Take The Scenic Route
Bicycling Bidwell Park
Chico, CA
By Mara Dobyns
Pack a lunch, grab a friend, and go enjoy the refreshing trails of Bidwell Park in Chico. According to BidwellPark.org “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 Upper Park. The noticeable difference between Upper and Lower Park 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 visitors. With countless trails to choose from on either side, I can’t think of a better way to enjoy the fall color.
Another option is to take the Bidwell Park Tour, which is a 14-mile ride showing off all the best Bidwell Park has to offer. The loop combines the most popular trails from both sides of the park, a wet crossing over Big Chico Creek, and that adrenaline endorsed feeling of freedom all along the trail.
Plan accordingly as this trail is closed during wet weather. Check it out for yourself with a virtual tour ride on this website. http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/5369986
Don’t own a bike? Don’t miss out! Plenty of these trails are just as fun to hike. Bidwell Park also offers plenty of spots to jump in the water to cool off, and their very own golf course, making Bidwell Park pretty incomparable to anywhere else in Chico.
Check it out at BidwellPark.Org
Photo By Jaime Vega
