Portions of Upper Bidwell Park Reopen as Park Fire Containment Progresses

As containment of the massive Park Fire continues to increase, parts of Upper Bidwell Park in Chico are beginning to reopen to the public. The fire, which sparked on July 24 in Upper Bidwell and has since grown to nearly 429,401 acres with 55% containment, has caused significant damage to the park and surrounding areas.

The City of Chico announced the partial reopening of Upper Bidwell Park, starting with selected areas on both the north and south sides of the park. Officials urge the public to exercise caution when returning to these areas, as many burned trees and associated hazards remain.

Areas that suffered the greatest damage include the fire’s origin point near Devil’s Kitchen and the southern regions from Bloody Pin Trail to Ten Mile House Road. After conducting damage and safety assessments, the city has cleared the following areas to reopen as of Friday, August 16, 2024:

Open Areas on the North Side of Bidwell Park:

• Main Entrance Gate at Wildwood Avenue
• North side of Five Mile Recreation Area
• Parking Lots A to E (Horseshoe Lake)
• Chico Observatory
• Upper Park Gun Range
• Upper Park Road to Diversion Dam Gate
• Swimming areas at Day Camp, Alligator Hole, and Bear Hole
• Trails:
  • North Rim Trail/Fenceline Trail (open to Red Bud Trail)
  • Middle Trail (open to Bear Hole Connector)
  • Upper Trail and Upper Upper Trail (open to Middle Trail Connector)
  • Yahi Trail (open to Bear Hole)

Open Areas on the South Side of Bidwell Park:

• Trails (except Legacy Trail from Annie Bidwell Trail access at Centennial & Chico Canyon Road to Bloody Pin Trail)
• Peregrine Point Disc Golf Course

Areas That Remain Closed:

• Upper Park Road beyond the Diversion Dam Gate
• Ten Mile House Road
• On the North Side, all portions of trails past the designated trail endpoints listed above
• On the South Side, all portions of trails east of Bloody Pin Trail

The city has emphasized that entering closed areas of the park will result in citations and fines. As recovery efforts continue, the Park Division is working diligently to mitigate hazards and reopen additional areas as soon as possible.

“The Park Division appreciates the public’s understanding during this closure. We will continue to rehabilitate affected areas and open more sections of the park as quickly as possible,” said the City of Chico in a statement.