CHICO, CA (MPG) - Upper Bidwell Park was significantly impacted by the Park Fire in the areas where it initiated and then burned back into the park near Devil’s Kitchen continuing to the end of Upper Park Road. The south side of the park from Bloody Pin Trail to Ten Mile House Road was also impacted. These impacts left many burned trees and associated hazards. 

After an assessment of the road, trails, and the removal of hazardous trees along the road where the fire initiated, the city has determined that portions of Upper Bidwell Park can be reopened. The areas to be reopened starting Friday, Aug. 16 are as follows. 

Open Areas on North Side of Bidwell Park:

Main Entrance Gate at Wildwood Avenue.

North side of Five Mile Recreation Area

Parking Lots A to Parking Lots E (Horseshoe Lake)

Chico Observatory

Upper Park Gun Range

Upper Park Road to Diversion Dam Gate

Swimming areas at Day Camp, Alligator Hole, and Bear Hole

Trails are opened as follows:

North Rim Trail/ Fenceline Trail is open to Red Bud Trail only.

Middle Trail is open to Bear Hole Connector only.

Upper Trail and Upper Upper Trail open to Middle Trail Connector only

Yahi Trail is open to Bear Hole only.

Open Areas on South Side of Bidwell Park:

Trails, except: Legacy Trail, from Annie Bidwell Trail access at Centennial & Chico Canyon Road to Bloody Pin Trail only and Peregrine Point Disc Golf Course.

For continued public safety, the following burned sections on both the North and South side of Upper Bidwell Park will remain closed to all park users (bicyclist, joggers, hikers, etc.) until further notice:

Upper Park Road beyond Diversion Dam gate

Ten Mile House Road

On the North side, all portions of trails past the designated trail end points listed in Section 8.  above.

On the South Side, all portions of trails east of Bloody Pin trail.

The city is asking for the public’s cooperation by not entering the closed areas. Pursuant to Chico Municipal Code Section 12.R.04.370 anyone who enters a designated closed area of Bidwell Park is subject to citations and fines. 

The Park Division appreciates the public’s understanding during this closure. The Park Division of Public Works O&M will continue to mitigate hazards, deploy rehabilitation efforts and open additional areas as quickly as possible. For more information, contact Linda Herman, City of Chico Park & Natural Resources Manager at 530-896-7800.