Park Programs & Events

Enjoy the beauty and grandeur of the park while learning about why this place is so special!

Coming in the fall-spring? Guided hikes through the North Grove are offered Saturdays at 11:30 a.m year-round. This 1.5 to 2 hour hike is free with your paid admission to the park. Grab some water and meet at the North Grove trailhead by the Visitor Center. Please use the restrooms at the trailhead as there are none on the trail. In the event we have enough snow in the park, this will be a snowshoe hike. Some snowshoes are available for use on a first come, first served basis at the guided hike. For snowshoeing at other times, snowshoes are available for rent in the town of Arnold located three miles west on Highway 4.

Want to be a Junior Ranger? Self-guided booklets are available year-round in our museum. Finish the booklet and get a badge!  

Can't visit but want a park experience? We're starting a new program at the Arnold and Murphys' Branch Libraries! Join interpretive staff one Wednesday a month, November-March, 2:15-3:15 for programs designed for elementary school kids.

 

We participate in local events and have some spring activities before the summer. Check out our Special Events below for what's happening! 

Summer Park Programs

Guided Hikes are offered throughout the summer season. Days and trails vary. 

Little Rangers (formerly Junior Cubs) and Junior Rangers programs are offered in the summer season. Junior Rangers offers fun, educational programs for children ages 7 - 12 years old. The Little Rangers program focuses on engaging and fun educational activities for children ages 3 - 6 years old. 10am, days and topics vary. 

Campfire Programs are typically offered mid June through mid August, Friday - Monday each week. Programs begin just before sunset. 

Astronomy Nights are led by knowledgeable California State Park volunteer docents who share their passion for the night sky. Dates vary, see below for details. 

Pop-up Park Programs like scavenger hunts and crafts may occur throughout the summer season. 

For program dates and times, please check park announcement boards or ask at the Visitor Center upon arrival. For more information about programs at the park, please call the visitor center at (209) 795-3840 or follow us on Facebook. The Calaveras Big Trees Association (CBTA) supports all educational programs in the park. Their event calendar includes all California State Park events and programs.

Visit CBTA's website for information about how you can help support their efforts. 

Spring Guided Hikes

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

  Every Saturday, snowshoes available for guided hike when required

  Level, 1.7 mile loop*Meet at the trailhead by the Warming Hut

• South Grove: 10am - about 1:00pm

Friday-Sunday. Sundays start May 4th, Fridays-Saturdays May 23rd - May 24th. 

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

Starting May 29th, every Thursday 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

 

Taking a large group on one of these guided hikes? We'd like you to book your own private tour, so the group doesn't get too large with the other visitors attending. This is now a FREE option! Please email us at calaverasbigtreessp@parks.ca.gov or call us at 209-795-7980.

 

Spring-Fall Astronomy

• Astronomy 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: Constellations and Stories

Saturday, June 21, 9 p.m.

*Meet at the Scenic Overlook. Parking is limited so carpooling is recommended.

Special Events

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

• Earth Day Celebrations, April 19th-20th, 22nd- details to come!

  Come by the entrance to the North Grove trail by the Visitor Center from 11:00am-2:00pm to check out our Inspiration Station! Learn about the small and large ways you can make a positive impact on climate change. Join the North Grove guided hike on the 19th and 22nd at 11:30. 

• Memorial Day, May 24th-26th

  Weekend Summer Programs start

• California State Parks Week Events- details to come!

• Daily Summer Programs start, June 17th 

• 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 are. Spots will have booths with activities about different eras of the forest's history.  

• Science, Technology, Art, and Math (STEAM), August 2nd and 3rd, details to come!

  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.