Five Mile Recreation Area is a great place for any Bidwell Park visitor to either start their journey along the trail or lie down in the grass to relax with a friend or two.  Clean restrooms and working drinking fountains make this site a favorite among visitors who don't feel like taking a long ride or hike but still want to experience the beauty of Bidwell Park. 

As visitors casually walk, jog or simply gaze across the Five Mile bridge, the reflection of the trees in the water and the clouds floating slowly across the blue California sky solidifies this site as one of the most beautiful in Chico.

"There have been a few times when my boyfriend has been romantic and made me a picnic lunch in the park," said Chico resident Allison Morris.  "Things have always worked out best when we go to Five Mile.  It's really nice there in the fall."

Bikers, hikers and Rollerbladers carefully weave their way around the asphalt paths which surround Five Mile.  The park has rules that must be followed, but there is plenty of fun to be had without breaking them.

A short walk down the park road leads a visitor to the Bidwell Park Golf Course, where the golf greens nestle snugly into the hillside, there for any golfer to play a few memorable holes.  Also, Horseshoe Lake and the abandoned police pistol range have trails that run far into the Upper Bidwell canyon for bikers, hikers and other adventurous types.

A spur-of-the-moment picnic or carefully planned family outing would be perfect in the Five Mile Recreation Area.  Park benches, trash cans and plenty of room make the site comfortable for all visitors and a pleasure to visit year round.  Lay out a blanket and take a nap in the grass.  I'm sure no one will mind.