Our second favorite park in California after Yosemite National Park. Come explore with us.


Calaveras Big Trees State Park in Northern California is a fantastic alternative to Yosemite National Park when the park is crowded or closed due to federal government shutdown.

In Winter
Calaveras Big Trees State Park turns into a winter wonderland between January-March months. Snow blankets the entire area and even tames the tall Redwood trees.






The park is open from sunrise to sunset. From San Jose, it is about 2.5 to 3 hours drive depending on the weather/snow level. The closest town is Arnold which is about 3.5 miles south of the state park and is a good place to have lunch/dinner or to stay for the night.

The State Park has a Visitor Center and a Museum. It also has 4 cabins where you can stay. The cabins are available for rent all through the year.
















The highlight of our winter trip was definitely the little Warming Hut, a place where volunteers serve hot chocolate and tea and are happy to chat with you around the warm fireplace.  The hut is very close to the Visitor Center and easy to spot. Warm your feet and listen to the stories lovingly shared by the volunteers. If you are up for it, you can join them for a snowshoe hike during the weekend.








In Summer
The North Grove is the most popular for hiking and has the popular "Big Stump", Three Graces, The Abraham Lincoln tree, The Sacrificial Tree, The Father of the Forest, Old Bachelor tree, Siamese Twins and the Granite State Tree.

The South Grove offers 5 miles of Hiking Trails.(the road to South Grove is not accessible during winter months).

Big Stump