Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Getting There
The park is northeast of Stockton, four miles northeast of Arnold on Highway 4.
Please note that many car navigation systems and handheld Global Positioning Devices (GPS) are unable to locate the park.

From SF Bay Area
Take I-580 eastbound over Altamont Pass to I-205 toward Manteca, to US 99 North. Take the exit for State Hwy 4 Eastbound (Angel's Camp) to the park entrance. Calaveras Big Trees is about 35 minutes driving from Angel's Camp.

From Southern California
Take either I-5 or US 99 North. From I-5 you can cross to the other side of Stockton on State Hwy 4 to 99/4 South a few miles, then follow Hwy 4 towards and beyond Farmington to the park. Calaveras Big Trees is about 35 minutes driving time from Angel's Camp.

From Sacramento
Take U.S. 99 South to Stockton. Turn East on State Hwy 4. Driving time to the park from here is approx 1 hour and 30 minutes. Pass through Farmington and Copperopolis to the park. An alternate route from Sacramento is to take State Hwy 16 to State Hwy 49 South through Jackson, San Andreas, and Angels Camp.

From Nevada
Take US 395 to State Hwy 89 West to the terminus of State Hwy 4, up over Ebbett's Pass to the park. The road is closed in winter. It's very scenic, but so steep and tortuous that trailers and large motor homes are ill-advised to use it.

The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.

Seasons/Climate
Summer temperatures range from highs in the 80s to lows in the 50s; rare afternoon thundershowers. Variable snow conditions in the winter (All vehicles required to carry snow chains: Use chains when road conditions advise) sometimes suitable for cross-country skiing. Typically, highs in the 30s and 40s, lows in the 20s or even teens. Occasionally, highs in the 50s or 60s. Rain or snow showers are likely in the spring and fall, though it is drier in the fall.

Winter Closure- Weather Permitting
The Walter Smith Parkway beyond the North Grove which leads to the Stanislaus River, Beaver Creek and South Grove is closed from mid November to late April.

The Oak Hollow campground is closed from early October until mid May. The North Grove campground is closed from the end of November until early March.

Activities
There are a number of outdoor activities for visitors in Calaveras Big Trees state park.

Trails:
The North Grove has a level, 1.5-mile self-guided trail. The 600-foot Three Senses Trail allows visitors to experience the feel, smell and sounds of this magnificent forest. The five-mile South Grove Trail travels along Big Trees Creek and passes the park’s two largest trees - the Agassiz Tree and the Palace Hotel Tree. The fairly strenuous four-mile River Canyon Trail runs between the North Grove and the Stanislaus River. Along the Lava Bluffs Trail, hikers can enjoy the scenic canyon views of the North Fork of the Stanislaus River.

Picnicking:
Designated picnic areas are located in the North Grove, Oak Leaf Spring, River Picnic and Beaver Creek areas.

Swimming:
Beaver Creek picnic area recommended for small children. Stanislaus River is cold, fast moving, and may be hazardous.(USE CAUTION: NO LIFE GUARD SERVICES)

Fishing:
The Stanislaus River and Beaver Creek offer good fishing, particularly for rainbow trout. A valid California fishing license is required.

Wildlife:
Opportunities for wildlife observation are abundant in the park. Bird species include pileated woodpeckers, northern flickers, Steller’s jays and darkeyed juncos. Raccoons, foxes, porcupines, chipmunks, chickarees and flying squirrels are among the native animals. Black bears, bobcats, mountain lions, deer, and coyotes are sometimes seen.

Camping
There are a number of areas to camp here. The North Grove Campground has 74 campsites and the Oak Hollow Campground has 55 campsites. Both can accommodate tents and RVs up to 30 feet. All campsites have fire rings and picnic tables, piped water, flush toilets and coin showers are nearby. (Note: There are NO RV hookups and the dump station is CLOSED)

Make Campground Reservations

Trees & Plants
Located at the mid-elevation level of the western Sierra Nevada, Calaveras Big Trees State Park is a prime example of a mixed conifer forest in the yellow pine belt. Giant sequoias dominate ponderosa pines, sugar pines, incense cedars and white fir. The Pacific dogwood displays white blossoms in the spring, and wildflowers along the Lava Bluffs Trail include leopard lily, Hartweg’s iris, crimson columbine, monkey-flowers, harvest brodiaea, wild hyacinth and lupine.

