Back to index Calaveras Big Trees State Park Hike
Trip Date:  12/23/2018

Distance
: 10.3 Miles

Vertical Gain: 150'

Group Size: 7
Hike Rating:  Easy   Moderate    Hard   Strenuous
Big Trees State Park Hike
Download GPX GPX for this trip
Calaveras Big Trees Elevation Profile
Start Coordinates:   N 38 16.628, W 120 18.527     End Coordinates:   Same as Start Coordinates
Car Shuttle Req'd:   No Parking Directions:   Take Highway 4 to Big Trees Parkway.  Head east from the Highway 4 and then turn into the park and find spaces either to the left or right. 
Hazards of Note:   Very few.  This is a well-defined trail through the Sequoia grove with detailed maps available from the visitor center.

Crowd Factor:   Heavy.   This is a popular destination, even in the winter when there can be some snow but usually isn't overwhelming.
General Notes:
From the parking area head back toward the visitor center, where you can get information and all sorts of items to purchase with the state park and sequoia tree logos on them.  Continue on past this to the warming hut, which is a good location in winter to grab a warm drink before and after your trek around the area.  The trees are an amazing sight, regardless of the number of times you have seen them.  They are simply massive, but also majestic and the sheer hight of many of them constantly takes your breath away.

Just outside of the visitor center is a sign which starts the trek through the giant trees. Trailhead sign
The warming hut was a pleasant stop on a cold December day where they served hot beverages and gave everyone a chance to heat up before and after the walk. Warming hut
Two of the group posing for a picture just at the start of the hike.  Next to it is the obligatory picture of those taking the picture of the two posing. Early stump pictures
The stairs take you up to a tree platform which helps to give you a sense of the massive size of the trees that are growing here. Tree platform
Our daughter-in-law dwarfed by the size of one of the fallen trees.
The fallen
Hard not to be overwhelmingly impressed by the massive size of the Sequoia trees when you look up at them towering over everything in the area. Mesmerizing
Our 6'5" son and his family dwarfed by the massive trees all around. Dwarf family
Exploring the humongous roots from another fallen tree along the way. Roots 
That treefall required some pretty hefty trail maintenance to fix the way past it. Trail work
Two of the group taking in the sights all around. Admiration
Along one section you can walk through a hollow fallen tree, without having to duck. Out of the log
Most of the group on the way back to the warming hut. The group
GPS Track of the full hike. GPS Track of Hike