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.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
