Calaveras Big Trees State Park is located just east of Arnold, California, in Calaveras and Tuolumne counties. It is a living monument to some of the world’s oldest and grandest giant sequoias. Nestled along Highway 4 in the Sierra Nevada foothills, this 6,500-acre park offers a unique blend of towering trees, seasonal rivers, and year-round outdoor adventures—perfect for families, solo explorers and nature lovers alike.
Why Calaveras Big Trees State Park Stands Out
Calaveras Big Trees has protected two spectacular groves of giant sequoias since its founding in 1931. These are the North Grove and South Grove. The park also protects lush mixed-conifer forest, volcanic formations, Beaver Creek, and the Stanislaus River. These ancient giants, some over 1,500 years old, create a cathedral-like atmosphere. Prescribed burns and ecologically minded forest restoration continue to support the health of sequoias and their understory, reinforcing the park’s role as both sanctuary and living classroom.
Top Activities & Amenities
Hiking Trails & Nature Walks
The park features a variety of trails: the easy 1.5-mile North Grove Loop, with its wheelchair-accessible section and scenic Discovery Stump; moderate-length Bradley Grove and South Grove hikes (3.5–5 miles) through quieter sequoia savannas; and the Grove Overlook and River Trails, which offer ridge views and riverside scenery. Guided oak docent hikes run most Saturdays at 1:00 pm spring through fall.
Camping & Group Campgrounds
There are 129 reservable campsites across multiple campgrounds. The North Grove Campground includes standard and group sites, all with drinking water, flush toilets, fire rings and bear-proof lockers. Oak Hollow (tent-only) provides shaded, intimate spaces. The Environmental Walk-In Campground offers a primitive experience near the creek. Reservations open six months in advance.
Visitor Center, Interpretive Exhibits & Guided Tours
The Visitor Center operates daily from 10 am–4 pm. It offers interpretive exhibits and natural history displays. There is also a gift shop and snack bar. Docent-led guided tours explore grove ecology, fire history and cultural heritage, and ranger-led evening programs and junior ranger activities engage kids and families.
Winter Sports & Snow Activities
In winter, the North Grove Ski Trail (1.5 miles) and Parkway Loop Ski Trail (3.5 miles) open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Snowshoe rentals and guided hikes are available on weekends and holidays from the warming hut by the Visitor Center. Sledding and snow play are popular on mild days.
Fishing, Bird Watching & Wildlife Viewing
Beaver Creek and the Stanislaus River offer catch-and-release trout fishing. Birdwatchers delight in spotting woodpeckers, ooids, jays and raptors against the giant sequoia background. Wintering deer, small mammals and quiet river otters add to wildlife encounters.
Picnic Areas & Amenities
Six spacious picnic spots with tables, BBQ grills, water fountains and nearby restrooms invite daytime visitors. Accessible tables and fire rings are available near the Visitor Center and grove trailheads. Ample parking accommodates cars, vans and buses.
Restrooms & Accessibility Features
Flush restrooms and pay showers are available in campground zones. A paved section of the North Grove Trail and accessible restrooms make the park welcoming to visitors with mobility challenges.
Visitor Tips
- Daily vehicle entry fee is $10 (up to 9 passengers); park passes accepted.
- Campsite reservations required; book up to six months ahead.
- Dogs allowed on paved roads, fire roads and in campgrounds—must be leashed; not allowed on trails.
- Winter vehicle access: Walter W. Smith Parkway closes at December 1 or first snowfall; reopens by May 1.
- Bring layers—summer highs in the 80s °F, winter lows near 20 °F; check chain requirements in winter.
- Bear-aware camping: use provided lockers, clean cooking areas, store food securely.
- Wear insect repellent in spring and summer—especially near waterways.
- Wheelchairs can access part of North Grove loop and Visitor Center.
- No drones, bikes or motorized vehicles on grove trails.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
For the most serene experience, visit the South Grove in mid-May. At this time, spring wildflowers carpet the understory. Fewer visitors tread the trails. Hike just before sunset for stunning golden light streaming through the sequoia trunks—then return to the North Grove for stargazing beside the warming hut. It’s a hidden gem moment that captures the park’s timeless magic.