The best walks and hikes around Chico

Yes, Chico offers numerous options for families and beginners. Lower Bidwell Park is ideal, with flat, shaded paths perfect for a leisurely stroll. For a specific route, the Wildlife Trail loop — Newberry Hill Heritage Park is an easy and mostly flat 3.5-mile (5.6 km) trail that's great for all abilities.

Many trails in the Chico area, particularly in Bidwell Park, are dog-friendly. However, regulations can vary, with some areas requiring dogs to be on a leash, especially near wildlife habitats or crowded sections. It's always best to check for signs at the trailhead for the most current rules.

Most hiking is centered around the expansive Bidwell Park. A popular starting point is the Chico Canyon Trailhead, which provides great access to the trails in Upper Park. For a well-regarded spot with excellent views, many locals head to the Monkey Face View area.

Yes, you can find trails that feature waterfalls. A great option is the Dickerson Falls loop from Erlands Point-Kitsap Lake. It's a relatively short 2.3-mile (3.7 km) hike through woodland that leads to the falls, making for a rewarding trip.

For panoramic views of Big Chico Creek Canyon, the North and South Rim Trails in Upper Bidwell Park are excellent choices. These more strenuous trails climb the canyon walls, offering a perspective that many compare to a smaller Grand Canyon. The trail to Monkey Face is also a local favorite for its rewarding vista.

Head to Upper Bidwell Park for more rugged and challenging terrain. The landscape features steep canyon walls and rocky paths. For a longer, moderately difficult hike with significant elevation gain, consider the Dickerson Falls – View of the Olympic Mountains loop from Erlands Point-Kitsap Lake, which is over 7 miles (11 km) long.

Absolutely. Bidwell Park is famous for its swimming holes along Big Chico Creek. In Upper Park, trails lead to popular spots like Bear Hole and Salmon Hole, which are surrounded by dramatic rock formations. For a more remote swim, you can hike further into the park to find Brown's Hole.

The Yahi Trail is an iconic hiking-only trail in Upper Bidwell Park. It's a single-track dirt path that closely follows Big Chico Creek, offering an intimate experience with nature. You'll get beautiful views of the water and the surrounding basalt rock formations as you walk.

Spring is a fantastic time to hike, as the weather is pleasant and the foothills are covered in wildflower fields. Fall also offers comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summers can be very hot, so if you hike then, it's best to go early in the morning and bring plenty of water, especially in the exposed areas of Upper Bidwell Park.

There are over 15 designated hiking routes around Chico available on Komoot, ranging from easy strolls to moderate canyon treks. The extensive network within Bidwell Park and the surrounding areas provides many more miles of trails to explore.

The hiking trails around Chico are highly rated by the Komoot community. Reviewers frequently praise the dramatic scenery of Big Chico Creek Canyon, the accessibility of the trails for different skill levels, and the unique volcanic rock formations found throughout Upper Bidwell Park.