Camp under Giant Sequoias at Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Although the Native Americans in this area in Northern California had long known about California’s Giant Sequoias, it was not until A. T. Dowd “stumbled” over them in 1850 that what is now known as Calaveras Big Trees State Park became famous. Shortly after Dowd’s discovery, the Mammoth Grove Hotel was built to provide travelers from all over the world with an overnight stop amongst these majestic California beauties.

The North and South Grove of the Giant Sequoias have been a part of the California State Park system since the 1950’s. The efforts of the Save-The-Redwoods League and the Calaveras Grove Association have made the ongoing preservation and maintenance of these miraculous and historic trees a reality.

Along with the two magnificent groves of giant sequoias, Calaveras Big Trees State Park features over six thousand acres of pine forest on both sides of the Stanislaus River. Campgrounds, picnic areas, and many miles of hiking and bicycling trails make Calaveras Big Trees one of the county’s most popular destinations for all ages.

Calaveras Big Trees Park is open year round and offers a variety of options for each season. Cross country and snowshoe hikes are popular in the winter. In the sunnier times of the year when dogwoods are in bloom and wildflowers are in abundance, twenty minute to four mile trails offer the perfect challenges for each visitor’s capability. There is an especially interesting hiking trail set up for the visually impaired, but experienced by most who visit the park.

The interpretive center near the North Grove, with visual and hands-on exhibits, makes it easy for visitors to understand and enjoy the drama of the park’s natural environment.

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