The best cycling routes around Butte Creek Canyon
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(8)
101
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Touring cycling around Butte Creek Canyon features routes through a landscape characterized by volcanic canyon walls and the Butte Creek. The area includes high green meadows, riparian communities with Great Valley Oak and Cottonwood Forests, and varied elevations. These routes navigate the canyon's contours, offering a diverse backdrop for exploration. The terrain provides opportunities for both beginner touring bike routes and more advanced bike trails.
Best touring cycling routes around Butte Creek Canyon
- The most popular touring cycling route isβ¦
Last updated: May 5, 2026
30
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(6)
19
riders
12.5km
00:46
20m
30m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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9
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
riders
28.3km
02:36
490m
490m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
riders
20.8km
01:41
100m
100m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
A truly amazing canyon, easily accessible from Chico. In spring, it's a wildflower explosion. There are several trails. Long pants are a plus, as there are rattlesnakes. It's still worth it!! The basalt rock through which the river flows has a special name: Lovejoy Basalt. It looks a bit like Krog from the Marvel Comics.
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There are some trees right here that drop big round seed pods during certainly seasons, and they can be hazardous for bicycle handling.
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The new Esplanade Bike Path ends here as of 1/25/2025. Construction will continue and complete the path up to the Airport Bike Path at a later date. Take care while riding on the path during certain seasons, as big round tree seed pods on the ground can be hazardous for bicycle handling.
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The South Rim Trail is a lovely combination of dirt and gravel, boasting spectacular views of Chico Canyon. Portions of the trail run alongside the river, creating a soothing backdrop as you immerse yourself in the scenery. This trail is popular with runners and mountain bikers, so keep an eye out as you enjoy exploring this beautiful trail.
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This junction offers several options to continue exploring the park. From here, you can take the Yahi Trail to extend your hike and connect with other trails, head southwest to complete a loop, or go northeast and take a swim in Bear Hole, just a short .3-mile detour.
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This trail offers easily navigable, relatively flat and rocky terrain, ideal for enjoying spring wildflowers and the stunning colors of fall. It connects to several other trails in the park, providing endless opportunities to explore this beautiful area.
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This man-made lake takes its name from its U-shape, although it is not so evident when the water level is low. The waters are calm and often offer nice reflections. Beware of ticks in the area!
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This multi-use trail runs along Big Chico Creek, boasting stunning canyon views and spectacular wildflowers, especially in spring. There is plenty of shade along the way, making it an ideal choice for hot days. It is a popular path for hikers, mountain bikers, and runners alike, so you'll likely see plenty of others enjoying this scenic path.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Butte Creek Canyon?
Butte Creek Canyon offers a diverse selection of over 25 touring cycling routes. These routes cater to various skill levels, with a good mix of easy, moderate, and challenging options.
What is the overall difficulty level for touring cycling in Butte Creek Canyon?
The majority of touring cycling routes in Butte Creek Canyon are considered easy, making them accessible for many riders. However, there are also several moderate and difficult routes for those seeking more challenging terrain and elevation gains.
Are there family-friendly touring cycling routes in Butte Creek Canyon?
Yes, Butte Creek Canyon features several easy touring cycling routes that are suitable for families. These routes typically have gentle gradients and pleasant scenery. An example is the Bidwell Park β Big Chico Creek Canyon loop from Chico, which is 10.1 miles long and offers a pleasant ride.
Are there any challenging touring cycling routes for experienced riders?
For experienced touring cyclists looking for a challenge, Butte Creek Canyon offers routes with significant elevation changes. The South Rim Trail β Annie Bidwell Trail loop from Chico, for instance, is a difficult 17.6-mile route with nearly 500 meters of elevation gain.
What kind of views can I expect along the touring cycling routes?
Touring cycling routes in Butte Creek Canyon offer scenic views of the deep canyon itself, riparian corridors along Butte Creek, and surrounding forested hills. Many routes, like the Bidwell Park β North rim trail entrance loop from Chico, provide scenic vistas of the canyon's northern rim.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in the area?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Butte Creek Canyon are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Bidwell Park β Big Chico Creek Canyon loop from Chico and the North rim trail entrance β Middle Trail loop from Chico.
What are some interesting places to see or landmarks near the cycling routes?
While cycling in Butte Creek Canyon, you can explore several notable attractions. These include the Bidwell Park, which features the canyon itself, and the North rim trail entrance, offering access to scenic trails. You might also encounter sections like the Upper Trail.
What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about touring cycling in Butte Creek Canyon?
The touring cycling routes in Butte Creek Canyon are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the diverse terrain, from rolling hills to forested sections, and the beautiful canyon views that define the area.
Is there parking available near the touring cycling routes?
Many touring cycling routes in Butte Creek Canyon start from areas with accessible parking, particularly those originating from Chico. It's advisable to check the specific route details on komoot for information on parking at the trailhead or starting point.
What is the best time of year for touring cycling in Butte Creek Canyon?
The best time for touring cycling in Butte Creek Canyon is typically during the spring and fall months when temperatures are mild and the natural scenery is vibrant. Summer can be warm, and winter may bring cooler, wetter conditions, though some routes remain accessible year-round.
Are there any cafes or places to stop for refreshments along the routes?
While the canyon itself is a natural area, many routes start or pass through the outskirts of Chico, where you can find various cafes and eateries. For example, the Tree Seed Hazard β Certified Farmers' Market loop from Chico Mall begins near urban amenities.
Most popular attractions around Butte Creek Canyon
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