Calaveras Big Trees State Park

If you are looking for a getaway in a forest filled with huge trees and a peaceful river, look no further than the incredible Calaveras Big Trees State Park. With options from easy family-friendly walks to challenging hikes, Calaveras offers something for everyone to enjoy the great outdoors. Calaveras Big Trees is found just off California Highway 4, nestled in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. 

Calaveras Big Trees State Park boasts the largest trees by volume in the world - the giant sequoias. These incredible trees are almost as tall as the tallest trees in the world but their incredible size is due to their great diameter. The largest tree in the park being over 25 feet in diameter! 

Giant Sequoia Trees

Fallen Giant Sequoia Tree

The North Grove Trail is a flat 1.7 mile walk that takes you through the forest of giant sequoias. If you are visiting with a family of varying ages, this hike is the perfect way to enjoy the park. Another popular hike at the park is the South Grove Trail which is 5 miles through, you guessed it, more giant sequoias! 

North Grove Trail

If you are looking for other hikes, check out River Canyon Trail, Bradley Grove Trail Loop, and Lava Bluffs. These trails highlight the other noteworthy aspects of Calaveras Big Trees - the Stanislaus River, tranquil creeks, and volcanic formations. 

Food & Other Activities

In the town of Arnold, just before the state park on the way up the hill, stop at Big Trees Market and get a delicious sandwich at the deli and some snacks for the day. Another great option if you are looking for lunch, dinner, or some ice cream is Giant Burger. The big diner sign is a can’t miss right off the highway in Arnold. Looking for a drink? Check out Snowshoe Brewing Company. 

Giant Burger in Arnold, CA

If you are a spelunker (aka you like to explore caves), check out Mercer Caverns just outside the town of Murphy’s. I went here for a 4th grade field trip which is when I found out that I was, in fact, not a spelunker. But if that's what you are into, then this is a really cool place. Meanwhile, you can find me in the cute town of Murphys doing some wine tasting! 

If you continue up the hill past Calaveras Big Trees, you will find Lake Alpine! During the summer months, this is a wonderful place to swim, kayak, and have a picnic! Honestly, you could spend the whole day here. So definitely find a place near by to stay and make a whole weekend of your trip to Calaveras Big Trees. 

Lake Alpine

Where to Stay

There are so many cute places to stay that are just a short drive from Calaveras Big Trees as well. I would look for a place in Murphys or a cabin in Arnold or Bear Valley. If you are looking for a campsite, the Calaveras Big Trees Campgrounds are North Grove and Oak Hollow. 

As you keep driving up the hill, other campgrounds include Big Meadow Campground, Lake Alpine Campground, and Highland Lakes Campground. Big Meadow Campground is right off the highway near Big Meadow Creek. Lake Alpine is a great place for camping but spots do fill up fast. Highland Lakes Campground is a bit further from the highway and surrounded by multiple picturesque lakes. If you plan to stay at Highland Lakes Campground, I recommend that you are comfortable driving on an uneven dirt road and not in a small car as the road to get to the campground is a bit precarious. Once you arrive, you will see why it's worth the drive as many campsites have beautiful views of the water.

Highland Lakes

Highway 4

I grew up regularly going to the Sierras, in particular the area off Highway 4. It is a really special place - great for solo adventures, a group of friends, or a family trip! I highly recommend this area if you are visiting California or a California resident looking for a peaceful mountain getaway! 

Must Know

• The park is open for day use from 6AM to 10PM and there is a $10 entrance fee ($12 on holidays). 

• The line to get into the park gets long as the day goes on, so I do recommend getting there in the morning.