Your Guide to the Calaveras Big Trees State Park
Calling all nature lovers and thrill-seeking adventurers! Courtwood Inn is your rendezvous point for beginning your unforgettable journey in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. One of our favorite outdoor spaces is the Calaveras Big Trees State Park near Arnold, CA! Also known as the Calaveras State Park, this natural haven is open year-round and is where to see big trees in California. Bring your camera, your adventurous spirit, and a sense of wonder with you as you venture through this alpine paradise!
When you request a copy of our free Vacation Guide, you’ll find the best restaurants, wonderful shops, and outdoor havens like the Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Our guide also features stunning accommodations and delightful amenities at Courtwood Inn!
A Preview of Your Calaveras Big Trees State Park Experience
If you happen to be a traveler with an unwavering sense of adventure and appreciation for the great outdoors, you’ll want to be sure some time spent at Calaveras Big Trees State Park is included on your itinerary the next time you book a stay at Courtwood Inn. This inspiring state park in Arnold, California is open year-round to visitors and is a one-stop resource for exciting recreation, wildlife watching, and access to lush surroundings that include towering Gian Sequoias. Here, you can feel worlds away from it all as soon as you arrive and it’s a place that has a way of bringing explorers back time and again. Before exploring this natural green space, download the free Calaveras Big Trees State Park trail map or stop in the Visitor Center. Read over our local insights and discover how to create the perfect day at this beloved California State Park!
A Destination with a Rich History to Share
Calaveras Big Trees State Park was officially designated a protected space in 1931 but its story stretches back to 1852 when Augustus T. Dowd first laid eyes on the Giant Sequoias that dotted the terrain across the western Sierra Nevadas. His recounting of what he found was so extraordinary that many who heard didn’t believe him. To prove he had found something spectacular, he led a group of men to the Calaveras North Grove and there, they witnessed together the 325-foot trees that would eventually become part of Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Today, those who visit Calaveras Big Trees State Park are treated to the opportunity to get up close to the world’s tallest tree species located across the North and South groves.
A Tantalizing Destination for Trekking Your Way Through a Stay
While viewing the Giant Sequoias is certainly a highlight of a visit to this state park for visitors, it’s also an ideal place to lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails. Both the park and the hiking trails on-site are managed by the Calaveras Big Trees Association and those ready to discover the on-site pathways will find they’re well-marked and maintained. Many of the self-guided trails showcase beautiful views of the Sierra Nevada’s as well as towering trees and the Stanislaus River. Some of the most popular routes to check out during your visit include the Lava Bluffs Trail, Moran Road, and the path leading to the Dardanelles Overlook.
Additional Activities to Add to Your Itinerary
When you’ve had your fill of hiking fun, you can refuel at Calaveras Big Trees State Park with a picnic at Beaver Creek, Oak Leaf Spring, or the North Grove. These areas are ideal for enjoying a fresh-air meal while surrounded by spectacular scenery in good company. If you’re excited to infuse wildlife watching into your visit, the park is home to everything from foxes and flying squirrels to raccoons, bobcats, black bears, and coyotes so it’s worth your while to have your binoculars handy. Fishing is also a fan-favorite way to spend a day at Calaveras Big Trees State Park where the waters are brimming over with rainbow trout. Just be sure that anyone in your group 16 and up has a fishing license before you set out on an angling adventure. If your trip brings you this way in the summertime, there are ranger-led programs you can participate in as well. Whether you take part in a 2-hour North Grove guided tour or opt for the campfire program, you’ll find you’re in for an insightful experience.
Plan Your Visit
You’ll find Calaveras Big Trees State Park at 1170 CA-4 in Arnold, California. The park is open daily between 6:00 am and sunset and is a pet-friendly destination. It’s highly recommended that guests stop by the Visitor Center when they arrive to pick up a map and take time to learn more about the trails, park groves, and trees before heading out to explore further.
Courtwood Inn Is Your California Vacation Destination
After you experience the wonder of the Calaveras Big Trees State Park, relax at Courtwood Inn! Our hilltop bed and breakfast offers wonderful specials to help you relax. One of our prized extras is our custom-built deck featuring panoramic views of the San Joaquin Valley.
We invite you to browse our gorgeous selection of accommodations and reserve the ideal one for your vacation. As you search, check out our U.S. Open Room. This patriotic suite is one of our largest rooms and features accents of red, white, and blue. When you walk in, you’ll notice the lamps filled with tennis balls and other tennis-themed decors to honor this exciting summer tourney. This spacious accommodation offers ADA features including large entrance doors, an oversized bed, and a 2-person Jason Microsilk spa tub. There is also a lavish walk-in closet, a Keurig coffee maker, and a mini refrigerator.
Plan your next getaway to Courtwood Inn this year!
