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Calaveras Big Trees


User Reviews

Monica Morse

October 16, 2025

Big Trees is an understatement! These are magical and majestic groves of Giant Sequoia & Incense Cedar. The size and beauty of these ancient giants will take your breath away. Recommend doing the South Grove Trail (5 mile, 2 hours) first (road may be closed when there’s a lot of snow). It’s a gorgeous hike. Thank you to the people who preserved the South Grove in 1950-1960s! Then head back to the visitor center. Pick up the little guide pamphlet (and donate $1!!) for the super informative self guided tour through the North Grove.

Edith Sutterlin

October 14, 2025

We really enjoyed the North Grove Trail , the 3 senses trail, and the interactive table with the pine cones and needle samples to help us see the difference in 5 common conifer trees in the park. The gift shop had a good selection of items for adults and cjhildren's educational and fun souvenirs, books, clothing, etc. The back room at the Visitor center was small, but very well done. I especially loved pushing the buttons for the different bird calls. I only wish they promoted and featured the two films we saw in the small theater. They were very informative and well done, but we kind of accidentally saw the theater entrance, with no signs of what was in there, and no indication that there were 2 different films to watch and their viewing length. My guess is most all visitors miss seeing them entirely and don't even know they are there.

Georgina Curry

October 12, 2025

This place has it all. Redwoods, thick beautiful forests, rivers and all types of hiking choices. Beautiful place to camp. I spent the day doing small hikes and driving the entire park taking in all the beauty. Must see if your looking to get outdoors.

Rich Bromberg

September 23, 2025

Beautiful park - fantastic, informative trail through the Sequoia grove. Easy trail supports wheel chairs. Lots of other trails as well, some more challenging. Something for everyone. Nice visitor center with a museum. Park staff - rangers and docents, extremely helpful and friendly. Great location - easier to get to than Sequoia National Park if you want to see the majestic trees.

Monika Patterson

July 24, 2025

I used a California State Parks Library Pass and borrowed a hiking backpack from my local library and I'm still in awe. The park is absolutely breathtaking. Towering sequoias, peaceful trails, and that clean, healing forest air. As a struggling lung disease gal - thank you Mother Nature for the healing air. ❤️‍🩹 What made this trip so special was knowing my own family stood in front of these very trees over a hundred years ago. Being in the same space, breathing the same air, was powerful and grounding. It felt like time folded in on itself. To anyone who has something negative to say about this park: maybe try visiting a state that doesn't have any state parks. Be humble, not hateful. Nature doesn't owe us perfection but it offers peace if you let it. Thank you to the state park system and our libraries for making this healing experience more accessible. This was more than a hike it was a full-circle moment. I’m forever thankful for such an incredible experience.

Shilo Wheeler

May 17, 2025

I got married at this state park at the beginning of May 2025 and I truly couldn't have asked for a more perfect experience. I had booked the venue sight unseen. The past eight months of booking and communication naturally came with a bit of nervousness but the entire process was seamless thanks to the outstanding communication from the park staff. From start to finish, they were responsive, informative, and so helpful, making the planning process smooth and stress-free. When the big day arrived, the park was absolutely stunning — even better than I imagined. The natural beauty created the perfect backdrop for both our ceremony and reception, and the atmosphere felt magical. Everything ran perfectly, and it was the perfect day for my perfect wedding. I’m so thankful to have chosen this place for one of the most important days of my life. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a breathtaking, well-managed outdoor venue!

Deborah Landau

May 12, 2025

Absolutely amazing! I highly recommend catching one of the volunteer-led hikes. We did the south trail, and it was spectacular. We thought it might be a bit much for us 6 miles round trip), but the trail is mostly flat and very well maintained. I can't recommend this park enough, it was just incredible.

Justin

April 14, 2025

They are in fact, big trees. I admittedly did not know I needed to go here, but walking around skyscraper-sized trees was rather otherworldly. Very cool experience. Please stay on the path people.

Scott Soden

March 19, 2025

Incredible views of ancient forests and towering trees. We got to go in early spring so the melt was creating spectacular streams throughout the park adding to the beauty and majesty. Make sure you visit the welcome center for more on the inhabitants and history and pick up a souvenir or two.

Diana Carolina

January 11, 2025

Hey there from Florida. I did my hike thru River Canyon Trail. Was absolutely beautiful, and there was no one around throughout the entire trail. I also did my first solo camping night out here! I'm very grateful and glad I survived on my own!🤣🥰 Thank you to the Rangers and nature for everything! It was a wonderful experience!