
Explore what makes Butte County great!
When you’re ready to explore Butte County, check out Explore Butte County’s Experience Passes. The passes bring together the best attractions, adventures, and savings in one convenient location. Passes are delivered directly to your phone via text and email! Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, take advantage of all that Butte County has to offer. Get your passes today to begin your next adventure!
- Hike Butte County trails and check-in on your mobile device to track your progress
- Free to participate, no app to download
- Mobile exclusive
- Instantly delivered via text and email
- No apps to download
- Hike, bike, and paddle the best of Butte County
- Check-in along the way to win!
- Mobile exclusive
- Instantly delivered via text and email
- No apps to download
- Discover 150 activities to celebrate Chico
- Check-in for a chance to win!
How this Pass Works

Step 1 - Get Your Pass

Step 2 - Receive Text

Step 3 - Redeem
Hiking is a great way to explore Butte County—we have hundreds of miles of trails that are perfect for hiking in Northern California. From the southernmost border to the highest peak, we’ve put together a list of 35 hikes and hiking trails in Butte County so that you can #AdventureButteCA. Whether you’re new to hiking and are looking for some Northern California hikes to explore or have multiple multi-day excursions under your belt, there’s a hike on this list for you!
All hike information includes:
- the name of the hike
- key information about city
- length and time of year to visit
- hike description
- a link to the trail map
- driving directions to the parking area to access the hike (these will be the most accurate for several of the included hikes; the “Map” link takes you to the check-in coordinates, not the parking area)
- the check-in location to keep track of trails completed (the check-in location is not always the trailhead)
Now, sign up for the pass and hit the trails!
Click here to see all included hikes!
- Hike Butte County trails and check-in on your mobile device to track your progress
- Free to participate, no app to download
Easy Hikes

Also known as the Mendocino National Forest Genetic Resource Center, the Chico Seed Orchard is a paved mile-long loop that’s accessible to the whole family (note: the path is uneven in several spots...

Located throughout campus and running along Big Chico Creek, the Chico State Campus Arboretum makes for a beautiful and easy urban “hike.” Starting at the Physical Sciences Building,...

Running along the river that gives it its name, the Feather River Trail starts at Riverbend Park and meanders east upstream (right from the soccer fields) to Table Mountain Blvd. The paved trail and multiple...

You’ll find two easy, flat trails at the Gray Lodge—the first is the main 1.8-mile...

The Jonesville Canyon trail takes you near the headwaters of Butte Creek. Even though it’s one of the lowest elevation High Country hikes in Butte County, you’ll still get the benefits of a cooler summer hike...

Begin your walk parallel to Little Chico Creek along this paved path, which takes you through quiet residential areas on one side and, during the rainy season, a small creek and trees on the...

A hike through Lower Bidwell Park takes you through the mellow half of Chico’s famed Bidwell Park and diverse views throughout the year. In the fall, the park is full of vibrant oranges, reds, and yellows of...

Overlooking Bidwell Park from the top, the Monkey Face Loop is one of the most trails popular in the park. Generally accessible year-round, you’ll enjoy it the most April through May and September...

Paradise Lake is a postcard picture of a serene forested lake with canoes lazily...

Slow down, way down, when strolling around the Pine Creek Unit of the Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge. Just outside the bustle of Chico, this protected land is home to abundant...

Coiling around the hill above the North Thermalito Forebay, the Rattlesnake Hill Trail is a small, twisting, paved trail that’s easily accessible for walkers, joggers, and...

Part of the much longer Brad Freeman Trail and featuring lake views, the northern side of the Thermalito Diversion Pool Section of the trail is a popular hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking spot—so feel free to...

There are plenty of reasons why the pedestrian-only Yahi Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Bidwell Park: a variety of micro-environments, Big Chico Creek, large shady sycamores, and beautiful spring...
Moderate Hikes

The Annie Bidwell Trail starts off with short, punchy climbs up to the rim of the canyon, and follows with a steep, rocky downhill. At the bottom,...

Starting at the Saddle Dam Day Use Area and ending up near the Lake Oroville Visitor Center, you’ll enjoy this hike out to great views of Lake Oroville on Bidwell Canyon Trail (aka, Kelly Ridge Point Trail)....

Containing 3,950 acres of diverse habitats, 4.5 miles of Big Chico Creek, and countless species of flora and fauna, the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve (BCCER) offers a variety of trails to explore. From the...

Whether you call it Big Chico Creek Loop, T-Ford Loop, or Yahi/Annie Bidwell Loop, the experience is the same: a high-quality trek in Upper Bidwell Park looping around Big Chico Creek. A combination of the previously...

Discover the remote Forks of Butte Creek Recreation Area along the Butte Creek Trail. Starting at Doe Mill Bridge, the trail travels south...

