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Five Mile Recreation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 685 Google reviews · Running trail in Chico, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- 5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Five Mile Recreation 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.
Natural setting with picnic tables & grills & a nearby creek with stair access for swimming.
What runners say about Five Mile Recreation Area
“Beautiful spot for a picnic or some outdoor yoga, a dog walk, or a dip in the creek.”
5 Mile Recreation Area is one of the many magical areas within Bidwell Park. It's perfect for a casual stroll with your canine companion or to simply sit and chill on one of the benches Creekside. Home of the iconic 5 Mile Bridge spanning over Chico Creek.
It was nice. Has many hiking trails. Picnic tables as well as BBQ grills/pits. Areas to swim, many shallow if u hav small children.
So very beautiful, especially this time of year! Weather was perfect, leaves turning all hues of fall. Creek was glistening. Gorgeous!! Get out and take a hike everyone! So fortunate to drive 5 miles to this wonderful park!
A gem of Chico. Beautiful spot for a picnic or some outdoor yoga, a dog walk, or a dip in the creek.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful spot for a picnic or some outdoor yoga, a dog walk, or a dip in the creek.”
“Lots of shade, open space, picnic tables + bbq grills and bathrooms, we really enjoy the direct access to the river”
“5 Mile Recreation Area is one of the many magical areas within Bidwell Park.”
Plan your run at Five Mile Recreation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- Distance5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitechico.ca.us
- Phone+1 530-896-7800
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–11 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–11 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–11 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–11 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–11 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–11 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–11 pm |
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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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