Big Foot in the Big Trees
Guided Snowshoe Hikes at Calaveras Big Trees State Park
{NOTE/March 2, 2023: Due to recent storms, many California parks, or roads leading to them, may be temporarily closed. Check the status and do some research before heading out to any parks in the coming weeks, and visit when it's safe to do so.}
When dinosaurs roamed the earth they shared space with giant sequoias, the biggest trees in the world. These massive and resilient redwoods survived the Ice Age (and some even endured through the ‘Lumber Age’). Get up close to these bold beauties on a docent-led snowshoe trek in Calaveras Big Trees State Park.
Every Saturday during winter (*weather permitting!), the state park takes groups out on an easy, trivia-packed walk among the 300-foot-tall colossal conifers. Meet at the warming hut to pick up your complimentary snowshoes (available on a first-come, first-served basis). Then strap up and set afoot to explore.
The sequoias are the main attraction, but the snow-covered incense cedars and white firs add variety, and your docent will be happy to talk about animal prints on the snow (is it a coyote or a bobcat?) and how to identify trees by their pinecones. Tramp through the hulking Pioneer Cabin Tree and discover which trees work together to ensure survival during fires. It’s a walk in the park.
Calaveras Big Trees State Park is about twenty minutes east of Murphys on Highway 4.
