Welcome to Chico's beautiful Bidwell Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the entire country at over 3,600 acres. The original land forming Bidwell Park was donated by Annie Bidwell, widow of the town's founder, General John Bidwell.
This is a 5-stage virtual cache. You must visit all 5 stages and answer the corresponding questions to claim a find.
The park is open and accessible to pedestrians 24/7, however the gate to Upper Park (Stage 5) closes at night. Therefore it is recommended to only visit during daylight hours.
Stage 1: "One Mile"
Located at N 39° 44.105 W 121° 49.835 (posted coordinates)
Sycamore Pool, more commonly known as "One Mile", is a large concrete swimming pool built into the waters of Big Chico Creek. It was constructed in the 1930's as part of the Works Progress Administration. It's a pleasant place to cool off during the warm summer months or a place for an icy swim on January 1st at the annual "Polar Bear Plunge" (see gallery).
Stage 1 question: What landmark is 15 miles away?
Stage 2: Caper Acres
Located at N 39° 44.145 W 121° 49.558
A wonderful place for kids to play, Caper Acres features Humpty Dumpty, a crooked house, and a giant slab of Swiss cheese. It also hosts an annual Easter egg hunt!
NOTE: Caper Acres is open from 9 AM to 9 PM Tuesday through Sunday - Closed Mondays. However, the information necessary for answering the question is located outside of the gate.
Stage 2 question: Who did the playground design and consultation?
Stage 3: Chico Creek Nature Center
Located at N 39° 44.733 W 121° 48.517
To learn more about the plants and wildlife of Bidwell Park, head over to the Chico Creek Nature Center (which also serves as the official Visitor Center of the park). They have several animals, including snakes, frogs, and spiders, on display.
NOTE: Nature Center hours are Fridays 10 AM to 1 PM and Saturdays & Sundays from 10 AM to 3 PM. However, the information necessary for answering the question is located outside of the building.
Stage 3 question: What are Kieran, Eily and Connor Brown in love with?
Stage 4: "Five Mile"
Located at N 39° 45.728 W 121° 47.535
Further up the creek, "Five Mile" is another refreshing place to take a dip and relax under the large, shady trees. It retains a more natural look than One Mile as it is not completely cemented-in. The pedestrian bridge leads across the creek to a large, secluded grassy area, a perfect spot for a summer picnic.
Stage 4 question: How many steps are on the concrete stairs leading down to the water? Note that some steps may be underwater.
Stage 5: Upper Park
Located at N 39° 46.376 W 121° 46.699
Even further up-stream, etched into the base of the foothills, is Upper Bidwell Park. From this parking area, you can go fishing at Horseshoe Lake or hike up to the rock formation known as "Monkey Face" (among other activities). If you continue uphill along the road, more secluded and remote swimming areas such as Alligator Hole, Bear Hole, and Salmon Hole await.
NOTE: The gate to Upper Park opens at 5:30 AM and closes at 9 PM (summer) or 7 PM (winter).
Stage 5 question: What hazards might you encounter on the trails?
Please message me with the answers to all five questions (one for each stage). I will contact you if there are any problems with your answers.
Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.