Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Calaveras Big Trees State Park, Protected sequoia forest in Sierra Nevada, California.
Calaveras Big Trees State Park is a protected area in the Sierra Nevada of eastern California, spread across two counties. The park preserves two separate sequoia groves accessible through a network of paths that wind through mixed conifer forest.
A hunter stumbled upon the first grove in 1852, which drew visitors from around the world. California authorities formally converted the area into a state park in 1931 after decades as a private tourist site.
Native American tribes recognized these giant trees long before European settlers, using names such as wawona and hea-mi-withic for the massive sequoias.
The North Grove sits close to the entrance and offers a short, level loop suitable for wheelchairs. The South Grove requires more time and effort, as it runs through rougher terrain with elevation changes.
A felled tree in the North Grove was repurposed as a dance floor, which remained a popular photo spot for many years. This massive stump helped spark public support for protecting the remaining trees.
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