Top 3 Hikes Around Chico

Some of my favorite hikes in NorCal have been in Chico, this week I wasn't able to get out to a trail. So instead I decided to use my time to research trails in and around the area and make a list of my top 3 trails that I'd like to go on this upcoming week.

3: I-Ford Loop


This trail seems like the most accessible on the list, its listed as a 5 minute drive outside of town. Its 4.1 miles and tracks along the Big Chico Creek, later it creek and comes back down the other side. There isn't a season that its supposedly the best during. This means that even if I don't take this hike in the coming days I could save it for later. This hike might be best to wait to walk it once the river is in better condition and I could actually fish or swim in it. Overall, this trail, seems like a great pick, but I think I'll wait on it until later in the year as its so accessible.




2: Yahi Trail

From the photos I've seen, the Yahi trail looks like a really good choice. Its a great length, at 6.7 miles, going through Upper Bidwell Park. This one is also really close as its a 15 minute drive up Bidwell park. Its a really easy hike without much elevation gain, only gaining 100 feet throughout the trail. As long as it stays hot in the coming weeks, there are some swimming holes along the trail that could be great to stop at along the walk. This trail goes through some of the best wildflower area in the city, the wildflower season tends to peak in late march. That might be a perfect time to go.







3: Paul's Creek

By far the furthest on this list, Pauls creek is about an hour drive on the I-70 East. This hike gains over 1500 feet of elevation and is 3.4 miles, this trail is relatively snow free, but in heavier winter conditions, snow might be along the road. One challenging portion of the hike is the fact the trail at one point, goes up to an almost 20% grade. Fish might be found along the creek so I might bring my rod and tackle onto the hike. Despite the challenges on and off this trail, this seems like a very pretty hike that would be worth the travelling. 

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