Calaveras Big Trees - California State Parks - State of California
Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Our Mission The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.
It is unlikely that anyone could look upon the Sequoiadendron giganteum and not
feel a sense of awe California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at (209) 795-2334. If you need this publication in an alternate format, contact [email protected]. CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 For information call: (800) 777-0369 (916) 653-6995, outside the U.S. 711, TTY relay service www.parks.ca.gov
SaveTheRedwoods.org/csp
Calaveras Big Trees State Park 1170 East Highway 4, Arnold, CA 95223 (209) 795-2334 www.parks.ca.gov/calaverasbigtrees © 2004 California State Parks (Rev. 2016)
and reverence.
T
hree miles north of Arnold off Highway 4, the colossal trees of Calaveras Big Trees State Park stand in quiet testimony to prehistoric times. These massive relics, which can reach a height of 325 feet and a diameter of 33 feet, are descended from trees that were standing when dinosaurs roamed Earth and birds, mammals, and flowering plants began to appear. Some of today’s trees are thought to be as old as 2,000 years. Located at the mid-elevation level of the western Sierra Nevada, Calaveras Big Trees State Park is a prime example of a mixed conifer forest in the yellow pine belt. Giant sequoias dominate ponderosa pines, sugar pines, incense cedars, and white fir. The Pacific dogwood displays white blossoms in the spring. Wildflowers along the Lava Bluffs Trail include leopard lily, Hartweg’s iris, crimson columbine, monkey-flowers, harvest brodiaea, wild hyacinth, and lupine. NATIVE PEOPLE Though some native groups saw the trees as sacred and untouchable, the Miwok respected them and made careful use of them. These skilled fishermen, trappers,
and hunters built their seasonal villages alongside the flourishing rivers of the Sierra Nevada foothills. The acorns and other seeds the Miwok harvested in the fall were a vital part of their diet. Their way of life was rich in ceremony and social activity, including the important harvesting and grinding of the fall acorn crop. Throughout this area, large granite outcroppings and boulders with groups of mortar holes bear witness to the Miwok method of grinding seeds and acorns. Today, approximately 3,500 Miwok descendants live in the area. PARK HISTORY In the spring of 1852, Augustus T. Dowd was tracking a wounded grizzly bear through unfamiliar territory when he came upon a forest of enormous trees. The giant sequoia that first caught his attention was the largest in what is now the Calaveras North Grove. At first, Dowd’s description of what he had seen was considered a “tall tale” until he led a group of men to the grove. Word of the giant sequoia grove’s existence spread rapidly. Newspapers picked up the story, bringing curious visitors and entrepreneurs eager to make their fortunes from naive spectators.
Pioneer Cabin Tree The Discovery Tree that had earlier stopped Dowd in his tracks was the first casualty in the rush to exploit the giant sequoias. It took five men 22 days to cut it down. Sections of bark and a portion of its trunk were shipped to San Francisco to be placed on display. Later it was sent around Cape Horn to New York City, where it was considered a “humbug” by many skeptics. The financially unsuccessful showing closed, and while the tree’s artifacts were awaiting shipment to Paris, a fire destroyed the entire exhibit. The Discovery Tree’s stump remains in the North Grove. Further depredations continued in the North Grove. A magnificent tree named the “Mother of the Forest” was stripped of nearly 60 tons of its bark to a height of 116 feet. The bark was sent to the East Coast and abroad for exhibition. In 1861 the Mammoth Grove Hotel was built in the North Grove. The resort hotel operated until 1943, when it was destroyed by a fire.
THE TREES Two redwood types are native to California — the coast redwood along the northern and central coast, and the giant sequoia in scattered locations along the Sierra Nevada western slope. Conservationist John Muir declared that these giants, survivors of the Ice Age and the ravages of time, were “rapidly vanishing before the fire and steel of man. . . . ” In 1878, after a protracted ownership battle was settled, the Calaveras property was sold at public auction. The winning bid, from James L. Sperry, was $15,000. In 1900 Mr. Sperry sold out to lumberman Robert Whiteside, raising great public protest. Whiteside declined offers from federal legislators hoping to establish a national park at Calaveras. The struggle to acquire and protect the groves stretched over the next three decades.
