Chico

From the town of Red Bluff, I visited William B. Ide Adobe State Historic Park. I continued south on Hwy 99 to the town of Chico. (Hwy 99 was the north-south thoroughfare of the Central Valley before the I-5.)

Chico is a college town. California State University at Chico (or more simply: "Chico State") has a pleasant campus.

Bordering the university is Bidwell Park. It is two parks in one: Upper Bidwell Park and Lower Bidwell Park. The lower portion of Bidwelll Park is manicured and shaded; it is more of a city park.

The upper section gives way to rugged hiking country. Both offer ample swimming opportunities.

Still, Chico has more to offer the interested traveler. Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park should not be missed. A museum in the park visitors center explains the life and times of General John Bidwell.

Together with his wife Annie, John Bidwell operated one of the most successful land grants (Rancho Chico) in the Sacramento Valley. He also founded the town of Chico. Guided tours of the mansion help this history to come alive.

After a day of sightseeing in Chico the perfect venue just might be: The Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. This brewery is known for a wide selection of craft beers; the regional favorite being Pale Ale.

Take a self-guided tour of the Sierra Nevada Brewery, have dinner, and maybe take-in a performance at the Big Room.

On the way out-of-town don't forget to stop at Butte Creek Canyon. Here the flatness of the Central Valley gives way to an impressive escarpment easily viewed from a roadside stop.

Please watch this video of an excellent relief map housed in the Chico Museum. It details my trip through Northern California.