Offering a variety of snow-covered cross-country skiing and snowmobiling trails in the winter, Colby Mountain Lookout/Colby Meadows is just as fun when explored on foot. It’s higher elevation location makes it a...

Starting at Saddle Dam at Lake Oroville and meandering up Kelly Ridge and past the Lake Oroville Visitor Center, the Dan Beebe Trail takes you on a scenic journey past Oroville Dam down to the...

Discover some great views along the highest ridge in Butte County as you hike from Humboldt Peak to Cold Springs. Following the Pacific Crest Trail, you’ll travel by the county’s...

Located on the northwestern side of Lake Oroville along the West Branch of the Feather River Arm, the Lime Saddle Memorial Park Trail starts from the trailhead near the intersection of Pentz Rd. and Lime Saddle...

Accessible from all three campgrounds in the Loafer Creek Campground, the Loafer Creek Loop Trail is perfect for hikers and equestrians. Enjoy rolling hills and a few steeper...

Upper Bidwell Park’s Middle Trail is a staple, and the Middle Trail-Live Oak-Upper Trail Loop will provide a fun and not-too-hard challenge. Starting and ending at Horseshoe Lake, the hike east along Middle Trail is easy and...

One of the longest trails in Upper Bidwell Park and a gateway to a variety of different loop options, North Rim Trail is a worthwhile trip on its own. As it runs parallel to the edge of the...

While finding the trail is a little tricky, once you do find it, the hike to Phantom Falls is a fairly easy one....

By itself, the Roy Rogers Trail is a two-mile trail that connects via the northern part of the Loafer Creek Loop, but it is often combined with the aforementioned Loafer Creek trail to create an...

Hugging the south-east border of Upper Bidwell Park, the South Rim Trail offers up big views of Big Chico Creek Canyon’s—you guessed it—southern rim. Starting from Peregrine Point, descend over the rocky trail...

Starting at the Paradise Depot Museum, the Yellowstone Kelly Heritage Trail (formerly the Paradise Memorial Trailway) offers a converted, paved “rails-to-trails” path that runs parallel to...
Difficult Hikes

The Bidwell Park Tour is a challenging trek along the most popular trails on both sides of the park—North Rim on the north side and Guardian Trail on the south side, linked by B Trail and Ten Mile House Road. A wet...

Guardian Trail is one of the most popular trails in Chico, hugging the southern rim of Chico Creek Canyon and providing great views. For a little bit of everything that makes the trail, and Upper Park in general, so...

If you’re not willing to get wet and muddy, then the Many Waterfalls Cross-Country Loop is not...

A Chico classic, North Rim Loop (sometimes referred to as Upper Bidwell Trail)—traversing North Rim Trail, B-Trail, and Yahi Trail —offers a little bit of everything that makes Bidwell Park so special: swimming holes...

A collection of popular Upper Bidwell Park trails, the North Rim-B Trail-Middle Trail Loop will both push you and reward you. The North Rim Trail is a slow and rocky climb with great views to B Trail, which descends...

An extended version of the previously mentioned Guardian Trail-Bloody Pin-Annie Bidwell Trail Loop, the Upper Bidwell Park Loop - South Side takes you along the park’s southern rim and multiple popular trails—Annie...
Hike, Bike, and Paddle your way around Butte County!
Choose your adventure with the Explore Butte County Adventure Pass, featuring 30 scenic spots where you can Hike, Bike, and Paddle around some of the area's most beautiful natural and urban scenes.
EXPLORE
Take to the trails and explore more than 300 miles of hiking, biking, and paddling along Butte County’s network of trails and waterways. Discover parks, preserves, wetlands, and fun activities along the way!
WIN
When you check in for at least 3 adventures, you are eligible for an exclusive Hike, Bike & Paddle sticker.
SAVE
Check out exclusive discounts from these local businesses: Almendra Winery & Distillery, Forebay Aquatic Center, Secret Trail Brewing Company, Union, and Upper Park Clothing!
AND, with each check-in, you’ll also earn an entry to our quarterly drawings. The more you check in, the more entries you earn! (See official terms and conditions for full details)
Share your Adventure Pass photos! Use #AdventureButteCA on social media for your chance to be featured.
- Mobile exclusive
- Instantly delivered via text and email
- No apps to download
- Hike, bike, and paddle the best of Butte County
- Check-in along the way to win!
Hike

The Annie Bidwell Trail starts off with short, punchy climbs up to the rim of the canyon, and follows with a steep, rocky downhill. At the bottom,...

Containing 3,950 acres of diverse habitats, 4.5 miles of Big Chico Creek, and countless species of flora and fauna, the Big Chico Creek Ecological Reserve (BCCER) offers a variety of trails to explore. From the...

