5.8 hr
Overview
This track starts off by riding through the oak trees to the North of Big Chico Creek and follow the trail East towards "Easter Cross." From here, you'll be on Middle Trail for about a mile until you cross a small arroyo directly under "Monkey Face." Continue East for about 100 feet and take a left onto Upper Trail. After about 1.5 miles, follow Upper Trail to a fork, where you'll take a right. This is a fast and rough down hill to Middle Trail. At Middle Trail, turn left and continue East until you come to B Trail.<br><br>Take a right on B Trail down to the Park Road and take a left. You'll reach the end of the Park Road after a quick descent, and continue on the trail to the creek crossing. Take the short trail up to 10 Mile House Trail and take a right. <br><br>There is a post marker for South Rim Trail, but the writing is worn off. Just look for a LARGE rock on the left side of the road, a square metal post, and the trail leading off to the right. Stay on South Rim Trail and it will take you up a steep, miserable scramble fondly known as Tennis Ball Hill. It's the worst part of this ride, but if you can ride the whole thing you should get a medal! At the top you'll take a right and continue on until you hit pavement.<br><br>The pavement is Centennial Ave, and you'll take a right on this, riding until you come to the 5 Mile Recreation Area. There is a paved bike path through the area that leads to a pedestrian bridge. Cross the bridge back over to the North side of the creek. This will lead you back to the flat oak tree area where you first started the ride. You can also take a right on the small access road, and then a left onto Upper Park Rd. This will take you back out towards the entrance to Upper Park and Wildwood Park area.
Trail Stats
21.2 km
323 m
264 m
82 m
—
Photos
5 mile recreation area. Now head downtown and get a refreshing beverage of choice, you've earned it.
5 mile recreation area. Now head downtown and get a refreshing beverage of choice, you've earned it.
Big Chico Creek at 5 mile recreation area
Big Chico Creek at 5 mile recreation area
Big Chico Creek
Big Chico Creek
looking east from the North Rim parking lot
looking east from the North Rim parking lot
intersection of B Trail and park road
intersection of B Trail and park road
The beautiful Big Chico Creek off of Lower Trail.
The beautiful Big Chico Creek off of Lower Trail.
Wildflowers near Big Chico Creek.
Wildflowers near Big Chico Creek.