Bidwell Park Swimming Holes

If you love swimming, Chico has opportunities you won’t want to miss, with no shortage of ways to keep cool in the hottest months of the year.

Sycamore Pool (One Mile Recreation Area)

Sycamore Pool, conveniently located at One Mile Recreation Area, offers a classic Chico swimming experience. The concrete pool is built directly around Big Chico Creek, and allows both wading in the shallow end to a depth of around 6 feet near the dam. For those with kids, lifeguards are on duty weekends from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend every year, and if you’re visiting in the New Year, you might even try Chico’s infamous Polar Bear Plunge!

Five Mile Recreation Area

Five Mile Recreation Area rests comfortably at the intersection of Lower and Upper Bidwell Park, giving it the distinct identity of a community park with a more natural feel from the creek. Bathrooms, picnic areas, and parking lots are all available, and even a pedestrian bridge that crosses over Big Chico Creek.

Swimming Holes Water Safety

Be sure to use caution if bringing children, as water that may appear shallow or slow-moving may be stronger than it looks. And make sure to wear water shoes, especially in Upper Bidwell Park’s more rugged swimming areas.