Upper Bidwell Park Loop - South Side

Dogs Unknown

Features River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This route takes you along Bidwell Park's southern rim, then climbs high up to Guardian Trail, which is some of the best singletrack Bidwell Park has to offer.

The downhill section of Annie Bidwell Trail from Guardian Trail intersection is steep and full of loose rocks, perfect for spraining ankles.

Start and finish at 5 mile recreation area. There, you'll find parking and bathrooms, as well as a good place to swim. Start by hiking to the end of Centennial Avenue and a short dirt road along Big Chico Creek that leads to the Annie Bidwell Trail.

Annie Bidwell Trail begins immediately climbing up to the canyon's rim until intersecting with Guardian Trail. At the intersection of South Rim and Guardians take the steep, rocky downhill back towards Big Chico Creek. At the end of Annie Bidwell Trail, turn right onto 10 Mile House Trail and climb to the start of Guardian Trail.

Guardian offers some of the best views in Bidwell Park as well as some of its best singletrack. This trail ends where it intersects Annie Bidwell Trail. From here you'll revisit a section of Annie Bidwell Trail that you already came up.