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Monkey Face View | Upper Bidwell Park
4.9 ★★★★★ 248 Google reviews · Running trail in Chico, California · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Monkey Face View | Upper Bidwell Park'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.
Hiking area with a creek and kid-friendly routes offering views of Chico.
What runners say about Monkey Face View | Upper Bidwell Park
“Easy hike with great views of bidwell park and the canyon.”
“Easy hike with great views of bidwell park and the canyon.”
Well now, saddle up for this one, because Upper Bidwell Park ain’t just another city trail it’s a whole rugged romance wrapped in sunbaked stone and whispering. Started off with a dusty handshake from the trailhead sign, graffiti bird watching me like it knew I was about to fall in love with this land.
It was crowded on New Year’s Day as expected. It was a hazy day but the views were still breath taking. We hiked from the north rim parking lot and climbed to the power lines. This is a 4 mile round trip moderate hike. It’s rocky with mile hill inclines.
As a Chico local, I've enjoyed hiking monkey face my entire life! The best part now is sharing my love for outdoor exploring with my son💙. We have hiked this while he was an infant in a carrier to him walking solely and running much of it today.
Always a great place to hike on a beautiful day. The weather was so warm for the month of February. Lots of people but still lots of room to feel comfortable. Love going hiking up there. I will return once the weather gets better.
Trail conditions & character
“Great place to have a picnic, exercise and take in the views.”
“This parking lot was full and we had to use an available handicapped parking spot to turn around at the end otherwise we would have had to back out most of the way.”
“There are a few areas that were steep, and some of the kids slipped.”
“It’s rocky with mile hill inclines.”
Plan your run at Monkey Face View | Upper Bidwell Park
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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
- Websitechico.ca.us
- Phone+1 530-896-7800
- 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 |
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