Giant sequoia trees on the North Grove Trail
During this time, the Calaveras Grove Association was formed. It was inspired by the Sierra Club and Save the Redwoods League, which were leading a movement to establish a system of California state parks. Widespread public concern for the trees was beginning to have a positive effect. THE NORTH GROVE In 1928 Californians voted to establish a state park system through a bond act. Private donors supporting the acquisition of the North Grove included John D. Rockefeller, Jr., and Mrs. William H. Crocker. The rest of the funding came from the Calaveras Grove Association and the Save the Redwoods League. At last, in 1931, the North Grove came under the protection of the State of California. Now all that was left was to find a way to acquire the South Grove.
THE SOUTH GROVE Unfortunately, the world was in the throes of the Great Depression in 1931. Newton B. Drury, Land Acquisition Officer for the then California Division of Beaches and Parks, decided against the acquisition, citing “the condition of the state park bond fund. . . and the difficulty in raising private gifts.” Another 23 years elapsed before the South Grove was acquired. These years were rocked by two wars, with on-again /off-again negotiations with the Pickering Lumber Company, revival of the defunct Calaveras Grove Association, and a massive grassroots fundraising campaign to preserve the quality of this untouched forest. Finally, on April 16, 1954, the Calaveras South Grove became part of Calaveras Big Trees State Park. RECREATION Camping and Cabins — The North Grove Campground has more than 70 sites; the Oak Hollow Campground has more than 50. Both can accommodate tents and RVs up to 30 feet. Campsites have fire rings and picnic tables; piped water, flush toilets, and pay showers are nearby. Four rental cabins each have two bedrooms, a kitchen, living room, and private full bath. For camping or cabin reservations, visit www.parks.ca.gov/calaverasbigtrees or call (800) 444-7275. Trails — The North Grove has a level, 1.5-mile self-guided trail. The .13-mile Three Senses Trail allows visitors to experience the feel, smell, and sounds of this magnificent forest. The five-mile South Grove Trail travels along Big Trees Creek and passes the park’s
A park Junior Ranger learns about wildlife by handling a coyote skin. two largest trees — the Agassiz Tree and the Palace Hotel Tree. The fairly strenuous fourmile River Canyon Trail runs between the North Grove and the Stanislaus River. Along the Lava Bluffs Trail, hikers can view the scenic North Fork of the river. Picnicking — Designated picnic areas are located alongside the Stanislaus River, in the North Grove, Oak Leaf Spring, and Beaver Creek areas. Fishing — The Stanislaus River and Beaver Creek offer good fishing, particularly for rainbow trout. A valid California fishing license is required for anglers 16 and over. Wildlife — Opportunities for wildlife observation are abundant in the park. Bird species include pileated woodpeckers, northern flickers, Steller’s jays, and darkeyed juncos. Raccoons, foxes, porcupines, chipmunks, chickarees, and flying squirrels are among the native animals. Black bears, bobcats, and coyotes are sometimes seen.
ACCESSIBLE FEATURES Campsites and restrooms with showers at the North Grove Campground are accessible. Some visitors may need help with sloped terrain. One campsite and the restroom with showers at the Oak Hollow Campground and one two-bedroom cabin are accessible. There are wheelchair seating spaces and an assistive listening system at the Campfire Center. Parking and exhibits at the Visitor Center are accessible. The Three Senses Trail has a .13-mile ropeguided route with Braille text included. A restroom with adjacent parking near the warming hut off North Grove parking lot, Big Trees, North Grove, and Beaver Creek Trails, and the River Picnic Area are all accessible. Accessibility is continually improving. For current details, visit http: //access.parks.ca.gov. PLEASE REMEMBER • Do not feed the bears and other wildlife; secure all food and scented items in the bear-resistant lockers day and night when not in use. • Diving is not permitted anywhere in the park; lifeguards are not available. • Stay on trails to protect the fragile sequoia root systems. • All natural and cultural features in the park are protected by law and must not be disturbed nor removed. • Dogs are allowed only in campgrounds and on unpaved roads; dogs must be on a six-foot-maximum leash. Except for service animals, dogs are not permitted on trails.
