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  5. Upper Bidwell Park
Needs a check · updated 2013 Open in Maps ↗ Approximate: exact spot not on file yet

Cruising area One of 9 cruising areas in Chico 1 of 9 in Chico

Upper Bidwell Park

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Bidwell Park is huge (3500 areas) - Upper Bidwell Park refers to the unit of the park which is on the northeast side of Chico. This park is located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, is very picturesque and rugged, making it popilar with hikers and bikers. Several parts of the creek have traditionally been used by nudists, but the distinct gay-nude area is just upstream from parking area "M".(All parking areas are marked by small signs.) Along the way to lot "M", you'll see a sign for Salmon Hole. This swimming hole is frequented by college students and may be nude, clothed or mixed, depending on the crowd and the day. The gay area near "M" is more consistantly nude. Complaints about nudity are rare particularily as the complainer would to go a long way to find a ranger. Bring lots of drinking as there are not facilities and it can get very hot. Many guys prefer to cross over the creek and sun bathe on the other side, but be cautious as the current can be very strong. On Sundays and Mondays the park gate is closed to vehicles, so if you visit plan to add a couple extra miles to your hike.

Best time
Warmer sunny days.
Watch out
If you cross the creek - be aware of the strong current and slippery rocks.
Last verified
Not yet · updated 2013

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The guide

Where exactly

From junction of SR-99 & 32 in Chico, drive north on #99 for 2.5 miles, then right on East Ave. for 2.75 miles. Watch for fire hall on left, just past turn left onto Wildwood Ave. proceed 1.7 to the park's gate. Drive 2 miles to parking area "M" on right. Walk down to creek, walk upstream (left facing creek)short way to nude area.

When to go

Warmer sunny days.

Etiquette

Nudity: Yes / Traditionally clothing optional.

Safety

If you cross the creek - be aware of the strong current and slippery rocks.

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Comments

5 comments · last one · ·

Visitor

Tips: If you wear sandals it is best to wear the kind that secure around the ankle. Watershoes are great also since it is not advisable to cross certain parts of the river bare-footed. Bring something soft or padded to lay out on as the large boulders make ideal sunning spots often better than the low sandy beaches for direct sunlight.

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Visitor

This nudist area is the best place to cruise and just hang out in Chico during the day & evening in warm weather hands down. Unfortunately the road going to it in Upper Bidwell Park is only open to motor vehicles on Fridays & Saturdays and then only til 9pm from April to October (Sept-Mar is only 7pm). Worse, they have permanently blocked the road at parking area L. Fortunately parking area M is only about 5 minute walk from there. The positive side of the difficulty in getting there is that families, (older) women & children are pretty unlikely to ever be seen there and it is usually only active outdoorsy type guys there.

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Visitor

Looks like nobody checks or posts here unfortunately. Upper bidwell rules. I like to climb down to the shore down from parking lot M and lay out nude.

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