Welcome to Bidwell Park

The city of Chico Park Division wishes to extend a warm welcome to all new and returning students at Chico State and Butte College. We hope you will have a rewarding and successful academic year. Many students balance their academic and work responsibilities with enjoyment of a wide variety of recreational and volunteer opportunities available in Bidwell Park.

During the time that you call Chico home, we invite you to be a part of our community and enjoy the city’s “crown jewel.” Annie Bidwell left Bidwell Park as a legacy to Chico for its citizens to enjoy. The diversity of terrain and miles of picturesque trails that traverse rugged wild lands and our urban center are part of what make the park and Chico special.

We have plenty of options for bike enthusiasts, hikers, joggers, equestrians, disc golfers, sun worshipers, nature lovers, sports-minded folks, star gazers and picnickers. We also encourage you to learn about the park and how to be a good steward of this special place.

Come on a park-ranger tour or go on a ride-along. See the unique geological features resulting from ancient lava and mud flows. Grab a guidebook and watch the abundant wildlife in Upper, Middle and Lower Park. For history buffs, there’s a rich Native American history that predates statehood and the early pioneers. Check out the Chico Creek Nature Center’s interpretive displays. Enjoy a star-filled evening under the expansive sky at the observatory across from the golf course. Join Park Watch or volunteer at one of the many park workdays. Complete a community-service project or perhaps an internship when the time is right.

As a part of our community, enjoy the park, and be safe, courteous, and practice thoughtful stewardship every day to ensure enjoyment of this precious gift for future generations. Help us take care of the park and each other by complying with rules about dogs and leash requirements; alcohol and glass prohibitions; trail closures and etiquette; and park hours.

Chico is a friendly community, and visitor cooperation helps park staff serve the public better and assures a pleasant park experience for everyone. Welcome to Chico!

For park brochures, maps, reservations or park happenings, visit us online at www.ci.chico.ca.us and check out our quarterly newsletter, the Bidwell Park Pulse, or stop by our office at 965 Fir St.