Calaveras Big Trees State Park is a large forest park in California famous for its giant sequoia trees. It offers various outdoor activities, camping areas, and is home to many animal species. The park has several walking and biking trails and fishing spots.
Calaveras Big Trees State Park is a large forest park famous for its giant sequoia trees that is the longest running park and recreation area in California. One of the main tourist attractions of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, it is often used for various outdoor activities. The park has purchased land several times over the years, dramatically increasing the area. It now totals over 26 square miles, or approximately 6,400 acres. Situated at a fairly high elevation, the park is approximately 4,800 feet (1.5 km) above sea level. Along with the giant sequoias, ponderosa pines, silver firs, sugar pines, and frankincense cedars live here.
The giant sequoia trees in Calaveras Big Trees State Park are massive and found in only two state parks in California. They can also be found in Yosemite-Sequoia National Park, but exist nowhere else on Earth. The largest tree ever found in Calaveras Park was named the Discovery Tree. Measuring 24 feet (7.3 m) wide at the bottom, only the giant stump remains today in the park’s North Grove. This tree was 1,244 years old when it was cut down in 1853.
The park’s South Grove is much more remote than popular North Grove and offers solitude among the giant trees. This area is considered a nature preserve, which is the highest level of protection that can be designated by California state parks. It is forbidden to stray from marked trails within all parts of the park.
There are several camping areas in Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Campers are charged a nominal daily rate for their campsite and pitches must be booked in advance. A number of amenities are available, including restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and swimming areas. There are also handicapped accessible sites and restrooms. Food brought in by campers should be stored in lockers or cars, as it attracts black bears that live within the park.
Besides bears, there are many other animal species that call this park home. Raccoons, deer and flying squirrels, as well as foxes, porcupines and squirrels are just some of the animals native to this area. Coyotes and bobcats also reside there, but are heard more often than seen. A number of birds can also be seen in the park, including pileated woodpeckers and northern flickers.
There are a variety of recreational activities offered by the park. Calaveras Big Trees State Park has several walking and biking trails of varying difficulty. The trails are free to use, although parking is paid. Beaver Creek and the Stanislaus River both provide fishing, particularly for brook trout. There are no bins provided for most areas so all rubbish must be taken out.
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