NEARBY STATE PARKS • Columbia State Historic Park 11255 Jackson Street, Columbia 95310 (209) 588-9128 • Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park 14881 Pine Grove-Volcano Road Pine Grove 95665 (209) 296-7488 • Railtown 1897 State Historic Park on 5th Avenue, off Hwy. 108 Jamestown 95327 (209) 984-3953
The Stanislaus River
00 44
SNF
4000
0
4600
Oak Leaf Spring Picnic Area
46 00
3800
3800
4800
48 00
00 54
00 4600
48 00
South s
C
C
P R E S E RV E
4600
6
see detail map at left
48
South Grove
00
50
4600
99
8 0
5000
42 00
34
00
00 40
00
42
Not to Scale
3800
00 40
Indian Grinding Rock SHP
S T AT E
Jackson 88
42 00
Stockton
5 4800
30 Km
99 Manteca 0120 460
88
El Dorado NF
Volcano
Calaveras Big Trees SP 00 46
Arnold
49
Jamestown Knights Ferry
4800
4
Stanislaus NF 108 Columbia SHP
Sonora
Railtown 1897 SHP
Groveland 49
00
REFUGE
124
4400
20 Mi 20
44
4200
38 00
4400
3000
GAME
4800
10
Murphys Lockeford 00 Angels Camp 44 88
00
TUOLUMNE 00
34
0
10
Lodi
44
00 40
49
16
Elk Grove
5200
5000
9
Kit Carson
Placerville 0
4800
to Sacramento
7
50
Folsom Lake
50
460
3600
Roseville
80
5000
4400
5200
k ree
10
4800
4800
4400
Trail Grove 00
Tre e
GROVE
4600
Palace Hotel Tree
il
3200
00
0
4200
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3400 400
00
ek
5400
N AT U R A L
ve
re
s
5000
4600
Kansas Group
40
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5000
00 44
Big
4800
Big
r Beav e
4400
0
g
4000
Smith W.
29 11
Tra
36
Grove
33 32
Gro ey
l ad Br
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SOUTH
ail Tr
00 42
Agassiz Tree
00
4000
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31
P 30
4000
00 52
C A L AV E R A S
Beaver Beaver Creek Creek Accessible Trail Picnic Area South Grove Trailhead
SNF
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P AR K
00
Bi
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C AL A T UO
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Cr
S T AT E
44
So
C AL AVE R AS BI G T R E E S
Cre
lter Wa
00 36
46
il 0
380
0 520
Me
38 00
S C OU C O UN N T Y TY
4200
00
00
44
40
00
5
5000
Pa
36
McKays Reservoir
4200
−
River
5600
Tra
For k
40 00 00
00
SNF
0
540
4
3
2
La va
46 00
44
4200
44
Trees
ve
38 00
00
(SNF)
North
To Beaver Creek & Parking
00
4800 00 46
40
ffs
South Grove
Showers Viewpoint
5200
3600
Blu
NATIONAL FOREST
Fire Road
52
RV Sanitation Station
00 50
P
STANISLAUS
4200
Restrooms 00
REFUGE
00
P
44 00
42
00
48
GAME
50
P
River Picnic Area
14
This park is supported in part through a nonprofit organization. 0 20 For more information, contact: 4 Calaveras Big Trees Association P.O. Box 1196, Arnold, CA 95223 (209) 795-3840 www.bigtrees.org
Ranger Station
STATE
Tr ail
on
ny
Ca
Riv
4200
Picnic Area
00
50
TUOLUMNE
380
42 00
er
12
Parking
520 0
13
28
Tra il
4600
44 00
P
00
00 44
00
E
N
SNF
C
00
on
4 46
M
Locked Gate
38
ny
00 48
S
Picnic Area: Group
Not to Scale
C
27 Ca
15
A
O
Environmental Campsites Campground: Group
48
er
Downed Tree
North Grove
0
Riv
Scenic Overlook
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40 00
4
00
46
C
Campground
4800
46 0
P
SNF
0 40
A LA VE TU OL R U
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23 4800
to Arnold, Sacramento
0
0 42
Oak Hollow Campground
SNF
Big
26
40 00
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orial
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Tree
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North Grove Campground 25
Cr
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.
