Old Chico Canyon Rd
Chico, CA

Prepare for these difficult Northern California hikes in Butte County to push you. Switchbacks, intense elevation gains and losses, and varied terrain make each of these options perfect for experienced hikers or those looking for more of a challenge after building confidence and stamina with the easy and moderate hikes.

2488 Cherokee Rd
Oroville, CA

During the rainy season, the Many Waterfalls Cross-Country hike across the North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve will have at least nine waterfalls, with up to 14 flowing within a few days of a major rainstorm. However, their beauty is fleeting—the major ones, including Phantom Falls and Beatson Falls, flow from the first storms in the winter through about April, while others only flow a few days after the big storms.

Old Chico Canyon Rd
Chico, CA

A Chico classic, the 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 for summer dips, springtime wildflowers, wild animals, and more. The length, rocky terrain, and elevation loss and gain make this a difficult trail, but first-timers to Chico should still put this on their “Must Visit” list.

Old Chico Canyon Rd
Chico, CA

The Upper Bidwell Park Loop - South Side takes you along Upper Bidwell Park’s southern rim and multiple popular trails—Annie Bidwell Trail, Guardian Trail, and 10 Mile House Trail—for an epic and challenging exploration of Upper Bidwell Park. You’ll be rewarded with equally epic views and the chance to discover something new in trails you’ve previously traversed on their own or in a different combination.

Old Chico Canyon Rd
Chico, CA

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 crossing of Big Chico Creek is required to pass from B Trail on the northern to Ten Mile House Road on the southern side, but you’ll be rewarded with great views of the valley and the park itself for the trail’s duration. Make sure to bring lots of water and snacks, as it’s recommended to do the trail in its entirety to get the full experience.

Old Chico Canyon Rd
Chico, CA

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 Bidwell Park in general, so great, you’ll want to check out the Guardian Trail-Bloody Pin-Annie Bidwell Trail Loop, starting and ending at the Chico Canyon Trailhead. You’ll be challenged on frequent up-and-down elevation changes (great thigh workout!), switchbacks along the Bloody Pin section, punchy climbs, rocky sections, flat and exposed sections, and even some off-trail spots to stop and enjoy the views.

De Sabla

De Sabla, California, United States

With a steep, rocky descent, the short-but-intense multi-use single track Indian Springs Trail will push you. At least, if the way in doesn’t, the steep hike on your return will definitely will. On the way down, you’ll enjoy nice views of the canyon as you trek through foothill brush and rocky outcrops (make sure to wear long pants as poison oak is in the area). The last 50 feet of the trail are especially steep as it works its way to Butte Creek, but you’ll be rewarded with swimming holes and a small waterfall. A nice break as you rest up for the return trip.

2488 Cherokee Rd
Oroville, CA

Find some of the best-but-not-extreme hiking in California in Butte County.