Calaveras Big Trees State Park, near Arnold, California, protects two groves of giant sequoias and makes a memorable day trip from Sonora. You can visit the North Grove year-round, or plan for the South Grove in spring through fall.
- Location: 1170 CA-4, Arnold, California.
- Grove choices: North Grove and South Grove.
- Admission: Day use is $10; senior day use for visitors age 62 and older is $9.
- Visitor Center: Seasonal hours run 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. October through March and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through September.
Prices and times checked November 2026.
North Grove and South Grove: what’s the difference?
The park’s two giant sequoia groves offer different ways to plan your visit. Established in 1931, Calaveras Big Trees State Park preserves the North Grove and South Grove.
The North Grove is open year-round, though it receives snow every winter. Its Discovery Tree was noted in 1852, and the North Grove Trail is a recommended choice for seeing this area.
The South Grove is a half-day option in spring through fall. Check access before setting out, especially if the South Grove is central to your plans.
Which trails and activities can you choose?
The park has several trails and outdoor activities, with availability depending on weather and season. Options include the North Grove Trail, Three Senses Trail, Meadow Boardwalk, Beaver Creek Trail, and Stanislaus River Trail.
A wheelchair is available to borrow free of charge for the North Grove area on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’re planning a visit around accessibility, confirm current conditions and availability with California State Parks before you go.
Picnic tables and grills are available at Jack Knight Hall, River Picnic, and Beaver Creek picnic areas. Some picnic areas can be reserved; others are first come, first served. Fishing is permitted only in the Stanislaus River and Beaver Creek, and requires a valid permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
What are the park hours, fees, and access rules?
Day-use admission covers the Visitor Center, hiking, biking, and picnicking. Admission is $10, with senior day use at $9 for visitors age 62 and older.
The Visitor Center is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from October through March and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April through September. It is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The North Grove remains open year-round, but winter snow can affect conditions and activities.
Before you go, check the official site for California State Parks for current hours, fees, and access conditions.
How do you plan a Calaveras Big Trees day trip from Sonora?
Sonora is a practical starting point for a regional park outing. The Gold Lodge in Sonora is a three-star hotel, and the park’s address is 1170 CA-4 in Arnold.
Pack for the conditions you expect in the grove, particularly in winter when the North Grove receives snow. For picnic plans, note that some areas require reservations while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you’re also planning time in town, the Sonora city centre guide covers sights there.
Choose your grove and activities before leaving, then check seasonal access and conditions.
For another regional outing, Pinecrest Lake is a day-trip option from Sonora.
Moaning Caverns Adventure Park is another outing to plan from Sonora.
Moaning Caverns Adventure Park is another regional outing to consider from Sonora.
FAQs
Where is Calaveras Big Trees State Park?
The park is at 1170 CA-4, Arnold, California.
Can you visit the North Grove year-round?
Yes. The North Grove area is open year-round, although it receives snow every winter.
Is there a wheelchair available at the park?
A wheelchair is available to borrow free of charge for the North Grove area, first come, first served.
Does admission cover hiking and picnicking?
Yes. Day-use admission includes hiking and picnicking, as well as Visitor Center entry and biking.