Where to hike with a dog in Chico: Upper Bidwell Park

Enjoying the view atop Monkey Face.

Upper Bidwell Park in Chico is a dog walker’s dream: it has plenty of water, meadows and hills for both humans and dogs to enjoy.

The park is located very close to downtown Chico, and its 3,670 acres are split into Upper and Lower Bidwell. (According to the City of Chico’s website, it is one of the largest municipal parks in the United States).

The lower section is much flatter and shadier, but the upper section is much more fun, especially since your dog can romp on a lot of it without a leash.

The parks are separated by Manzanita Avenue, with the Upper Park being to the east and the lower park to the west.

Once you are in the upper park, your dog can be off leash north of Upper Park Road. That area has lots of flat meadows surrounding Horseshoe Lake, which dogs can dip in, but owners are asked to keep them from molesting the birds who also enjoy it.

Taking a dip in Horseshoe Lake.

Heading to the ridge behind Monkey Face.

If you want more of a challenge, you can head up Monkey Face, then continue along the ridge for quite a ways to the east and west of the rock formation that ends many people’s hike.

But be warned: it gets hot quick and if you didn’t bring enough water you and your dog will be suffering soon even in the spring, as the lake far below is the only source of water I found.

In the spring this park is also full of wildflowers.

If you want even more of a challenge, you can put your dog on leash and walk on the Yahi Trail on the south side of Upper Park Road. That trail follows Big Chico Creek and passes some impressive rock formations the city’s website describes as “unique Chico Formation sandstone and Lovejoy Basalt rocks.”

But be warned: I tried this trail in the summer and the ground was too hot for my dog’s paws, and the trail was very crowded with people escaping the heat by jumping into the swimming holes created by the rocks.