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Butte Creek Canyon Ecological Reserve - Virgin Valley Unit
4.5 ★★★★★ 56 Google reviews · Running trail in Chico, California · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Loop distance
- 2 mi
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Butte Creek Canyon Ecological Reserve - Virgin Valley Unit'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.
Nature preserve featuring a water component and an area suitable for children.
What runners say about Butte Creek Canyon Ecological Reserve - Virgin Valley Unit
“A short drive from town and you are engulfed in beautiful, natural environment”
Located in a protected natural area along Butte Creek and the adjacent canyon, Butte Creek Ecological Preserve on Honey Run Road in Chico features a variety of environments home to an abundance of plant and animal species.
Omygosh. I took the most beautiful hike all the way to the water.so refreshing and beautiful. There is a special bench down the path. People have collected the most beautiful unique crystals all around the bench. So pretty. I plan on painting some rocks to add to the collection. Connects people to one another.
It's always very peaceful there. I love taking my dogs for a walk, remember to keep them on a leash or they might run after a deer.
It's a nice place for a quick walk near the creek. Also near the old train trestle. Dogs like it.
Trail conditions & character
“I love taking my dogs for a walk, remember to keep them on a leash or they might run after a deer.”
“A short drive from town and you are engulfed in beautiful, natural environment”
Plan your run at Butte Creek Canyon Ecological Reserve - Virgin Valley Unit
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- Loop distance2 mi back to where you parked
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitewildlife.ca.gov
- Phone+1 916-358-2900
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.
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