see detail map at right
W al
0
Visitor Center
21
Park Entrance
th
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4400
Smi
U NT UN Y TY
24
Ov e r
Campfire Center
Trail
to Campsites
Pa
480
20
North Grove
W
22
00
48 00
16
g 48
4200
Bi
Sentinel Tree
Cabins 50
4400
to Campsites
Bridge
Old Bachelor 00
Three Empire Senses Tree Trail ve Gro
Jack Knight Memorial Hall
5000
O
Tre e
5200
48 00
Group 19 Campground
00
Bi
ek
5000
Big Trees/Tree Clusters
40
Three Graces Tre e
4400
Discovery Stump
Accessible Trail
Pioneer k 800 Cabin 3Tree ee Cr
4400
0
420
Cre
00
46
4400
North
Visitor Center
17
Gr o
500
4600
18 5000
4000
Warming Hut
Accessible Feature
00
Bi
50 00
5200
4400
Trail
Mother and Son
g
1
4800
s
Unpaved Road
54
e Tre
Abraham Lincoln
50
to park exit
1.5 Kilometers
Tr ail
48 00
1 Mile
0.75 1.0
ay
42 00
0.5 0.5
kw
48 00
0.25
0
r l Pa
42 00
0
00
48
ria mith Me mo r W. S Walte
40 0
to Group Camp and cabins
4600
52 00
Paved Road
0
48
00
46 00
to South Grove
4
Legend
Motherof-the-Forest Fatherof-the-Forest
4400
State Park
4600
4
52 00
00 44
Calaveras Big Trees 48 00
4000
5000
4200
4800
00
4800
5000
SNF
5000
48
4600
5200
00 54
to Camp Connell, Markleeville
Dorrington
© 2003 California State Parks (Rev. 2016)
480
0
Our Mission The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation.
It is unlikely that anyone could look upon the Sequoiadendron giganteum and not
feel a sense of awe California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at (209) 795-2334. If you need this publication in an alternate format, contact [email protected]. CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 For information call: (800) 777-0369 (916) 653-6995, outside the U.S. 711, TTY relay service www.parks.ca.gov
SaveTheRedwoods.org/csp
Calaveras Big Trees State Park 1170 East Highway 4, Arnold, CA 95223 (209) 795-2334 www.parks.ca.gov/calaverasbigtrees © 2004 California State Parks (Rev. 2016)
and reverence.
T
hree miles north of Arnold off Highway 4, the colossal trees of Calaveras Big Trees State Park stand in quiet testimony to prehistoric times. These massive relics, which can reach a height of 325 feet and a diameter of 33 feet, are descended from trees that were standing when dinosaurs roamed Earth and birds, mammals, and flowering plants began to appear. Some of today’s trees are thought to be as old as 2,000 years. Located at the mid-elevation level of the western Sierra Nevada, Calaveras Big Trees State Park is a prime example of a mixed conifer forest in the yellow pine belt. Giant sequoias dominate ponderosa pines, sugar pines, incense cedars, and white fir. The Pacific dogwood displays white blossoms in the spring. Wildflowers along the Lava Bluffs Trail include leopard lily, Hartweg’s iris, crimson columbine, monkey-flowers, harvest brodiaea, wild hyacinth, and lupine. NATIVE PEOPLE Though some native groups saw the trees as sacred and untouchable, the Miwok respected them and made careful use of them. These skilled fishermen, trappers,
and hunters built their seasonal villages alongside the flourishing rivers of the Sierra Nevada foothills. The acorns and other seeds the Miwok harvested in the fall were a vital part of their diet. Their way of life was rich in ceremony and social activity, including the important harvesting and grinding of the fall acorn crop. Throughout this area, large granite outcroppings and boulders with groups of mortar holes bear witness to the Miwok method of grinding seeds and acorns. Today, approximately 3,500 Miwok descendants live in the area. PARK HISTORY In the spring of 1852, Augustus T. Dowd was tracking a wounded grizzly bear through unfamiliar territory when he came upon a forest of enormous trees. The giant sequoia that first caught his attention was the largest in what is now the Calaveras North Grove. At first, Dowd’s description of what he had seen was considered a “tall tale” until he led a group of men to the grove. Word of the giant sequoia grove’s existence spread rapidly. Newspapers picked up the story, bringing curious visitors and entrepreneurs eager to make their fortunes from naive spectators.
