Calaveras Big Trees State park

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Calaveras Big Trees State Park is northeast of Stockton California. This Grove of giant sequoias has been a tourist attraction since the 1930s. If you have ever wanted to walk through the middle of a sequoia tree Calaveras is the place to go. At one time you were able to drive your car through the tree but these days walking is the only way to experience the tree tunnel. There are two groves in the pak, North and South. The North grove tends to be more busy due to it's location near Highway 4 and the -park campgrounds. South Grove is more lightly traveled and offers a more peaceful look at the giant trees. Attractions in the Park include the Stanislaus River, Beaver Creek, the Lava Bluff Trail and Bradley Trail.

Calaveras Big Trees State Park has some of the best camping in central California. Campsites range from nice sized to absolutely huge. Each site has a water spicket, parking, fire ring, bear box and picnic table. Flushing toilets and showers are close by. The visitor center offers nightly ranger talks and walks and ranger run activities in the daytime. Summer time is very busy at Calaveras Big Trees State Park so if you plan on camping get an early start. For a day trip bring along a picnic lunch and sit under one of these huge trees and enjoy lunch in a beautiful forest setting.

Calaveras Big Trees State Park driving directions

From San Francisco Bay Area:
Take I-580 eastbound over Altamont Pass to I-205 toward Manteca, to US 99 North. Take the exit for State Hwy 4 Eastbound (Angel's Camp) to the Park Entrance. Hwy 4 makes a jog to the right in Angel's Camp along State Hwy 49, then jogs left just before leaving town. Calaveras Big Trees is about 35 minutes driving from Angel's Camp.
From Southern California:
Take either I-5 or US 99 North. From I-5 you can cross to the other side of Stockton on State Hwy 4 to 99/4 South a few miles, then follow Hwy 4 towards and beyond Farmington to the Park. Hwy 4 makes a jog right in Angel's Camp, then jogs left just before leaving town. Calaveras Big Trees is about 35 minutes driving time from Angel's Camp.