We hand-selected some of our favorite routes to show off the diversity of Upper Bidwell Park!
Monkey Face Loop
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Distance: Approximately 2 miles round trip.
Elevation Gain: Approximately 300 feet.
Time: Approximately 1.5 hours.
This is the one of the most popular introductions to Upper Bidwell Park! The climb up to Monkey Face will show off big views of the Sacramento Valley in a short amount of time. We’ll ascend up the Manzanita Trail, take a break on top of this iconic rock formation, and coast down along the gentle Blue Oak Trail.
Trail Hazards: Uneven, rocky terrain. Steep drop-offs at the top of Monkey Face.
Redbud Loop
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult
Distance: Approximately 3 miles round trip.
Elevation Gain: Approximately 525 feet.
Time: Approximately 2 hours.
This route will explore the flank of North Rim along the Upper Trail and force a climb up the steep Redbud Trail. You’ll be rewarded with amazing views deeper into Upper Park to compliment the views from Monkey Face, which we’ll visit on the way back on this loop.
Trail Hazards: Uneven, rocky terrain. Steep climb at the top of the Redbud Trail which may require hands for balance & support. Steep drop-offs.
Alligator Bluff
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Distance: Approximately 2 miles round trip.
Elevation Gain: Approximately 200 feet.
Time: Approximately 1.5 hours.
A short introduction to the beginning of the Annie Bidwell Trail and South Rim. Although this is the shortest of our hikes, there’s a lot of variety packed into this one. The trip starts with shady mossy walls and a historical olive orchard before breaking out into the oaken grasslands around Alligator Bluff.
Trail Hazards: Uneven, rocky terrain. Steep drop-offs at Alligator Bluff.
Lower Yahi Trail Loop
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Distance: Approximately 4.2 miles round trip.
Elevation Gain: Approximately 280 feet.
Time: Approximately 2 hours.
The lower portion of the Yahi Trail breezes by Alligator Hole and the Day Camp swimming hole before passing by Bear Hole, a local favorite. This walk showcases the amazing geologic transition that Big Chico Creek Canyon undergoes while hiking upstream. We’ll return amongst the oaks along the undulating Lower Trail.
Trail Hazards: Uneven, rocky terrain.
Annie Bidwell Out & Back
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Distance: Approximately 7 miles round trip.
Elevation Gain: Approximately 550 feet.
Time: Approximately 4 hours.
You like loop hikes the best, we like loop hikes the best. But this out and back trip has too much amazing scenery to pass up. The Annie Bidwell Trail transports you to beautiful canyon scenery and boasts some of the best flowers in the spring and has access to one of Bidwell Park’s best waterfalls during the wet season.
Trail Hazards: Uneven, rocky terrain. Steep drop-offs at Alligator Bluff and along Iron Canyon. Long hike.
Deep Upper Park Loop
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Distance: Approximately 5.2 miles round trip.
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,100 feet.
Time: Approximately 4 hours.
This loop brings it all. Starting at Bear Hole, we’ll experience some of the wildest parts of Upper Bidwell Park. Don’t forget your camera because this loop will have some of the most photogenic views of the park – from Salmon Hole and Iron Canyon to top-of-the-canyon views along North Rim.
Trail Hazards: Uneven, rocky terrain. Steep drop-offs at view points along trail. Steep climb along Live Oak Trail which may require hands for balance & support. Strenuous climbs.
South Rim Loop
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Distance: Approximately 2.9 miles round trip.
Elevation Gain: Approximately 550 feet.
Time: Approximately 2.5 hours.
South Rim will quickly bring beautiful views of Big Chico Creek Canyon from atop Peregrine Point. This loop ties in the most scenic section of the shaded Guardian Trail for some interesting cliff-side scenery.
Trail Hazards: Uneven, rocky terrain. Steep drop-offs at view points along trail. Steep climb/descent along South Rim Trail & connecting trails which may require hands for balance & support.