Pioneer Cabin Tree The Discovery Tree that had earlier stopped Dowd in his tracks was the first casualty in the rush to exploit the giant sequoias. It took five men 22 days to cut it down. Sections of bark and a portion of its trunk were shipped to San Francisco to be placed on display. Later it was sent around Cape Horn to New York City, where it was considered a “humbug” by many skeptics. The financially unsuccessful showing closed, and while the tree’s artifacts were awaiting shipment to Paris, a fire destroyed the entire exhibit. The Discovery Tree’s stump remains in the North Grove. Further depredations continued in the North Grove. A magnificent tree named the “Mother of the Forest” was stripped of nearly 60 tons of its bark to a height of 116 feet. The bark was sent to the East Coast and abroad for exhibition. In 1861 the Mammoth Grove Hotel was built in the North Grove. The resort hotel operated until 1943, when it was destroyed by a fire.
THE TREES Two redwood types are native to California — the coast redwood along the northern and central coast, and the giant sequoia in scattered locations along the Sierra Nevada western slope. Conservationist John Muir declared that these giants, survivors of the Ice Age and the ravages of time, were “rapidly vanishing before the fire and steel of man. . . . ” In 1878, after a protracted ownership battle was settled, the Calaveras property was sold at public auction. The winning bid, from James L. Sperry, was $15,000. In 1900 Mr. Sperry sold out to lumberman Robert Whiteside, raising great public protest. Whiteside declined offers from federal legislators hoping to establish a national park at Calaveras. The struggle to acquire and protect the groves stretched over the next three decades.
Giant sequoia trees on the North Grove Trail
During this time, the Calaveras Grove Association was formed. It was inspired by the Sierra Club and Save the Redwoods League, which were leading a movement to establish a system of California state parks. Widespread public concern for the trees was beginning to have a positive effect. THE NORTH GROVE In 1928 Californians voted to establish a state park system through a bond act. Private donors supporting the acquisition of the North Grove included John D. Rockefeller, Jr., and Mrs. William H. Crocker. The rest of the funding came from the Calaveras Grove Association and the Save the Redwoods League. At last, in 1931, the North Grove came under the protection of the State of California. Now all that was left was to find a way to acquire the South Grove.
THE SOUTH GROVE Unfortunately, the world was in the throes of the Great Depression in 1931. Newton B. Drury, Land Acquisition Officer for the then California Division of Beaches and Parks, decided against the acquisition, citing “the condition of the state park bond fund. . . and the difficulty in raising private gifts.” Another 23 years elapsed before the South Grove was acquired. These years were rocked by two wars, with on-again /off-again negotiations with the Pickering Lumber Company, revival of the defunct Calaveras Grove Association, and a massive grassroots fundraising campaign to preserve the quality of this untouched forest. Finally, on April 16, 1954, the Calaveras South Grove became part of Calaveras Big Trees State Park. RECREATION Camping and Cabins — The North Grove Campground has more than 70 sites; the Oak Hollow Campground has more than 50. Both can accommodate tents and RVs up to 30 feet. Campsites have fire rings and picnic tables; piped water, flush toilets, and pay showers are nearby. Four rental cabins each have two bedrooms, a kitchen, living room, and private full bath. For camping or cabin reservations, visit www.parks.ca.gov/calaverasbigtrees or call (800) 444-7275. Trails — The North Grove has a level, 1.5-mile self-guided trail. The .13-mile Three Senses Trail allows visitors to experience the feel, smell, and sounds of this magnificent forest. The five-mile South Grove Trail travels along Big Trees Creek and passes the park’s
A park Junior Ranger learns about wildlife by handling a coyote skin. two largest trees — the Agassiz Tree and the Palace Hotel Tree. The fairly strenuous fourmile River Canyon Trail runs between the North Grove and the Stanislaus River. Along the Lava Bluffs Trail, hikers can view the scenic North Fork of the river. Picnicking — Designated picnic areas are located alongside the Stanislaus River, in the North Grove, Oak Leaf Spring, and Beaver Creek areas. Fishing — The Stanislaus River and Beaver Creek offer good fishing, particularly for rainbow trout. A valid California fishing license is required for anglers 16 and over. Wildlife — Opportunities for wildlife observation are abundant in the park. Bird species include pileated woodpeckers, northern flickers, Steller’s jays, and darkeyed juncos. Raccoons, foxes, porcupines, chipmunks, chickarees, and flying squirrels are among the native animals. Black bears, bobcats, and coyotes are sometimes seen.
