Park Programs & Events

For more information on programs, please check the visitor center board upon arrival at the park and follow us on  Facebook and Instagram. 

*Summer programs run from June 16 to August 17, 2025. Check the black board by the Visitor Center the day before for any updates or cancellations. Please call (209) 795-7980 for topics and more information.

Taking a large group (15+ people) on one of our guided hikes or Little/Junior Ranger programs? We'd like you to contact us to see if you can book your own private program so there is enough space for everyone. This is a FREE option! This is not a guarantee as it relies on volunteers. Please email us at calaverasbigtreessp@parks.ca.gov or call us at 209-795-7980 as far in advance as possible.

Staff leading a guided hike.

 

Summer Guided Hikes and Walks 

  • North Grove: 11:30 am - about 1:00pm 

    Daily June 16th - August 17th 

    Level, 1.7 mile loop

    *Meet at the trailhead by the Visitor Center
  • Shortened North Grove: 1:00pm - 1:45pm

Every Sunday starting June 15th. 

Easy, half mile around the North Grove area. 

*Meet at trailhead by the Visitor Center

  • South Grove: 10am - about 1:00pm

Friday-Sunday through late summer

Moderate, 5 mile trail. Bring water and snacks/lunch as there is no water or food available at the trailhead. 

*Meet at the South Grove trailhead parking lot

  • Bird Walk: 9:30am - about 11:30am

Thursdays through fall. No experience or gear required.

Level, approx 1 mile walk around the North Grove area, including the campground and meadow.

*Meet outside Visitor Center

  • Meadow Walk: 10:00am - about 11:00pm

Starting June 18th, every Tuesday and Saturday through August 16th. 

Level, 0.5 mile walk around the meadow in the middle of the North Grove campground

*Meet at North Grove Campsite #16, by the black sandwich board

Spring - Summer Kid's Programs 

  • Little Rangers (formerly Junior Cubs): ages 3-6 and Junior Rangers: ages 7-12

Every Wednesday-Monday (no program on Tuesday) starting June 15th- mid-August. 10am

*Meet at picnic tables across from Jack Knight Hal

  • Creek Critters: for all ages!
    Every Saturday, some Tuesdays, 1:00pm
    *Meet at Beaver Creek, a short walk from the Beaver Creek Picnic Area, to learn about the critters in our water and what they tell us about our watershed! Come with sandals

 

 Spring-Fall Night Programs

  • Campfire 

Friday-Monday campfire programs start June 20th. Times vary per day/sunset time. If there is a Saturday Astronomy program, there will not be a campfire. 

*Meet at the Campfire Center behind the Visitor Center

  • Optical Astronomy Nights (with telescopes!) Thursdays:

May 8th, 8:00pm

May 22nd, 8:30pm

June 5th, 8:30pm

June 26th, 8:30pm

July 3rd, 8:00pm

July 24th, 8:30pm

August 21st, 8:00pm

September 4th, 7:30pm

September 18th, 7:30pm

October 2nd, 7:30pm

October 23rd, 6:30pm

  • Astronomy: The Night Sky Constellations and Stories with Doc Nancy

Saturday, June 21, 9 p.m.

Friday, July 11, 8:30 p.m.

Friday, July 18 8:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 16, 8 p.m.

Saturday, August 23, 8 p.m.

*Meet at the Scenic Overlook for both astronomy programs. Parking is limited so carpooling is recommended. Please bring your own chairs and blankets! 

Special Events

All events may replace the Junior and Little Rangers programs that day. 

  • California State Parks Week Events June 11th-June 14th
Explore Nature Journaling
Wednesday, 10:30-11:30 at the picnic tables behind the Ranger Station
Through the Lens of History North Grove Walk
Wednesday, 1:00pm North Grove trailhead by the Visitor Center
Annual Lava Bluffs Guided Hike
Thursday, 9:30am at the Lava Bluffs trailhead
Fire and the Forest Community Throughout Time
Friday, 11:30am at the North Grove trailhead by the Visitor Center
Kid’s Career Fair
Saturday, 11:30am-1:30pm on the paved path from the Visitor Center parking lot to the Ranger Station
  • Park Birthday! June 24th, 10am-11am 
    Come celebrate our 94th by making birthday cards! Meet across from Jack Knight Hall
  • A Walk Through Time- History Day at Calaveras Big Trees, July 12th- details to come!
    Learn about the park's history by exploring the North Grove area. Spots will have booths with activities about different eras of the forest's history.  

  • Science, Technology, Art, and Math (STEAM), August 2nd!

    Learn how the forest incorporates all parts of STEAM along the North Grove Trail. Come by anytime from 11:30-1:30!

  • Celebrate Teachers August 9th, details to come!

    Meet outdoor educators from multiple agencies to learn about the amazing field trip opportunites all have to offer! Agencies include the Stanislaus National Forest, the Department of California Fish and Wildlife, local musuems, other State Parks, and more.