Calaveras Big Trees State Park

The trailhead there is bathrooms. This is a family friendly trail, which has some easy to moderate hiking where you get to enjoy the large sequoia trees. There is also a small creek where some of the families gathered to enjoy the water. The trail itself was popular, and I saw quite a few hikers, but there was enough distance in between where it didn’t get crowded. The trail was well maintained. it’s too bad that this is not dog friendly because I think it could be easily. Squirrels and butterflies were the only wildlife I saw other than birds.

Car campsites are spacious and have access to clean water and bathrooms/showers. Great gift shop and small museum. Our north grove tour was free and the guide was very knowledgeable. The south grove to end-of-trail was long (4 or 5 miles round-trip) but doable in the shade of the big trees. We saw a couple of bears on the south grove trail.

An absolutely stunning state park with some truly ancient trees. The hiking paths are incredibly well maintained and easy to navigate while the literature at trail heads really helps inform what you are seeing around you. We did the south grove hike in about 4 and a half hours with a very slow pace and PLENTY of stops for photos. Definitely want to bring some water and light snacks just in case you get hungry.