ACCESSIBLE FEATURES Campsites and restrooms with showers at the North Grove Campground are accessible. Some visitors may need help with sloped terrain. One campsite and the restroom with showers at the Oak Hollow Campground and one two-bedroom cabin are accessible. There are wheelchair seating spaces and an assistive listening system at the Campfire Center. Parking and exhibits at the Visitor Center are accessible. The Three Senses Trail has a .13-mile ropeguided route with Braille text included. A restroom with adjacent parking near the warming hut off North Grove parking lot, Big Trees, North Grove, and Beaver Creek Trails, and the River Picnic Area are all accessible. Accessibility is continually improving. For current details, visit http: //access.parks.ca.gov. PLEASE REMEMBER • Do not feed the bears and other wildlife; secure all food and scented items in the bear-resistant lockers day and night when not in use. • Diving is not permitted anywhere in the park; lifeguards are not available. • Stay on trails to protect the fragile sequoia root systems. • All natural and cultural features in the park are protected by law and must not be disturbed nor removed. • Dogs are allowed only in campgrounds and on unpaved roads; dogs must be on a six-foot-maximum leash. Except for service animals, dogs are not permitted on trails.
NEARBY STATE PARKS • Columbia State Historic Park 11255 Jackson Street, Columbia 95310 (209) 588-9128 • Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park 14881 Pine Grove-Volcano Road Pine Grove 95665 (209) 296-7488 • Railtown 1897 State Historic Park on 5th Avenue, off Hwy. 108 Jamestown 95327 (209) 984-3953
The Stanislaus River
00 44
SNF
4000
0
4600
Oak Leaf Spring Picnic Area
46 00
3800
3800
4800
48 00
00 54
00 4600
48 00
South s
C
C
P R E S E RV E
4600
6
see detail map at left
48
South Grove
00
50
4600
99
8 0
5000
42 00
34
00
00 40
00
42
Not to Scale
3800
00 40
Indian Grinding Rock SHP
S T AT E
Jackson 88
42 00
Stockton
5 4800
30 Km
99 Manteca 0120 460
88
El Dorado NF
Volcano
Calaveras Big Trees SP 00 46
Arnold
49
Jamestown Knights Ferry
4800
4
Stanislaus NF 108 Columbia SHP
Sonora
Railtown 1897 SHP
Groveland 49
00
REFUGE
124
4400
20 Mi 20
44
4200
38 00
4400
3000
GAME
4800
10
Murphys Lockeford 00 Angels Camp 44 88
00
TUOLUMNE 00
34
0
10
Lodi
44
00 40
49
16
Elk Grove
5200
5000
9
Kit Carson
Placerville 0
4800
to Sacramento
7
50
Folsom Lake
50
460
3600
Roseville
80
5000
4400
5200
k ree
10
4800
4800
4400
Trail Grove 00
Tre e
GROVE
4600
Palace Hotel Tree
il
3200
00
0
4200
ay l
o ri a m
3400 400
00
ek
5400
N AT U R A L
ve
re
s
5000
4600
Kansas Group
40
ee Tr
5000
00 44
Big
4800
Big
r Beav e
4400
0
g
4000
Smith W.
