Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Copyright: California State Parks Redwoods of Calaveras Big Trees SP

Attractions - The park includes a visitor center. Beaver Creek tumbles through acres of pine trees. The two groves of Big Trees survived heavy 19th century logging.

In addition to the popular North Grove, the Park features South Grove, a five mile hiking trip through a spectacular grove of giant sequoias in their natural setting.

Other attractions in the Park include the Stanislaus River, Beaver Creek, the Lava Bluff Trail and Bradley Trail.

The Park also houses two main campgrounds with a total of 129 campsites, six picnic areas and hundreds of miles of established trails.

Recreation - A nature trail guides visitors on an easy stroll through the grove. Other areas of the park provide places for picnicking, fishing and hiking - including a magnificent view of the Sierra Nevada. Camping is also available, contact the parks department for reservations.

Climate - The High Sierra generally experiences warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters. Weather can change rapidly during all seasons of the year. Elevation plays a major role in temperature and precipitation. This precipitation falls mainly from October through April. At higher elevations, it comes mostly in the form of snow. A snowpack from 5-10 feet or more is usually present from December to May at elevations above 6,500 feet. Winter temperatures below zero and summer temperatures above 100 degrees indicate the normal seasonal spread. Clouds can build up during the summer to produce spectacular thunderstorm activity. It is wise to pack for any season with clothing that can be "layered", ready to peel off or add on as the thermometer dictates. Always include some kind of rain gear.

Location - The park is northeast of Stockton, four miles northeast of Arnold on Highway 4.