By far the most famous and trafficked trail in Calaveras Big Trees State Park, the North Grove Loop is an amazing easy hike through some of the largest trees on earth. This was actually the first known Giant Sequoia Grove in the world, and the history here goes back all the way to the early 1850’s! With a legacy like that, this trail must be good!
Miles/Elevation:
1.7 miles
91 feet vertical gain
About Calaveras Big Trees State Park:
Located in the moderate elevation lower slopes of the Sierra Nevada, Calaveras Big Trees State Park is a stunning park protecting numerous Giant Sequoia Trees. First declared a state park in 1931, this place has been a major tourist attraction for much longer. The trees here gained widespread acclaim as early as 1852, and it has been a popular site ever since.
At about 6,500 acres, Big Trees is a pretty spacious state park. It may not compare size wise to national parks like Yosemite, but there is plenty of space to explore here! The park contains 7 maintained trails, as well as numerous fire roads that are open for hiking or cycling. Visitors may also enjoy either of the park’s 2 campgrounds.
There is an entrance fee of $10 per vehicle.
Getting To The Trailhead:
Calaveras Big Trees is located just off California state highway 4 a few miles east of the town of Arnold. Upon reaching the park, likely via your own vehicle, continue through the entrance station and pay the fee. The main parking area is just to the right of the entrance station near the visitor center. Park here outside the visitor center to access the North Grove!
The North Grove Loop:
From the trailhead at the end of the parking lot, I would recommend heading past the visitor center. There is a small brochure guide to this trail, and it will make the most sense if you complete this trail counter-clockwise. Otherwise, you’ll be reading it backwards!
The first major landmark on this trail is the absolutely massive (and aptly named) Big Stump. This stump is all that’s left of the gigantic Discovery Tree that first brought this grove to prominence. The story goes that a hunter tracking a wounded bear found himself here, saw this gargantuan tree, and ran back to report it to his friends at camp!
Always be sure to follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles when in the outdoors!
As is the case throughout much of history, the actions of people are disappointing in this instance. Rather than appreciating the tree, they almost immediately decided to cut it down. It apparently took 3 weeks to cut the 363 foot tall tree down, very sad though not all that surprising.
Now, the Big Stump is an attraction on the hike, and you can even walk up onto it. I would much prefer a massive tree in this spot, but history is what it is. They even built a bowling alley on the fallen trunk at one point, and the stump was meant to serve as a dance floor.
Past the stump, you’ll cross over Big Trees Creek for the first time. You’ll cross this creek numerous times throughout the hike, and while it’s very small the flow is enough to maintain the giants above! The creeks’ miniscule flow even in spring seems unlikely to be able to support these trees, but apparently it does!
This is bear country so make sure you’re bear safe!
As you head northeast-ish, you’ll encounter lots more giant Sequoias. There really are a ton of them here, and while they aren’t as massive as the trees further south, especially in Sequoia National Park, they are definitely numerous. I would certainly rank this grove ahead of the smaller groves in Yosemite National Park!
Always follow basic trail etiquette when on trail!
Near the far end of the loop, you’ll encounter another fallen giant. The Mother of the Forest, formerly one of the largest trees in the grove, is a striking figure amongst the forest. Charred, burned, and broken, the Mother is now dead. Soon after the Discovery Tree (now the Big Stump) was felled, the Mother had her bark completely stripped and sold as souvenirs.
Make sure you have our ultimate road trip playlist if you’re driving to Big Trees!
These trees rely on their bark for many things, but notably in this case as fire defense. A few years later, when fire again rolled through this grove, this wounded giant had no defenses left.
It’s another sad tale of human greed and lack of foresight.
Past the Mother of the Forest, you will reach the far end of the grove and the trail will turn back to head back to the visitors center. The return trip isn’t quite as notable as the first half of the hike, though there are still giants to walk among.
Looking for huge old growth Redwoods instead? Head to Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park!
The Lincoln Tree, named for President Lincoln, is one of the largest trees in this northern edge of the grove. However, the more notable tree is another fallen giant. Drive through trees (trees you can literally walk or drive through) are pretty rare, but one of the most well known ones was here! It fell only in 2018, and its shattered remains can clearly be seen along the side of the path.
The entire loop is under 2 miles, so before you know it you’ll be back at the visitor center. After about an hour of soaking it all in and really enjoying this amazing place, we were done and back at the car!
Topdown Lifestyle Rating: 10/10
Keeping in mind this trail is under 2 miles, I do think it deserves a 10/10. Frankly, there are very few places where you can see trees, or really anything, this spectacular in such a short hike. Even in the Yosemite Sequoia Groves you will have to hike further to get the full experience. Does this trail have huge views or solitude? No. But compared to other 1 or 2 mile hikes, this is about as good as it gets.
Pros:
- Huge trees
- Beautiful forest
- Excellent trail quality
- History
Cons:
- Busy
- No big views
Alternative Hikes:
When To Hike Calaveras Big Trees State Park:
Located in the middling elevations of the Sierra Nevada foothills, Big Trees is an excellent 3 season hiking destination. While this region does receive snowfall during winter, temperatures will remain relatively warm, and spring should melt the snow quite quickly. Similarly, autumn also will have quite moderate temperatures, though early storms could bring premature snow.
Summers will be quite warm, bordering on hot, and would make for very nice weather to enjoy outside, though potentially too warm for hiking. All considered, I think the best time to hike Big Trees is in the spring, especially late April or May. The snow should be long gone and temperatures will be very comfortable. This is also the time when higher elevations are still snowed in, making Big Trees a perfect destination!
Links For Further Reading:
Calaveras North Grove Trail – California | AllTrails
Exploring The Calaveras Big Trees State Park North Grove Trail
A Guide to the North Grove Trail of Calaveras Big Trees
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