky Way
 
Bidwell Park is home to the Chico Community Observatory in Upper Park near Horseshoe Lake.
 

Resources

Education and Information Center
As the official “Visitor’s Center” for Bidwell Park, the Chico Creek Nature Center’s commitment to Bidwell Park education began in the mid-seventies and continues today through its environmental education for all ages, exhibits, wildlife walks and activities.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
parks ranger city chico logo
Bidwell Park serves not only as a municipal park for the citizens of Chico, but as a regional park for the residents of Butte County. The primary role of the park ranger is to patrol City parks and enforce applicable laws and park rules.