Calaveras Big Trees State Park

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Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Calaveras Big Trees is the only CA State Park with giant sequoias, the biggest individual tree. Social Media Guidelines: https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=31305

Social Media Guidelines - https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=31305

08/05/2026

Not much smoke around here!

Many of you have asked how the park is doing with the Gann Fire. We are about 30 miles away from it and not concerned. The park’s Air Quality Index has so far been in the “Moderate” range- not great but not bad.

The smoke has mostly stayed lower down the mountain, so if you’re staying in San Andreas, Angels Camp, Columbia, or Sonora, definitely check the Air Quality Index before going outside. If it’s bad, which it has been at night, stay indoors with the windows closed.

If you haven’t already downloaded the WatchDuty app, we highly recommend it for updates.

Stay safe out there everyone! There’s been small to large fires around the communities down the mountain for the past couple weeks. Thank you CalFire for your hard work during this stressful, busy time.

08/04/2026

"We locked the cooler. No need to put it in the bear box, right?"..

WRONG! As you can see, even a padlock is no match for a hungry bear. Always be sure to secure coolers inside bear boxes, even if they're locked. It's an easy way to help keep the bears wild (and save yourself from having to buy a new cooler)!

Reminder: If you leave food out, you will get a ticket!

07/31/2026

Hello, little friend! 🐍

This sharp-tailed snake was spotted under a bench by a staff's sharp eyes. These small snakes (about a foot long) hate the heat and are rarely seen since they hide in the shade. Their diet is believed to be exclusively slugs and slug eggs. No need for venom- they use their sharp pointy tail to skewer the slugs and swallow them whole!😳

Stay safe, and thanks for keeping the slug population under control!

07/29/2026

Debating what to do on this hot weekend? Why not come up to Calaveras Big Trees where it's (a bit) cooler and check out STEAM Saturday, August 1st from 11:30-1:30!

At STEAM, (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) we have fun activities showcasing how each of these disciplines are found in the park. If you go to every activity booth, you get a special prize! This event is found along the North Grove trail from the Visitor Center trailhead to the Stump.

While the park will not be in the 100s like the Central Valley, keep in mind the high is forecasted as 90 degrees. Come prepared and drink your water!

Note: this year we will not be having the Lorax or any VIPs. Last year was a special one-off occurrence!

07/27/2026

Ehhh gross 🤮

This beautiful but poisonous berry is the baneberry. Bane, like bane of your existence. Do NOT eat them! They are found all over the park right now, including in the North Grove.

General rule of thumb, if there are so many around, the bears aren’t eating them… which means you can’t eat them either! The park has other delicious, non-poisonous berries like strawberry and thimbleberry, but you don’t see those around! The bears and other critters get to them first.

07/25/2026

It's almost time for our annual Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (S. T. E. A. M.) event!

Join us on August 1st from 11:30am - 1:30pm on the path between the Visitor Center and the Discovery Stump for hands-on, fun activities highlighting the science, technology, engineering, art and math found in the park. If you go to every activity station, you get a prize!

While we had the Lorax last year at this event, that was a special one-off. We will let you know if he visits again in the future!

Note- this program is in lieu of our usual Little and Junior Ranger program as well as North Grove guided hike that day. They will be back the next day for the rest of the summer season!

07/24/2026

Looks like someone is remodeling! 🏠

This chickaree is pulling out chunks of wood from the Chip, the remains of the fallen trunk of the Discovery Tree. While chickarees often use sequoia bark to create a warm, insect-repelling insulation for their home, sometimes they simply live inside a fallen sequoia itself!

Homes like this are why we ask folks to stay on the trail and out of fenced off areas. We are only visitors in this forest many organisms call home. How would you feel if a guest wandered into your bedroom and started rearranging, even removing and breaking, your things? Yikes! 😳

07/22/2026

We're happy to share Night Skies with Nancy is coming back!

While July 10th had to be cancelled, August 1st, August 8th, and September 5th (all 8pm) are back on. Come enjoy the night sky and learn all about the constellations and stories they inspired!

Parking is limited so please arrive early and carpool to the Scenic Overlook, just past the entrance station on the Parkway road. Come with warm clothes and a comfy way to sit. Sit back, relax, and be wowed by the stars ✨

Address

1170 East Highway 4
Arnold, CA
95223

Telephone

+12097952334

Website

https://linktr.ee/calaverasbigtreessp

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