Accessible Features at Calaveras Big Trees SP
Accessible Features at California State Parks | Calaveras Big Trees SP | Definitions and Terms | Activity Descriptions
Overview
Calaveras Big Trees State Park preserves the North Grove of giant sequoias that includes the "Discovery Tree" the first Sierra redwood, noted in 1852. This park offers camping, picnicking and trails, including the Three Senses Trail, one of the earliest accessible design trails in the state park system. The park is four miles northeast of Arnold on Highway 4. Phone (209) 795-2334 for more information.Camping
North Grove Campground: This campground has 9 accessible campsites. Sites have accessible tables and tent pads with firm surfaces. Restrooms with showers are accessible.Rental Cabins: Four rental cabins are available, one of which is designated accessible (#3 - Ponderosa). The Ponderosa cabin sleeps 6 and features 2 bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, and mudroom. Parking and routes are accessible. Visit Access Northern California for detailed cabin accessibility information and photos.
Oak Hollow Campground: Site number 80 includes accessible parking, furnishings and firm surfaces, but some users may need help with slopes on the route to the restroom. The unisex restroom/shower combination building by the accessible site is accessible and the parking space adjacent to the restroom is accessible.
Beaver Creek: The White Fir Environmental Camp hike in campground has an accessible restroom and only two campsites, one of which is accessible. The accessible trail is approximately 1/8 mile from the accessible parking space.
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Picnic Area
North Grove: Accessible picnic sites are available with nearby accessible parking and restroom.Beaver Creek: There is an accessible restroom, parking, and picnic sties in this area.
Trails
The Three Senses Trail is a 0.13 mile accessible loop trail in a sequoia forest setting and includes rest stops and interpretive panels in English and Braille. Access to this trail is approximately 500 feet down the North Grove Trail. The trail is constructed of compacted soil and boardwalks. The trail is generally flat at less than 5% slopes. An alternate access to the trail is from a parking lot near the trailhead. This parking lot does not have accessible parking stalls and users would have to cross a park road.The North Grove Trail is a 1.7 mile accessible loop trail which originates from the visitor center parking lot where accessible parking is available. Visitors will experience some of the largest trees in the park along the trail. This trail is constructed of compacted soil and also connects to the three senses trail. The trail is generally flat with intermittent sections that are 5% to 8%.
The Beaver Creek Trail is a 0.68 mile accessible loop trail that originates from the South Grove parking area and Beaver Creek Picnic Area with scenic views along Beaver Creek. Accessible picnicking is available at the Beaver Creek Picnic Area. The trail is constructed of compacted soil and gravel. There are several armored crossings on the trail that water flows over the trail during rain events that might be challenging for some users. The trail is generally flat at less than 5% slopes with intermittent sections that are 5% to 8% and two sections at 7 feet and 9 feet with a 10% slope. Accessible parking is available at both the South Grove Trailhead and Beaver Creek Picnic Trailhead locations.
The Stanislaus River Trail is an ‘out-and-back’ accessible trail that 0.17 miles each way that originates from a parking lot located near the River Picnic Area. This trail takes visitors down to the banks of the Stanislaus River. The trail is constructed of compacted soil and gravel and although it is accessible it may be challenging to some visitors due to steeper slopes leading to the river. The trail does have sections of the trail that is less than 5% with intermittent sections that are 5% to 8% and one section at 24 feet with a 10% slope. Accessible parking is available at the trailhead. An accessible picnic site is located at the end of the trail.
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| Trail Name | Running Slope | Cross Slope | Trail Width | Trail Surface |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three Senses Trail | 3% Average | 1% Average | 6 FT Average | Aggregate & Wood |
| 5% Maximum | 3% Maximum | 5 FT Minimum | ||
| North Grove Trail | 3% Average | 4 FT Average | Soil | |
| 8% Maximum | 5% Maximum | 4 FT Minimum | ||
| Beaver Creek Trail | 4% Average | 6 FT Average | Aggregate, Wood, & Rock | |
| 10% Maximum | 10% Maximum | 4 FT Minimum | ||
| Stanlislaus River Trail | 6% Average | 5 FT Average | Aggregate & Soil | |
| 10% Maximum | 5% Maximum | 4 FT Minimum |
Exhibits/Programs
The Visitor Center, completed in the Fall of 2013, is accessible and has accessible parking, restrooms, and accessible routes of travel.Campfire Center: Adjacent to the Visitor Center, the campfire center has 4 spaces for wheelchair seating, and there is amplified sound. A designated accessible parking space is about 300 feet from the campfire center on an accessible route.
Jack Knight Hall is accessible and available for special events. Accessible parking, routes, and exterior restroom are provided.
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Other Information
A restroom off the North Grove Parking Lot near the warming hut has been modified to permit front and side transfers and is generally accessible. Two adjacent parking spaces are designated accessible, but the asphalt path of travel has some rough areas.To request an update to this page, please contact the Accessibility Division at access@parks.ca.gov or (916) 445-8949.