Bidwell Park
Bidwell Park is a large part of the Chico community. This 3,618 acre municipal park runs down both sides of Big Chico Creek Canyon for five miles into the foothills. Anne Bidwell deeded 2,238 acres to the city of Chico in 1905 plus the Children’s Park downtown. In 1995, the city council added 1,380 acres.
Big Chico Creek, Sycamore Pool, Bidwell Golf Course are a few of the most popular features. The park is divided into two distinct parks – Upper Park is mostly undeveloped canyon land and Lower Park has areas you can reserve for events.
If you are looking for a place to get some exercise, a good part of South Park Drive is closed to automobile traffic so you can bike, jog, skate, walk or run, without interacting with motor vehicles. Lower and Upper Park also have many dirt trails for jogging, mountain biking horseback riding and hiking. You can access the rustic picnic areas located along the north side of Big Chico Creek by car.
Bidwell Park is just one of the many amenities you will find that makes living in the Chico area so delightful.