Bidwell Park is 3,670 acres, one of the largest city-run parks in the country, running about 11 miles from downtown Chico into the Sierra Nevada foothills along Big Chico Creek. Manzanita Avenue divides it into Lower Park and Upper Park, with Middle Park in between. It has natural swimming holes, paved paths, mountain bike trails and disc golf.
What are the three parts of Bidwell Park?
- Lower Park, west of Manzanita Avenue. Shady tree canopy and flat paths. It includes One Mile Recreation Area with Sycamore Pool, Caper Acres and the Chico Creek Nature Center.
- Middle Park, east of Manzanita Avenue. A transition area with Five Mile Recreation Area, Bidwell Park Golf Course, the Chico Community Observatory and the Sherwood Forest disc golf course.
- Upper Park. Steeper, rougher terrain past Horseshoe Lake, with natural swimming holes, Monkey Face, Peregrine Point disc golf and the park's most technical trails.
Where are the swimming holes?
| Spot | Where | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Sycamore Pool | Lower Park, One Mile | A 1920s concrete basin fed by the creek, with restrooms, picnic areas and lifeguards in summer. Check current status, since a no-swim advisory was posted as of August 7, 2026. |
| Five Mile | Middle Park | Wider, shallower and calmer water, with restrooms, drinking water and picnic areas. |
| Alligator Hole | Upper Park | Shallow, with a small gravel beach, about 0.75 miles from Horseshoe Lake parking on the Yahi Trail. |
| Day Camp | Upper Park | Sand and pebble beach near Parking Lot H, which has a restroom. |
| Bear Hole and Diversion Dam | Upper Park | Deep pools in volcanic rock with chutes between them. Currents can be strong, especially in winter and spring. |
| Salmon Hole | Upper Park | One of the park's largest natural pools in a canyon. The final approach is a steep, rugged climb. |
| Brown's Hole | Upper Park | The most remote designated hole, with two long pools and a small waterfall. |
What trails does Bidwell Park have?
- Lower Park paved paths. Flat and shaded, used for walking and biking.
- Yahi Trail. A pedestrian-only trail that reaches the upper swimming holes.
- Middle Trail. About 8.4 miles for beginner to intermediate mountain bikers.
- South Rim Trail. About 9.8 miles, advanced, with steep, technical sections and canyon views.
- North Rim Trail. A challenging hike.
Trail maps are available from the Chico Creek Nature Center.
What are the rules for dogs?
- Lower Park allows off-leash dogs from 5:30 to 8:30 am only. Dogs must be leashed at other times.
- The north side of Upper Park Road allows off-leash dogs at any time under voice control.
- Dogs are not allowed at Sycamore Pool, the Five Mile swimming areas or the designated Upper Park swimming holes.
When is the park closed?
Lower Park is closed from midnight to 5 am. Upper Park is closed from 11 pm until one hour before sunrise. Vehicle access on Upper Park Road varies by day and season, so check the City of Chico's trail, gate and facility status page before you drive up. Smoking is prohibited in Upper Park from May 1 to November 1, and campfires are not allowed.
Safety tips for the swimming holes
- Wear sturdy water shoes. Basalt rock is slippery.
- Watch for poison oak and rattlesnakes.
- Alcohol is prohibited in the park.
- Big Chico Creek is salmon habitat, so avoid disturbing deep, cool pools when salmon are present.
- Scout the water before you get in, because currents change with the season.
Which Chico neighborhoods are close to Bidwell Park?
Several neighborhood guides sit next to the park, including Downtown Chico, The Avenues and Around Chico State. Buyers often compare how far a home is from the park entrances, since access to trails and paved paths changes the daily routine. See all Chico communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Bidwell Park?
Bidwell Park is 3,670 acres, according to the City of Chico. It runs about 11 miles from downtown Chico into the Sierra Nevada foothills and is one of the largest city-run parks in the United States.
Where can you swim in Bidwell Park?
Sycamore Pool in Lower Park, Five Mile in Middle Park, and the Upper Park swimming holes: Alligator Hole, Day Camp, Bear Hole, Salmon Hole and Brown's Hole.
Are dogs allowed in Bidwell Park?
Yes. Lower Park allows off-leash dogs from 5:30 to 8:30 am only, and the north side of Upper Park Road allows off-leash dogs under voice control. Dogs are not allowed at the designated swimming areas.
Is there an entry fee for Bidwell Park?
Explore Butte County does not list an entry fee for the park.
Conditions, advisories and gate schedules change, so check the City of Chico before you go. Thinking about a home near Bidwell Park? Call or text me at 707-672-6549. Happy to help.
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