Tips & Rules
• Dogs are welcome in the park on leash in developed areas like picnic sites, campgrounds, paved roads and fire roads (dirt). Dogs are NOT allowed on the designated trails, nor in the woods in general. We have several miles of fire roads for you and your dog to enjoy; however, you will not be able to see any of the giant sequoias from these roads.
• Do NOT feed the bears and other wildlife that inhabit the park; secure all food and scented items in the bear-resistant locker day and night when not in use.
• Diving is not permitted anywhere in the park; lifeguards are not available.
• Be careful with fire in the park.(Only permitted in designated fire rings)
• All natural and cultural features in the park are protected by law. Please do not disturb or remove them.

Accessible Features
Camping
North Grove Campground. This campground has 7 accessible campsites; 17, 18, 19, 20, 65, 67, and 73. Sites have accessible tables and tent pads with firm surfaces. Restrooms with showers are accessible.
Oak Hollow Campground. Site number 80 includes accessible parking, furnishings and firm surfaces, but some users may need help with slopes on the route to the restroom. Restrooms with showers: The unisex restroom/shower combination building by the accessible site is accessible and the parking space adjacent to the restroom is accessible.
Campfire center. The campfire center has four spaces for wheelchair seating, and there is amplified sound. A designated accessible parking space is about 300 feet from the campfire center on an accessible route.
Beaver Creek, (White Fir) Environmental Camp. This hike in campground has an accessible restroom and only two campsites, one of which is accessible. The accessible trail is approximately 1/8 mile from the accessible parking space.

Picnic Area
North Grove. Accessible picnic sites are now available with nearby accessible parking and restroom.
Beaver Creek. There is an accessible restroom, parking, and picnic sties in this area.

Trails
The Three Senses Trail is accessible for 0.13 mile in a forest setting and includes rest stops, guide ropes and interpretive panels in English and Braille. The trailhead and two accessible parking spaces are located in North Grove parking lot. Accessible restroom in North Grove Campground or near the visitor center.
The North Grove Trail is a 1 ½ mile accessible trail which originates from the North Grove Trailhead parking lot where accessible parking is available. Visitors will experience some of the largest trees in the park along the trail. This trail is constructed of compacted soil and also connects to the three senses trail. (Trail conditions may vary depending on weather and erosion).
The Beaver Creek Trail is a 3/4 mile accessible trail that originates from the South Grove parking area and Beaver Creek Picnic Area. Accessible parking is available at both the South Grove Trailhead and Beaver Creek Picnic Trailhead locations. Accessible picnicking is available at the Beaver Creek Picnic Area. The trail is constructed of compact soil and gravel and provides scenic views along Beaver Creek.
The Stanislaus River Trail is 1/4 mile accessible trail which originates from a parking lot located near the River Picnic Area. Accessible parking is available at the trailhead. This trail takes visitors down to the banks of the Stanislaus River. An accessible picnic site is located at the end of the trail. The trail is constructed of compacted soil and aggregate and although it is accessible it may be challenging to some visitors due to steeper slopes leading to the river.

Exhibits/Programs
Visitor Center. A small visitor center includes an audio-visual room and some exhibits. The AV room has movable seats and can be arranged to accommodate wheelchairs. Most of the exhibits are at least generally accessible, but assistance may be required at the entry ramp or threshold. Parking. Three spaces are designated accessible. The route of travel from the parking area to the entry ramp is generally accessible.

Jack Knight Hall. This facility is now accessible and available for special events. Accessible parking, routes, and exterior restroom are provided.

Other Information
A restroom off the North Grove Parking Lot near the warming hut has been modified to permit front and side transfers and is generally accessible. Two adjacent parking spaces are designated accessible, but the asphalt path of travel has some rough areas.

Operating Hours & Contact
Day-use is open from sunrise to sunset. Camping is open at all hours, from March through November.
Telephone: 209-795-2334 (park office); 209-795-3840 (visitor center).