The easiest way to start hiking in Chico is Bidwell Park: the Yahi Trail runs about 8.8 miles out and back along Big Chico Creek, and the Lower Park loop is a flat, paved loop of about 6 miles. Longer and harder hikes like Feather Falls and the Dome Trail are within Butte County.
What are the best trails inside Bidwell Park?
- Yahi Trail: pedestrian-only along Big Chico Creek, shaded, with spring wildflowers. About 8.8 miles out and back with many entry points. The Upper Park Road trailhead has very limited parking.
- Lower Bidwell Park loop: flat, paved, mostly shaded, about 6 miles round trip, family-friendly and wheelchair accessible.
- North Rim Trail: one of the park's longest trails, a gradual grade with an overlook, fairly easy, shared with bikers.
- Annie Bidwell Trail: views of Big Chico Creek, fewer crowds, known for spring wildflowers and fall color.
- Monkey Face: about a 1-mile loop with switchbacks, a rock formation and views of Chico, in full sun.
- Guardian Trail: exposed single track with canyon views. Mostly downhill, difficult, with steep drop-offs, popular with cyclists.
- Chico Canyon Trailhead: an easy first 0.4 mile along Big Chico Creek.
What preserves and loops are nearby?
Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve covers nearly 4,000 acres with 4.5 miles of creek, open dawn to dusk. Butte Creek Ecological Preserve is a 93-acre site on Butte Creek. The Many Waterfalls loop at North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve is challenging and muddy, with 9 to 14 waterfalls after rain, best in late winter and early spring.
What are the longer, harder hikes?
Feather Falls Scenic Trail is a challenging 7 to 9 miles through Plumas National Forest and is very exposed after the North Complex Fire, so bring a hat and water. The Dome Trail drops about 1,600 feet over two miles to the Middle Fork Feather River and is called the hardest hike in Butte County. A 12-mile stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail is in Butte County, and Humboldt Peak reaches 7,087 feet.
What about easy trails with kids?
Brad Freeman Trail in Oroville is about 6 miles one way, mostly flat and stroller-friendly. Paradise Lake near Magalia has a 7-mile out-and-back, with no dogs allowed. Gray Lodge Wildlife Area in Gridley has a 1.8-mile dirt nature trail and needs a CDFW lands pass.
How do trails figure into choosing a home?
If trail access matters, I can sort Chico listings by distance to the trailhead you use. Call or text me at 707-672-6549. Happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the longest trail in Bidwell Park?
The Yahi Trail is about 8.8 miles out and back, and the North Rim Trail is one of the park's longest.
Is there a flat, paved loop in Chico?
Yes. The Lower Bidwell Park loop is about 6 miles round trip and wheelchair accessible.
What is the hardest hike near Chico?
Explore Butte County calls the Dome Trail the hardest hike in Butte County.
Are there waterfalls near Chico?
Yes. North Table Mountain's Many Waterfalls loop has 9 to 14 waterfalls after rain.
Trail conditions change, especially after fire and storms. Check current conditions before you go. Listings compiled from public sources.
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