General Services - Departments

Mary Brentwood, Clay Craig, Lisa Emmerich, Mark Herrera, Jim Mikles, Jim Moravec, and Rich Ober.

Staff Liaison: Lise Smith-Peters, Management Analyst, 896-7831 or email the Commission.

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. Since that time, the City has purchased additional land, such as Cedar Grove in 1922, and 1,200 acres of land south of Big Chico Creek in Upper Park in 1995. Today, the total Park size is 3,670 acres (nearly 11 miles in length), making it one of the largest municipal parks in the United States.

Bidwell Park is "divided" by Manzanita Avenue. The area west of Manzanita Avenue is referred to as Lower Park and the area to the east is referred to as Middle and Upper Park. The noticeable difference between Lower, Middle and Upper is the terrain. Upper Park is located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It has steep terrain and contains many rock formations, including the unique Chico Formation sandstone and Lovejoy Basalt rocks. Lower Park is flat and level with a thick canopy of trees which provide ample shade for the visitor. Images of Bidwell Park

Bidwell Park

Recreation

Bidwell Park caters to many recreational past times.

For those interested in swimming, the Sycamore Pool, located at the One-Mile Recreation Area, is an uncommon swimming experience, being a concrete pool built around Big Chico Creek. Lifeguards are on duty from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend each year at the pool. When swimming in Big Chico Creek, be sure to use caution. Water which may appear to be shallow and/or slow moving can actually be swift and powerful. Don't be a victim! Stay in areas where there is no white water. When possible, swim with friends. Also, as with all other activities, bring enough drinking water to stay hydrated.

Disc Golf

Peregrine Point is an 18-hole advanced disc golf course

located in Upper Bidwell Park, with access off Hwy 32

roughly 3 miles east of Chico). The site has stunning views of Chico’s Iron Canyon and play occurs in Blue Oak Woodlands spanning areas of lava cap. Peregrine Point is equipped with concrete tee pads and basket style targets. Visit the disc golf page at www.chico-outsiders.com for maps, directions, and places to play during wet weather. It is recommended that beginners try out Sherwood Forest at Hooker Oak in Middle Bidwell Park before venturing to Peregrine Point.

Hiking

Hiking in Bidwell Park is a perfect way to spend a day. All trails in Bidwell Park are open to pedestrians. The pedestrian-only Yahi Trail in Upper Park is a recommended visit. Yahi Trail offers the hiker miles of scenic views along Big Chico Creek. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and to bring plenty of drinking water.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is yet another common past time in the Park. Because Park trails are mostly multi-use, there are abundant riding opportunities for equestrians. Basic equestrian rules are:

no horses on Middle and Upper Park trails when closed due to wet conditions
no riding on Yahi Trail (a pedestrian only trail)
keep horses 100 feet away from established picnic areas
cross the creek only at established and signed horse crossings

Mountain Biking

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. Some of the basic bike rules are:

no riding on Yahi Trail (a pedestrian only trail)
no bikes on Middle and Upper Park trails when closed due to wet conditions
helmets must be worn by people of all ages when riding off of pavement in Middle and Upper Park

To further ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable time, bring plenty of drinking water and a tire patch kit.

Paragliding

Flying in the park offers beautiful views and great soaring opportunities. Launching is allowed from designated locations along the North Rim and the flying is best with a south wind (5 - 15 mph), typically from March through October. Check out the Bidwell Park Fliers' website http://www.flyzephyr.com/bidwell.htm for more information on qualifications, rules, permits and guidelines for flying in the Park. For more information contact Jon Stallman, who is the site administrator. Contact Jon (cell phone: 530.864.5110 or home phone: 530.809.1081) to arrange a site intro prior to flying. Click here for Paragliding Rules and Guidelines for Bidwell Park flight

Permits must be signed in the General Services Department at 965 Fir Street (open Monday - Friday 8 am to 5 pm).