This is a park I’ve been meaning to check out — one of its salient attractions is a sequoia stump that once doubled as a dance floor. From a Contra Costa Times story of a few days ago:
With two giant sequoia groves and a mixed conifer forest, the Calaveras Big Trees State Park draws visitors to the dirt trails, picnic areas and campgrounds year round. Some of the famous sequoias are believed to be more 2,000 years old, reaching heights of 325 feet and measure as much as 33 feet in diameter. Summer high temperatures average in the mid-80s, a perfect escape from the Tri-Valley’s triple-digit heat. Winter months find the groves of trees dusted with snow.
Another suggestion:
In the mood for a scenic detour before returning to the Bay Area? Locals recommend cruising the Ebbetts Pass Scenic Byway that starts in Arnold and stretches through the Sierra Mountains northeast to Markleeville. The 61-mile stretch often closes in the winter months, due to the steep grades and blind curves. Estimated travel time is two hours when you drive at the recommended slow pace to take in the sites. The granite ridges, volcanic peaks and canyons are worth the extra drive time in the lazy summer months. According to the organization byway.org, Ebbetts Pass carves through a landscape that is “wildest of any Sierra Road”.
I’ve done this drive, it’s pretty amazing.
Big Trees is a nice stop on the way to one of my multiple – yearly runs over Ebbetts Pass. Hiking oportunites are especially noteworthy at the Woodchuck Basin trailhead, and you can take a day hike or backpack trip in to some of the small lakes that dot the hills back there.
Just east of the Pass itself is a PCT trailhead. Park in the lot on the south side of the road and take a nice day hike out to Highland Peak (10,955′), just off the PCT. It’s a long day trip but one I’ve done many times. The obligatory stop at Big Trees is a staple of each trip, and a destination in winter.