
Yahi Trail
A scenic 7.9-mile out-and-back trail in Upper Bidwell Park, offering stunning creek views and popular swimming holes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Wildflowers bloom beautifully

Yahi Trail
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom beautifully
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic 7.9-mile out-and-back trail in Upper Bidwell Park, offering stunning creek views and popular swimming holes.
"Discover epic views and the best of Upper Bidwell Park on the Yahi Trail!"

🐾 Dog-Friendly Trail
Your furry friends are welcome on the Yahi Trail, making it a great spot for a hike with your dog. :dog:
🥾 Moderate Hiking
The 7.9-mile out-and-back trail offers a moderate challenge, suitable for most fitness levels. :hiking_boot:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Bear Hole
Yahi Trail
A popular swimming spot along the Big Chico Creek, perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm day.

Big Chico Creek
Yahi Trail
Follow the creek for stunning natural views and a chance to cool off in its waters.

Panoramic Views
Yahi Trail
Experience breathtaking vistas of the surrounding nature and the creek below.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trailhead Access & Parking
Hydration & Snacks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Dog-Friendly Trail
Your furry friends are welcome on the Yahi Trail, making it a great spot for a hike with your dog. :dog:
🥾 Moderate Hiking
The 7.9-mile out-and-back trail offers a moderate challenge, suitable for most fitness levels. :hiking_boot:
📍 Trailhead Access
Park at Lot E and walk Upper Park Road to find the Yahi Trail entrance. :round_pushpin:
💧 Swim Spot Info
Bear Hole and other swimming spots are accessible from Yahi Trail or the main road. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Dog-Friendly Trail
Your furry friends are welcome on the Yahi Trail, making it a great spot for a hike with your dog. :dog:
🥾 Moderate Hiking
The 7.9-mile out-and-back trail offers a moderate challenge, suitable for most fitness levels. :hiking_boot:
📍 Trailhead Access
Park at Lot E and walk Upper Park Road to find the Yahi Trail entrance. :round_pushpin:
💧 Swim Spot Info
Bear Hole and other swimming spots are accessible from Yahi Trail or the main road. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Yahi Trail's stunning natural beauty, particularly the refreshing swimming holes along Big Chico Creek, making it a perfect spot for a moderate hike and a summer escape. While the trail offers a great outdoor experience, some find the full 7.9 miles challenging and recommend planning for hydration and sun protection.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach the Yahi Trailhead, park at Parking Lot E and walk along Upper Park Road until you see the sign for the trail. The trail is located within Upper Bidwell Park.
Yes, the trailhead is marked and accessible from Upper Park Road. It's a well-known trail within Upper Bidwell Park.
While the main trailhead is off Upper Park Road, some users mention that swimming holes like Bear Hole are also accessible by turning off the main road or from the Yahi Trail itself.
Upper Bidwell Park is located in Chico, California. You can use GPS to navigate to 'Upper Bidwell Park, Chico, CA'. Parking Lot E is a common starting point for the Yahi Trail.
Information on public transportation directly to the Yahi Trailhead is limited. It's generally recommended to drive to Upper Bidwell Park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee mentioned for Yahi Trail or Upper Bidwell Park, making it a free outdoor activity.
Upper Bidwell Park, including the Yahi Trail, is generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific park hours may vary, so it's best to check local park information.
No, tickets are not required for Yahi Trail as it is an open public trail.
No permits are typically required for day hiking on the Yahi Trail.
Yes, the Yahi Trail is beautiful year-round, offering different scenery in each season.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Yahi Trail is approximately 7.9 miles out-and-back, offering a substantial hike for visitors.
The Yahi Trail is considered a moderate hike, suitable for those with a reasonable level of fitness.
Yes, popular swimming spots like Bear Hole are accessible from the Yahi Trail and the main road.
Absolutely! Dogs are welcome on the Yahi Trail, making it a great option for pet owners. :dog:
You can expect stunning views of nature, the Big Chico Creek, and the surrounding landscape.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for scenic overlooks along the trail that offer panoramic views of the creek and valley. The creek itself and any wildflowers in bloom also make for great shots.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) often provides the best lighting for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Bear Hole is a popular spot, and the various bends and cascades of Big Chico Creek offer picturesque scenes.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions. :camerawithflash:
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local park authorities regarding any restrictions on drone operation in Upper Bidwell Park before flying. :drone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🚶♀️ Hikers Seeking Moderate Challenges
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Upper Bidwell Park
Beyond the Yahi Trail, Upper Bidwell Park boasts other popular spots like Monkey Face Trail, known for its sunset views, and various picnic areas. The park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, birdwatching, and, during warmer months, swimming in designated areas. It's a place where you can truly immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the rugged beauty of Northern California.
When planning your visit, consider that Upper Bidwell Park is divided into Upper and Lower sections, with the Yahi Trail being firmly in the Upper Park. The Upper Park tends to be more rugged and natural, while the Lower Park offers more developed amenities. Understanding this distinction can help you better plan your exploration and choose trails that best suit your interests.
Swimming Holes and Creek Access
Accessing these swimming spots is often straightforward from the Yahi Trail or by taking a short detour from the main road. It's important to be aware of water levels and conditions, as they can vary throughout the year. Always exercise caution when swimming in natural bodies of water and supervise children closely.
Beyond Bear Hole, other areas along Big Chico Creek may offer opportunities for wading or enjoying the creek's ambiance. The sound of the flowing water and the lush vegetation surrounding the creek create a serene and inviting atmosphere for visitors.


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