See (REALLY) Big Trees at Calaveras Big Trees State Park in Northern California
Looking for a great place in Northern California to show your kids California’s giant sequoia trees? With easy hiking and camping opportunities? I’ve know just the place…
CALAVERAS BIG TREES S.P., ANGELS CAMP, CA – To complete our Eastern Sierra road trip, I felt it was only natural that we should call upon one of my favorite California state parks: Calaveras Big Trees.
The park is home to two groves of massive giant sequoias (AKA Sierra redwoods). And it’s also just under 3 hours from San Francisco, and 2 hours from Sacramento.
As it happened, we would be “practically passing right by” on our way home — if we just took the Sonora Pass (Hwy 108) and drove a little way north. Famous last words.
I remember hearing once that if you could take all the blood vessels and veins in the human body and lay them end-to-end, they could wrap around the earth nearly three times. I’m not sure if that’s true, but as we wound and wound around the hairpin curves of the highway I got the feeling you could pull it off with Highway 108.
Nevertheless, we were all quite pleased to see our “Big Trees” the following day. As you can see, they don’t disappoint.
The largest tree in the park is the Aggasiz Tree in the South grove, which is 25 feet in diameter (yes, in diameter) at 6 feet above the ground. But anyone making their first trip to Big Trees, especially with children, should head directly to the North Grove, which is where the story of Big Trees begins.
The Backstory of “Big Trees” State Park
In 1852, a man was tracking a wounded bear through the area when he suddenly came across what is now called the “Discovery Tree,” a slight misnomer considering what you’ll discover there now.
Being 1852 and in the middle of what many recent settlers and gold miners considered “mere wilderness,” there was really only one thing to do with such a discovery.
Five men spent 22 days cutting down the giant sequoia. As you might imagine, there were no saws in existence large enough for the job!
Sections of bark and a portion of its trunk were sent all the way to New York City by way of Cape Horn to be put on display.
For better and worse, the exhibit was considered a flop. The lesson to be learned from it was that those who were truly interested wanted to come to Calaveras to see the real trees for themselves — ALIVE — as they still do today.
TREE TRIVIA: Weirdly enough, the Discovery Tree stump has been California’s longest-running tourist attraction.
The Path to Preservation and Future Parks
Fortunately, news of the felled giant sparked anger and concern in some circles, including that of celebrated preservationist John Muir. The sad fate of the Discovery Tree was a prime example of the need for preservation, which helped lead to President Lincoln’s signing of the Yosemite Grant Act in 1864.
Don’t be surprised if you see a troop of Boy Scouts atop the stump as you arrive—but don’t be shy, there will still be room for your family to join them up there.
After climbing the stairs up to the top of the stump, you’ll see that a handful of minivans could be parked across the surface (thankfully they’re not).
It’s hard not to get goose bumps (or perhaps, shed a tear) as you stand atop the massive stump that remains from the Discovery Tree. This is where you’ll start exploring the must-see North Grove trail.
Exploring the North Grove Trail
The North Grove Trail is a level, 1.5-mile walk between giant sequoias (sometimes labeled as Sierra redwoods). Though the distance sounds short and the trail is actually wheelchair accessible, don’t be surprised (as we were) if it takes you 2 hours to complete the loop with enthusiastic small kids.
–> Nevertheless, it makes a great 2-hour hike through a giant forest with young children! Here is a link to the map.
Quick Tips for Your Trek:
If you’re exploring the loop with a baby or toddler, you might want to bring your stroller along (a jogging or all-terrain stroller is ideal). That way you can load up with plenty of water and snacks for everyone to enjoy. Not to mention, you’ll avoid carrying your tired-out toddler the last half of the loop.
Before you start down the trail, be sure to use the restrooms at the parking lot since there won’t be any along the trail.
Then pick up your 50 cent guide to the trees from the box at the trailhead (also available at the Visitor Center). You can also view a guide to the North Grove here.
There are expensive bottles of water and sodas in a machine near the Visitor Center, but that’s it for food or drink. So bring your picnic, beverages of choice, and plenty of drinking water.
Favorite Trees and Highlights of the North Grove
Some highlights of the popular North Grove include: The Empire State Tree — the largest in the North Grove with an 18-foot diameter, The Three Graces, and the favorite of most visiting kids: The Tunnel Tree (shown above).
This hollowed-out massive trunk lies alongside the trail and even adults can walk through the interior. Be warned: your kids may need to spend a bit of time at this one. Get ready for plenty of photo ops!
TIP: After your walk through the North Grove, enjoy your picnic in the area adjacent to the parking lot. Or venture farther into the park and check out the picnicking areas along the river.
When is the best time to visit Calaveras Big Trees?
Big Trees State Park can be visited year round. However, only camping and trails in the North Grove area may be accessible during winter months.
In late spring or early summer, you may catch the Pacific dogwoods in bloom, which flourish here beneath the giants. There are also several varieties of California wildflowers to enjoy.
In fall, you may be dazzled by the color of the changing leaves, usually best in late October.
In winter, cross-country skiiers may enjoy exploring the North Grove in winter when the weather cooperates!
Are you interested in camping in Calaveras Big Trees State Park? Check out my post with Tips for Camping at Calaveras Big Trees State Park.
Discover more great places to see some of the biggest trees in California – including the best giant sequoias and coast redwoods – in The Six Best Places to Visit California’s Giant Redwoods and Giant Sequoias.
You might also like these posts:
- Tips for Camping at Calaveras Big Trees State Park
- The Six Best Places to Visit California’s Giant Redwoods and Giant Sequoia Trees
- Packing List for Camping with a Baby or Toddler
- Yosemite National Park with Kids
- Sequoia National Park with Kids
- Tips for Biking Yosemite with a Baby, Toddler, or Young Children
- Ten Unforgettable California Family Vacation Ideas
- How to Travel with a Car Seat (Without Losing Your Mind)
Safe journey,
Shelly Rivoli, author of the award-winning guide Travels with Baby
Note: This post was originally published in July of 2009 and has since been revised and updated.