Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Calaveras Big Trees CA State Park protects 2 groves of giant sequoia trees that are 300 ft tall with 25 foot diameter trunks. The giant trees were discovered in 1852. The location first gained notoriety from a sequoia called the Discovery Tree that was cut down in 1853 and 24 foot diameter sections were shipped and exhibited in San Francisco, Cape Horn, and New York City. It was originally 363 feet tall, but now is only a 3' platform base where it originally stood.

The posted picture was our hike through the South Grove area (a 3 mile hike with scattered Giant Trees). The colors and spring undergrowth of the forest was so green and vibrant. The beauty was unexpected and we plan to return in the Autumn when the undergrowth is changing colors.
#GreatOutdoors
#Nature

The Stump is what once was a Giant Sequoia tree that gained publicity in 1852 when mentioned by Augustus Dowd.
The Discovery Tree fell on June 27, 1853.
It took 3 weeks to cut down the Discovery Tree.
Pump augers and chisels were used to cut it down, as no saw was large enough for the project.
Discovery Tree measured 24 feet in diameter at its base, was 363 feet tall, and was determined by ring count to be 1,244 years old when felled.

#LikeALocal

I've found my roots here. You can find your too! #NationalPark

Visit Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Activities

Reviews

Plan a trip to see Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

SIRTAJ - Beverly Hills

South of Wilshire

￥165,864

per person

May 10 - May 14

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Tokyo (NRT) to Los Angeles (LAX)

8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)

Excellent location, clean room, comfortable bed

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2026

1 Hotel San Francisco

Downtown San Francisco

￥242,790

per person

May 1 - May 5

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Tokyo (TYO) to San Francisco (SFO)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (470 reviews)

Beautiful overall , this is not as complaint but the shower head in our bathroom didn’t have any water coming out

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2026

Fairmont Miramar Bungalows

Wilshire Montana

Save 100% on your flight

￥241,838

per person

May 10 - May 14

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip flight included

Tokyo (NRT) to Los Angeles (LAX)

7.4/10 Good! (11 reviews)

Clean, quiet, beautiful landscaping and prime location.

Reviewed on Dec 2, 2025

Reviews of Calaveras Big Trees State Park

4.7

Top Destination

5 - Excellent

63

4 - Good

15

3 - Okay

3

2 - Disappointing

0

1 - Terrible

1

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

When I was there they had a controlled burn that left a lot of smoke in the air. I would check ahead to see if they are having one.

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler

I was booking for Ohio not California

Popular places to visit

Hazy View Over the Forest from the Rim Trail, Arnold, California

Arnold Rim Trail

You can take time to visit Arnold Rim Trail during your travels to Arnold. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the coffeehouses and wineries.

Sierra Nevada Logging Museum

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Sierra Nevada Logging Museum during your travels in Arnold. You can seek out the golf courses and ski slopes in this relaxing area.

Mercer Caverns

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mercer Caverns during your travels in Murphys. You can seek out the campsites in this family-friendly area.

Sequoia Woods Country Club and Golf Course

Enjoy a round of golf in Arnold at Sequoia Woods Country Club and Golf Course. While in this walkable area, you can savor the coffeehouses and wineries.

Chatom Winery

You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Chatom Winery during your travels to Forest Meadows. You can seek out the campsites in this family-friendly area.

California Cavern State Historic Landmark

Explore the lovely green spaces of California Cavern State Historic Landmark and enjoy the campsites in Cave City. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the wineries and coffeehouses.

Best Lodging Options Near Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Check availability on hotels close to Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Timberline Lodge - Arnold - Bear Valley

890 California 4 Arnold CA

Serene Sierra Cabin in the Big Trees Forest- Dog Woods Cabin

Arnold CA

Brother Cabin- Blue Lake Springs

Arnold CA

The Robin: BLS Lake Access, Hot Tub, Curated Luxury Design, & Kids Game Room

Arnold CA

W House in BLS, sleeps 20 with Game Room, HotTub, Central AC&Heat, Pet friendly

Arnold CA

Nature Lover's Paradise: Luxurious The Shire - Cubs Crossing Chalet in Sierras

Arnold CA

PET FRIENDLY W/HOT TUB + BLUE LAKE SPRINGS REC ACCESS

Arnold CA

Cozy 3-Bedroom Cabin in Charming Arnold with WiFi, AC, Pac-Man Machine

Arnold CA

HUGGING TREES - 4 BEDROOM 2 full, 2 half BATH WITH GAME ROOM, SLEEPS 12

Arnold CA

See all 776 properties in Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.