Calaveras Big Trees Trail Reopens, But Use Caution
Hikers can head back to Calaveras Big Trees State Park, as recent snow is melting fast and the North Grove trail is now accessible. However, the trail remains slippery with a mix of snow and mud. Park officials strongly recommend using traction devices like cleats and walking sticks for safety.
Calaveras Big Trees State Park, established in 1931, preserves two stunning groves of giant sequoia trees. The park has been a major tourist attraction since 1852 and is considered the longest continuously operated tourist facility in California. The park is home to two distinct groves: the easily accessible North Grove and the more remote South Grove. While the North Grove Trail is a relatively flat 1.7-mile loop, accessing the South Grove requires a longer hike and is home to the park's largest tree, the Agassiz Tree. Vehicle access to the South Grove, along the Walter W. Smith Parkway, is typically closed for the winter season. This road usually closes on December 1st, or with the first significant snowfall, and reopens around May 1st, depending on snow conditions. Giant Sequoias (Sequoiadendron giganteum) are the most massive trees on Earth and grow naturally only on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Some of the ancient trees in this park are estimated to be over 2,000 years old. The North Grove includes the "Discovery Tree," a massive sequoia that was felled in 1853, just a year after Augustus T. Dowd's widely publicized discovery of the grove. The giant stump, which was once used as a dance floor, remains for visitors to see. Even with the main trail reopening, winter offers unique activities. On weekends and holidays, a warming hut near the North Grove visitor center offers a place to warm up by the fire with hot cider or cocoa. The park also offers guided snowshoe tours on Saturdays. Located about a two-hour drive from parts of the Bay Area, the park entrance fee is typically $10-$12 per vehicle. It’s situated four miles northeast of Arnold on Highway 4, making it a feasible day trip or weekend destination.
