Lower Bidwell Park
Lower Bidwell Park is the portion of Bidwell Park that is west of Manzanita Avenue. It is perhaps most well known for multitudes of picnic sites (many of which are disabled persons accessible), swimming, running, and road biking along flat pathways.
Biking
Bikers can enjoy paved roads over flat terrain and easy, flat dirt trails throughout Lower Park. Bike trails are two miles or less and rated easy.
Hiking & Walking
A hike through Lower Bidwell Park takes you through the mellow half of Chico’s famed Bidwell Park, with flat and level trails and a thick canopy of trees offering ample shade. Whenever you visit, you'll enjoy diverse views throughout the year: in the fall, the park is full of vibrant oranges, reds, and yellows of changing foliage, while in the spring, it comes alive with seasonal wildflowers. With a start at the “Decide or Ride” compass, located adjacent to the One-Mile Recreation Area bike and pedestrian bridge, you’ll have the freedom to choose your own adventure through Lower Park. The paved path creates an accessible loop, while the unpaved trail will take you on an out-and-back journey.
Public bathrooms and water fountains are available in certain locations (by Sycamore Pool, in the Chico Creek Nature Center, and just across Manazita Avenue). Parking is available in convenient locations, and cars are comfortably few on pathways that allow them.
Key Info
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Trail Length & Type: Mileage varies between 1 and 5 miles
Best Used: Accessible year-round.
Dogs: Allowed on leash
Other Important Info: Wheelchair Accessible
Map of Lower Park
Discover Lower Bidwell Park with this map. Get a free copy of the fold-out map, which includes the entirety of Bidwell Park, from the Chico Chamber of Commerce.
