For more information and updates on programs, please check the black sandwich boards by the Visitor Center and follow us on  Facebook and Instagram. All programs are free with entrance fee ($10/vehicle) and do not require a reservation.

Taking a large group (15+ people) on one of our guided hikes? We'd like you to contact us to see if you can book your own private program so there is enough space for everyone. This is a FREE option! This is not a guarantee as it relies on volunteers. Please email us at calaverasbigtreessp@parks.ca.gov or call us at 209-795-7980 as far in advance as possible.

Spring - Fall Guided Hikes and Walks 

  • North Grove: 11:30am - about 1:00pm

Daily June 15th - August 16th, Saturday - Sunday August 22nd - September 6th plus Labor Day Monday. Saturdays rest of the year. 

Level, 1.7 mile loop with dozens of giant sequoias. Learn about the largest individual trees!

*Meet at the trailhead by the Visitor Center

  • Introduction to North Grove: 1:00pm - 1:45pm

Sundays starting June 14th through end of August

Level, 0.5 mile walk. Short, accessible introduction to the trees and park history. 

*Meet outside Visitor Center

  • South Grove: 10am - about 1:00pm

Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays late May through early September. Sundays also in October

Moderate, 5- 5.5 mile trail. See our very biggest trees in the park! Bring water and snacks/lunch as there is no water or food available at the trailhead. 

*Meet at the South Grove trailhead parking lot

  • Bird Walk: 9:30am - about 11:30am

Thursdays May 28th through September 24th. No experience or gear required.

Level, approx 1 mile walk around the North Grove area, including the campground and meadow. A good introduction to birds and birding!

*Meet outside Visitor Center

  • Meadow Walk: 10:00am - about 11:00pm

Tuesdays and Saturdays June 16th through August 15th

Level, 0.5 mile walk around the meadow in the middle of the North Grove campground. Learn about the importance of a wet meadow and enjoy the wildflowers!

*Meet at North Grove Campsite #16, by the black sandwich board

Spring - Late Summer Kid's Programs 

  • Little Rangers: ages 3-6 and Junior Rangers: ages 7-12

10am Everyday but Tuesday June 15th- August 16th, Saturday-Sunday plus Labor Day Monday August 22nd-September 6th

Different topic every day but Tuesday with fun activities! 

*Meet at picnic tables across from Jack Knight Hall

  • Creek Critters: for all ages

June 13th - August 15th, Tuesdays and Saturdays 1pm

Learn about the critters in our water and what they tell us about our watershed! Come with sandals

*Meet at Beaver Creek, a short walk from the Beaver Creek Picnic Area

Spring - Late Summer Evening Programs (2026 Only)

  • Optical Astronomy Nights (with telescopes!) Thursdays:

August 13th, 8:00pm

August 20th, 7:30pm (moon night) 

September 10th, 7:30pm

  • Night Skies with Doc Nancy (science, constellations, and stories!) Fridays and Saturdays:

Saturday August 8th, 8pm

Saturday September 5th, 8pm

*Meet at the Scenic Overlook for both astronomy programs. Parking is limited so carpooling is recommended. Please bring your own chairs and blankets! 

  • Campfire Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday June 15 - August 16. Saturdays only August 22nd- September 5th. 

Songs and Silliness - Fridays at 7:30

Laugh then Learn - Saturday - Sunday (topics and time varies, please check the Visitor Center board)

Hug-A-Tree Mondays 8:00pm

Saturday campfires do not occur when there is a Night Skies program the same day

*Meet at the Campfire Center by the Visitor Center

Spring - Summer Special Events

Celebrate Teachers

August 8th, 11:30am - 1:30pm

Teachers, this one is for you! Come to Jack Knight Hall to learn about field trip opportunities in the Calaveras, Tuolumne, and Amador counties from multiple agencies. Some of these trips are free and/or have a potential for grant funding.