Discover the remote Forks of Butte Creek Recreation Area along the Butte Creek Trail. Starting at Doe Mill Bridge, the trail travels south...

Also known as the Mendocino National Forest Genetic Resource Center, the Chico Seed Orchard is a paved mile-long loop that’s accessible to the whole family (note: the path is uneven in several spots...

Offering a variety of snow-covered cross-country skiing and snowmobiling trails in the winter, Colby Mountain Lookout/Colby Meadows is just as fun when explored on foot. It’s higher elevation location makes it a...

Starting at Saddle Dam at Lake Oroville and meandering up Kelly Ridge and past the Lake Oroville Visitor Center, the Dan Beebe Trail takes you on a scenic journey past Oroville Dam down to the...

You’ll find two easy, flat trails at the Gray Lodge—the first is the main 1.8-mile...

The Jonesville Canyon trail takes you near the headwaters of Butte Creek. Even though it’s one of the lowest elevation High Country hikes in Butte County, you’ll still get the benefits of a cooler summer hike...

Overlooking Bidwell Park from the top, the Monkey Face Loop is one of the most trails popular in the park. Generally accessible year-round, you’ll enjoy it the most April through May and September...

Paradise Lake is a postcard picture of a serene forested lake with canoes lazily...

While finding the trail is a little tricky, once you do find it, the hike to Phantom Falls is a fairly easy one....

By itself, the Roy Rogers Trail is a two-mile trail that connects via the northern part of the Loafer Creek Loop, but it is often combined with the aforementioned Loafer Creek trail to create an...

There are plenty of reasons why the pedestrian-only Yahi Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Bidwell Park: a variety of micro-environments, Big Chico Creek, large shady sycamores, and beautiful spring...

Starting at the Paradise Depot Museum, the Yellowstone Kelly Heritage Trail (formerly the Paradise Memorial Trailway) offers a converted, paved “rails-to-trails” path that runs parallel to...
Bike

Temporarily closed due to construction
Keefer Road Loop (12 miles)On the Keefer Road Loop, you’ll ride over an abandoned railroad bridge, pass the Chico Airport, and pedal by scenic pasturelands. Starting on the bike path at 11th Avenue and Esplanade, the rails-to-trail bike path...

Starting at the Bidwell Canyon Trailhead near the Oroville Dam and riding out to Saddle Dam Day Use Area and back, you’ll enjoy this ride with great views of Lake Oroville on Bidwell Canyon Trail (aka, Kelly...

The 41-mile Brad Freeman Trail is an extensive loop trail that offers the opportunity to push yourself and up your mileage. The trail will take you across the city of Oroville, where you’ll enjoy a variety of scenic...

Get a serious climb in with the Center Gap-Humbug Loop, a mix-terrain ride that features an elevation change of 4,000...

With few cars on these country roads, a ride on Durham Loop is a pleasant and quiet one.
Starting at Durham’s Community Park, head west on Durham-Dayton Hwy through the quaint town of Durham until you reach...

Start at the “Decide & Ride” monument in Lower Bidwell Park near Sycamore Pool. Cross the bridge and head towards Woodland Ave. Follow Woodland Ave. and veer left onto East 5th St. Pass through classic Chico neighborhoods and by the...

With the loop being either all uphill or all downhill, the Guardian and Annie Bidwell Trail (formerly known as the South Rim) is recommended for advanced riders in great shape. Guardian...

Running parallel to the Midway that connects Chico and Durham, the scenic Midway Bike Path is a mixed-use path that takes users through the seemingly endless...

The flat, short River Road loop takes you through the scenery that makes up the bulk of riding in the Chico area—walnut and almond orchards.
Starting at Chico State, ride southwest until you reach Ivy St. Make a left, ride a...

A remnant of an ancient lava flow, the North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve truly is table-like on top, with steep, vertical cliffs at the edges that produce unique waterfalls in the early spring along...
Paddle

The Feather River running through Oroville offers relatively calm waters perfect for family-friendly kayaking explorations. Launching at the Feather River Fish Hatchery under the Table Mountain Boulevard Bridge, you’ll enjoy a...

The Thermalito Forebay North features 300 surface acres of water, a 200-yard swimming area with a sandy beach, and plenty of shade. Reserved exclusively...

Paradise Lake is a postcard picture of a serene forested lake with canoes lazily...

The Sacramento River is California’s largest river, and Butte County’s share of it showcases some of the best river recreation in the state. These twists and turns are home to legendary tubing adventures and spectacular boating and fishing opportunities....

A diversion pool downstream of Lake Oroville, the Thermalito Afterbay is great for boaters and paddlers. With 17 miles of shoreline and 4,300 surface acres of water, the...
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