North rim trail entrance – Middle Trail loop from Hooker Oak

If you're looking for an accessible mountain biking adventure in Chico's Upper Bidwell Park, the North rim trail entrance – Middle Trail loop from Hooker Oak is an excellent choice. This easy 7.6-mile (12.3 km) mountain biking route features a modest 260 feet (79 metres) of elevation gain and typically takes just over an hour to complete, making it perfect for a quick, engaging ride without too much commitment.

What to expect on North rim trail entrance – Middle Trail loop from Hooker Oak

This loop offers a diverse journey through Bidwell Park, starting gently on the gravel path of Hooker Oak Singletrack before transitioning to more varied terrain. You'll encounter wide, exposed lava cap and some rocky sections on the North Rim Trail, which also provides expansive views of Chico, the Sutter Buttes, and Big Chico Creek. The Middle Trail then brings you into predominantly singletrack riding, with some technical features further out that the easy rating suggests you'll navigate cautiously or bypass. Expect scattered oak trees and volcanic rock formations, with the potential for wildflowers in spring, but be prepared for sun exposure as canopy cover is often limited.

Planning your visit

The loop begins near Hooker Oak Park, located at the southeast corner of Upper Bidwell Park, with parking available near where the North Rim Trail starts. This route is generally suitable for all skill levels, offering a great introduction to mountain biking in the park. Since much of the trail is exposed, consider riding during cooler parts of the day or outside of peak summer heat, and always carry enough water.

Trail details

• Distance: 7.6 miles (12.3 km)
• Elevation gain: 260 feet (79 metres)
• Difficulty: easy
• Estimated time: 1 hours and 1 minutes