Although the Native Americans in the area had known about the Giant Sequoias, at what is now Calaveras Big Trees State Park, for thousands of years and had thought them sacred, it was A. T. Dowd, who in 1850 "stumbled" over them and made their existence known to the world. Shortly after Dowd's discovery, the Mammoth Grove Hotel was built to provide travelers from all over the world with an overnight stop amongst these majestic beauties.

Since the 1950's, both the North and South Grove have been a part of the State Park system. The efforts of the Save-The-Redwoods League and the Calaveras Grove Association have made the ongoing preservation and maintenance of these miraculous trees a reality.

Along with the two magnificent groves of giant sequoias, the park features over six thousand acres of pine forest on both sides of the Stanislaus River. Campgrounds, picnic areas, and many miles of hiking and bicycling trails make Calaveras Big Trees one of the county's most popular destinations for all ages.

The park is open year round and offers a variety of options for each season. Cross country and snowshoe hikes are popular in the winter. In the sunnier times of the year when dogwoods are in bloom and wildflowers are in abundance, twenty minute to four mile trails offer the perfect challenges for each visitor's capability. There is an especially interesting trail set up for the visually impaired, but experienced by most who visit the park.

The interpretive center near the North Grove, with visual and hands-on exhibits, makes it easy for visitors to understand and enjoy the drama of the park's natural environment. You can visit Calaveras Big Trees State Park online at www.bigtrees.org