Yahi Trail

Chico, California, United States

Butte County has hundreds of Northern California hiking trails available for all skill levels. Beginning or young hikers will enjoy these easy hikes. Many are two-miles or shorter, several are paved, and all of them have mild to no elevation changes, making them great options for new and young hikers as well as those needing accessible options.

Chico, CA

From afar, the Monkey Face rock formation looks to have a bridged brow over two eyes, similar to a monkey's. This unique formation along with expansive views overlooking Bidwell Park make the Monkey Face Loop one of the most popular trails in the park. Though the trail is rocky, it’s still easily accessed by most, with great views without much exertion, though a steep 300-feet elevation gain offers the right amount of challenge. Dogs allowed on leash.

Chico, CA

Enjoy a relaxing stroll through a truly international woodland at the Chico Seed Orchard, which focuses on producing seed trees for projects such as reforestation, wildfire recovery, watershed restoration, and mine reclamation. There is a 1-mile paved loop plus additional unpaved trails, and dogs are allowed on leash. Wheelchair accessible.

Butte County, CA

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 wheelchair users. The loop is about 1.2 miles and features views of the city of Oroville, the North Forebay, Table Mountain, and the Sutter Buttes. Dogs are not allowed.

3207 Rutherford Rd
Gridley, CA

You’ll find two easy, flat trails at the Gray Lodge—the first is the main 1.8-mile unpaved trail, the second is a wheelchair accessible paved trail that you can add to the main trail to slightly extend your trek. This is a great spot for those with kids, those looking for an easy stroll, and those looking for an amazing bird watching location during the winter months. Dogs allowed on leash.

South Park Drive
Chico, CA

A hike through Lower Bidwell Park takes you through the mellow half of Chico’s famed Bidwell Park, with flat and level trails and a thick canopy of trees offering ample shade. Depending on which paths you follow, mileage can vary between 1 and 5 miles. The paved trails are wheelchair accessible and dogs are allowed on leash.

Little Chico Creek

Chico, California, United States

Running from Bruce Road to HWY 99, the Little Chico Creek Bike Path is 40mile out-and-back a paved path running parallel to - you guessed it - Little Chico Creek. On one side, you'll enjoy quiet residential areas and trees and (during the rainy season) a small creek on the other. The paved path is accessible to joggers, bikers, and those who use wheelchairs. Dogs allowed on leash.

Butte County, CA

Featuring lake views, the North Thermalito Diversion Pool Section of the trail is a popular hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking spot—so feel free to enjoy the easy out-and-back hike and then try your hand at your own mini triathlon. Or just enjoy the 6.4-mile out-and-back trail. Dogs not allowed.

Yahi Trail

Chico, California, United States

There are plenty of reasons why the pedestrian-only 7.9-mile out-and-back 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 wildflower blooms. Make sure to bring a swimsuit and water shoes for enjoying a dip in one of the many natural swimming holes you’ll pass. Dogs allowed on leash.

Butte County, CA

Paradise Lake features a flat and well-maintained trail with plenty of shade and some of the best views of the lake. The 9-mile out-and-back trail is perfect for casual walks, trail-running, and even biking - just leave the dogs at home.