The best cycling routes around Chico

Chico offers a diverse range of touring cycling routes, from easy paved paths to more challenging dirt and gravel trails. You'll find routes through expansive parklands like Bidwell Park, along riverine paths such as the Sacramento River, and through rolling oak woodlands and Butte Creek Canyon. The city boasts over 570 cycling routes in total, catering to various preferences.

Yes, Chico has several options suitable for families. Lower and Middle Bidwell Park feature paved surfaces perfect for easy bike rides. The city's parks offer scenic beauty along Big Chico Creek. Additionally, the Steve Harrison Memorial Bike Path and the Midway Bike Path provide pleasant, less challenging rides through picturesque landscapes.

Chico's mild winters and generally pleasant weather throughout much of the year make it an excellent destination for touring cycling almost year-round. Spring is particularly beautiful with seasonal wildflower displays, while fall offers comfortable temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summers can be hot, so early morning or late afternoon rides are recommended during those months.

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Chico are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the moderate Silverdale Waterfront Park loop from Bremerton is a popular circular route. Another option is the more challenging View of Burke Bay – Burke Bay loop from Kitsap County, which also forms a loop.

Chico's routes offer varied elevation profiles. While some paths in Lower Bidwell Park are relatively flat, routes in Upper Bidwell Park and the surrounding areas can be quite hilly. For instance, the Chico Creek Estuary – Silverdale Waterfront Park loop from Scandia is a difficult route with over 665 meters (2,180 feet) of elevation gain. The Tahuya Lake loop from Gorst also features significant climbs, with over 520 meters (1,700 feet) of ascent.

Absolutely! Chico's routes often pass by or near significant natural and man-made features. You can cycle past the extensive Bidwell Park, enjoy views of Big Chico Creek, and explore areas with lush greenery and mature oak trees. For specific points of interest, consider visiting Dickerson Falls, or the scenic Silverdale Waterfront Park. The Westwood Shoreline Trail is another highlight you might encounter.

The touring cycling routes in Chico are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Cyclists often praise the region's diverse terrain, from the serene paved paths of Bidwell Park to the more adventurous dirt trails, and the beautiful natural landscapes including oak woodlands and riverine scenery. The variety caters to different skill levels and preferences.

Chico is a bike-friendly city with good infrastructure. Many parks and trailheads, especially around Bidwell Park, offer designated parking areas. For public transport, Chico's local bus system, Butte Regional Transit, provides services that can help you access various parts of the city, though specific bike-carrying capabilities should be checked with the transit provider directly.

Yes, the Sacramento River area offers additional scenic routes for longer rides, providing beautiful views of the river and its surrounding landscape. Within Bidwell Park, you can enjoy the scenic beauty along Big Chico Creek. Upper Bidwell Park also offers panoramic views of Chico and the Sacramento Valley from trails like the North Rim Trail.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Upper Bidwell Park transforms into a rugged wilderness area with demanding dirt and gravel trails. Routes like the View of Burke Bay – Burke Bay loop from Kitsap County are rated as difficult, featuring significant elevation changes and longer distances, perfect for a more adventurous ride.

Chico's natural areas, especially Bidwell Park and the surrounding woodlands, are home to diverse wildlife. Cyclists might spot various bird species, including raptors, and common mammals like deer, squirrels, and rabbits. The lush greenery and oak trees provide habitats for many creatures, making for an engaging experience with nature.

Beyond the routes within Bidwell Park, specific bike paths like the Steve Harrison Memorial Bike Path are popular, offering picturesque views of vernal pools and oak woodlands. The Midway Bike Path takes riders through orchards south of Chico, and the Chico State Bike Path (also known as the Railroad Bike Path) provides a convenient route between the CSU campus and W. Lindo Avenue.