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Bidwell Hiking Area
4.8 ★★★★★ 172 Google reviews · Running trail in Chico, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Bidwell Hiking Area's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Rugged city park in a canyon, with dirt trails for hiking, mountain biking & horseback riding.
What runners say about Bidwell Hiking Area
“I love exploring beautiful places anyway and recently just started a trail running class through Fleet Feet in Chico and it has been amazing a great way to explore Bidwell Park.”
Upper Bidwell Park is my happy place. I spend a lot of time here. There are many easily accessible trails to walk, hike and/or run. And countless places to sit and relax creekside. There are many miles to explore. It is among my favorite places on earth. I grew up going to the park. It is a very special place to me.
Beautiful place to run, hike, picnic, and walk. Lots of dirt trails. Great place to walk your dog.
We camped under the rain tree under the stars up near the parking area. We were here both in the summers of 1975&1976 , a week each time, a year apart ! Awesome memories swimming & hiking. We swam in the creek and dove under the volcanic basalt portal while tripping.
I love exploring beautiful places anyway and recently just started a trail running class through Fleet Feet in Chico and it has been amazing a great way to explore Bidwell Park....long or short hikes as well as easy or hard...you pick...✌
Trail conditions & character
“Open and wild, many well marked trails and dogs can be off leash in certain areas.”
“I love exploring beautiful places anyway and recently just started a trail running class through Fleet Feet in Chico and it has been amazing a great way to explore Bidwell Park.”
“We camped under the rain tree under the stars up near the parking area.”
Plan your run at Bidwell Hiking Area
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitechico.ca.us
- Phone+1 530-896-7899
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Chico
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Monkey Face View | Upper Bidwell Park
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Hooker Oak Park
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Upper Bidwell Park
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Sprawling park in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains featuring rock formations & more.