Calaveras Big Trees State Park Hikes

SUMMARY
On this hiking event in Calaveras Big Trees State Park, and the lower Sierras, we will do 2 hikes in the state park, the first moderate hike in the South Grove, and then the second easy hike in the North Grove next to the visit center. During the hikes, we will gaze at the big giant Sequoias trees, and other types of trees. Also, the small Pacific dogwoods, maples, black oaks, and other deciduous trees will probably show off thier fall colors among the evergreen sequoias and pine trees during October and November of the year.

MEETING TIMES AND PLACES
For carpooling, meet 7:30am at 11th and Pst parking lot in Downtown Sacramento, and the address is P St & 11th St, Sacramento, CA 95814.
Suggested carpool gas money, the current price of gas per gallon, plus the share of parking fees at the state park.

For those meeting directly at trailhead, meet 10:00am at the South Grove Parking lot , and one of the google gps coordinators for locating the parking lot is 38.246965, -120.267964
$10 parking fee and the address for the state park is 1170 California HWY 4 Arnold, CA 95223.
Continue another 8 miles to the South Grove after paying the parking fee at the state park's entrance.
Driving time from 11th and Pst in Sacramento to the South Grove Parking Lot is about 2 hours and 10 minutes non-stop one way (2 hours and 25 minutes with a stop at a gas station/coffee shop/store along the way).
In case there is no reception at trailhead, for driving directions to the South Grove Trailhead from your home or 11th and Pst in Sacramento, I recommend you download, and print the driving directions from your desktop computer at home or download the driving directions for offline use from your smartphone.

HIKE INFORMATION AND ESSENTIALS
HIKING LEVEL: Moderate for South Grove and easy for North Grove.

DISTANCE: About 6 miles total, an out and back hike for South Grove; and 1.7 mile loop for North Grove.

ELEVATION: 500 feet gain for South Grove and mostly flat for North Grove.

HIKING TIME: About 3 hours for South Grove and less than 1 hour for North Grove.

HIKING ROUTE: For the South Grove, we will begin the hike along the South Grove trail which follows Big Trees Creek for a short distance, turn right at the fork in the trail and over a bridge crossing the creek, follow the well maintained trail through the thick coniferous forest. The trail is well shaded with several small creek crossings. Along the trail we will walk among the Giant Sequoias, and stop for additional photograph opportunities. At the next fork in the trail, veer right and follow the trail past the Palace Hotel Tree and end up at the Agassiz Tree, which is the largest tree in the park. After a short break we will head back to the bridge crossing Big Trees Creek, and enjoy a quick lunch; and for the North Grove, we will drive/carpool back up and enjoy the Visitors Center and hike an optional 1.7 mile loop through the North Grove. The South Grove Trail is an in and out trail, which is approximately 6 miles with 500 feet of elevation change. Beginner hikers who want a slight challenge can try this trail. Sorry, no dogs allowed on trails!

HIKING ESSENTIALS: Bring 2 liters of water, salty snacks, small lunch, hiking or running shoes, bug repellent, sun protection gear, face coverings/masks, official maps, and cell phones for emergencies.

REFERENCE: Official Information about hiking and other outdoor activities in Calaveras Big Trees State Park can be found on the following link below;
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=551
Other information about hiking in Calaveras Big Trees State Park can be found on following links below;
http://www.redwoodhikes.com/Calaveras/Calaveras.html
https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/california/calaveras-big-trees-state-park
PARK HIGHLIGHTS: Giant sequoias trees. Also, home to the largest and tallest pine trees in the world.

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