Calaveras Big Trees State Park - California

Located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Calaveras Big Trees State Park was originally established in order to protect the North Calaveras grove of Giant Sequoias. Today, the Park totals 6500 acres of mixed conifer forests, including 1100 Giant Sequoias. Visitors will love the Lava Bluff and Bradley trails, which offer excellent hiking and nature-lovers will enjoy the many environmental and interpretive programs featured at the Park. The Stanislaus River is a great spot to sunbathe or swim, but beware of rough waters. For those who just can't get enough of the gigantic wonders, there are 129 campsites with six picnic areas to help you indulge in an overnight stay.

Calaveras became a State Park in 1931 to preserve the North Grove of giant sequoias. This grove includes the "Discovery Tree", the first Sierra redwood noted by Augustus T. Dowd in 1852. This area has been a major tourist attraction ever since, and is considered the longest continuously operated tourist facility in California. Over the years, other parcels of mixed conifer forests have been added to the park.