Bidwell Park (Upper) - Chico Canyon Trailhead to Horseshoe Lake

This Upper Bidwell Park trail is actually a combination of 3 different trails. You will explore some of the Annie Bidwell Trail, Yahi Trail, and Lower Trail as you hike through Upper Park. This is a great family friendly path. If you start at Chico Canyon Trailhead, there is a small parking lot near the trailhead sign. The trail is wide, and has a small rock/cement wall in most places, where there are higher drop off points. It is shaded most of the way, there are logs to climb on, a creek to watch and throw rocks into (or swim in if the weather is nice), and lots of wildlife to spot. There is even a golf course along the trail, so be ready to see some golfers and golf carts. There is a bridge to cross, near the golf course. The bridge is wide for the golf carts to cross, but the siding was not designed with young children in mind. Please use cation when crossing. If you and your little hikers can handle a very short uphill rocky climb (less than 10 feet), you can continue onto Lower Trail and make your way East (to the left) to Parking Lot E and Horseshoe Lake. If you would rather avoid the small climb, you can take a left at the wide and well hiked road (there may be cars) to Parking Lot E and Horseshoe Lake.   The trail is well trafficked by bikes, hikers, runners, and in one very short location, golf carts. At the end of the trail, you can sit and enjoy a snack or rest near Horseshoe lake, although there is virtually no shade and no swimming allowed. In the spring it is beautiful with wildflowers. There are bathrooms located near Horseshoe Lake as well. Then turn around and head right on back the way you came.   Because this a path including several trails, here is a breakdown of the general route that is toddler friendly.