29 11
Tra
36
Grove
33 32
Gro ey
l ad Br
ek
SOUTH
ail Tr
00 42
Agassiz Tree
00
4000
eek
31
P 30
4000
00 52
C A L AV E R A S
Beaver Beaver Creek Creek Accessible Trail Picnic Area South Grove Trailhead
SNF
uth
P AR K
00
Bi
r kw
us nisla Sta
C AL A T UO
E
RA VE M N LU
Cr
S T AT E
44
So
C AL AVE R AS BI G T R E E S
Cre
lter Wa
00 36
46
il 0
380
0 520
Me
38 00
S C OU C O UN N T Y TY
4200
00
00
44
40
00
5
5000
Pa
36
McKays Reservoir
4200
−
River
5600
Tra
For k
40 00 00
00
SNF
0
540
4
3
2
La va
46 00
44
4200
44
Trees
ve
38 00
00
(SNF)
North
To Beaver Creek & Parking
00
4800 00 46
40
ffs
South Grove
Showers Viewpoint
5200
3600
Blu
NATIONAL FOREST
Fire Road
52
RV Sanitation Station
00 50
P
STANISLAUS
4200
Restrooms 00
REFUGE
00
P
44 00
42
00
48
GAME
50
P
River Picnic Area
14
This park is supported in part through a nonprofit organization. 0 20 For more information, contact: 4 Calaveras Big Trees Association P.O. Box 1196, Arnold, CA 95223 (209) 795-3840 www.bigtrees.org
Ranger Station
STATE
Tr ail
on
ny
Ca
Riv
4200
Picnic Area
00
50
TUOLUMNE
380
42 00
er
12
Parking
520 0
13
28
Tra il
4600
44 00
P
00
00 44
00
E
N
SNF
C
00
on
4 46
M
Locked Gate
38
ny
00 48
S
Picnic Area: Group
Not to Scale
C
27 Ca
15
A
O
Environmental Campsites Campground: Group
48
er
Downed Tree
North Grove
0
Riv
Scenic Overlook
g
40 00
4
00
46
C
Campground
4800
46 0
P
SNF
0 40
A LA VE TU OL R U
te r
23 4800
to Arnold, Sacramento
0
0 42
Oak Hollow Campground
SNF
Big
26
40 00
k
orial
ay
Tree
ee
em
rkw
North Grove Campground 25
Cr
M
.
see detail map at right
W al
0
Visitor Center
21
Park Entrance
th
ok l o4600
4400
Smi
U NT UN Y TY
24
Ov e r
Campfire Center
Trail
to Campsites
Pa
480
20
North Grove
W
22
00
48 00
16
g 48
4200
Bi
Sentinel Tree
Cabins 50
4400
to Campsites
Bridge
Old Bachelor 00
Three Empire Senses Tree Trail ve Gro
Jack Knight Memorial Hall
5000
O
Tre e
5200
48 00
Group 19 Campground
00
Bi
ek
5000
Big Trees/Tree Clusters
40
Three Graces Tre e
4400
Discovery Stump
Accessible Trail
Pioneer k 800 Cabin 3Tree ee Cr
4400
0
420
Cre
00
46
4400
North
Visitor Center
17
Gr o
500
4600
18 5000
4000
Warming Hut
Accessible Feature
00
Bi
50 00
5200
4400
Trail
Mother and Son
g
1
4800
s
Unpaved Road
54
e Tre
Abraham Lincoln
50
to park exit
1.5 Kilometers
Tr ail
48 00
1 Mile
0.75 1.0
ay
42 00
0.5 0.5
kw
48 00
0.25
0
r l Pa
42 00
0
00
48
ria mith Me mo r W. S Walte
40 0
to Group Camp and cabins
4600
52 00
Paved Road
0
48
00
46 00
to South Grove
4
Legend
Motherof-the-Forest Fatherof-the-Forest
4400
State Park
4600
4
52 00
00 44
Calaveras Big Trees 48 00
4000
5000
4200
4800
00
4800
5000
SNF
5000
48
4600
5200
00 54
to Camp Connell, Markleeville
Dorrington
© 2003 California State Parks (Rev. 2016)
480
0
