Bidwell Park North Rim

• Wind directionSSE (150°) → SSW (210°)
• Ideal speed5–15 mph
• Upper limits≤ 18 mph base · gusts ≤ 20

Bidwell Park North Rim is a south-facing ridge/canyon-rim soaring site on the north rim of Big Chico Creek canyon, managed by the City of Chico. The official City of Chico Parks page explicitly states flying is best with a SOUTH wind at 5-15 mph, typically March through October. Ideal arc centers on S (~180 deg) spanning roughly SE (150) to SW (210); marginal/cross conditions on the SE (120) and SW (240) edges. Wind FROM the south blows up the south-facing slope to produce ridge lift. North/offshore-canyon winds are unflyable (downslope/rotor into the canyon). Site requires a City of Chico paragliding permit signed at the Public Works Parks Division (965 Fir St); pilots must coordinate with the site administrator (Jon Stallman) before flying. Launch is from designated locations only along the North Rim. Treat as a novice/intermediate-friendly soaring site in light-to-moderate south flow; avoid strong/gusty thermic midday overdevelopment and the lee-side rotor if wind backs to N/NW. Speed and gust ceilings are inferred from the published 5-15 mph "best" range (no explicit hard limit published).