Home Destinations See (really) Big Trees at Calaveras Big Trees State Park | Northern California

See (really) Big Trees at Calaveras Big Trees State Park | Northern California

by Shelly Rivoli

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).

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”

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.

A mom and young children stand on top of Discovery Tree stump at Big Trees Calaveras State Park in northern California
Standing atop the Discovery Tree stump Calaveras Big Trees State Park near Angels Camp, CA (AKA Big Trees, CA).

Five men spent 22 days cutting down the giant sequoia (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.

The exhibit was considered a flop. And 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 — as they still do today. Weirdly enough, the Discovery Tree stump has been California’s longest-running tourist attraction.

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 small kids.

–> Nevertheless, it makes a great 2-hour hike through a giant forest with young children! Here is a link to the map.

If you’re exploring the loop with a baby or toddler, you might want to bring your stroller along, especially if you have the all-terrain or jogging variety, so that you can load up with plenty of water and snacks for everyone and 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 that may be in a box at the trailhead and is 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.

Young children follow the trail through the Tunnel Tree at Big Trees Calaveras State Park.
My daughters explore the route through the Tunnel Tree at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Calaveras Big Trees State Park photos by Shelly Rivoli.

Some highlights of the 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. Don’t forget your camera!

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’s the best time to visit Calaveras Big Trees?

If you come in late spring or early summer, you may catch the Pacific dogwoods in bloom, which flourish here beneath the giants. There are several varieties of California wildflowers as well.

In fall, you may be dazzled by the color of the changing leaves, usually best in late October.

If you like cross-country skiing, you might check out the North Grove in winter.

And if you’re 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 my post 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

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

Safe journey,

Shelly Rivoli, author of the award-winning guide Travels with Baby

TravelswithBaby.com

Note: This post was originally published in July of 2009 and has since been revised and updated.

You may also like...

Comments are closed.