Calaveras became a State Park in 1931 to preserve the North Grove of giant sequoias. This grove includes the “Discovery Tree,” also known as the “Big Stump,” the first Sierra redwood noted by Augustus T. Dowd in 1852.
This area has been a major tourist attraction ever since, and is considered the longest continuously operated tourist facility in California. Over the years, other parcels of mixed conifer forests have been added to the park.
Dogs are welcome in the park on leash in developed areas like picnic sites, campgrounds, paved roads and fire roads (dirt). Dogs are not allowed on the designated trails, nor in the woods in general.
There are several miles of fire roads for you and your dog to enjoy; however, you will not be able to see any of the giant sequoias from these roads.
Directions:
The park is northeast of Stockton, four miles northeast of Arnold on Highway 4. Please note that many car navigation systems and handheld Global Positioning Devices (GPS) are unable to locate the park.
From SF Bay Area:
Take I-580 eastbound over Altamont Pass to I-205 toward Manteca, to US 99 North. Take the exit for State Hwy 4 Eastbound (Angel’s Camp) to the Park Entrance. Calaveras Big Trees is about 35 minutes driving from Angel’s Camp.
From Southern California:
Take either I-5 or US 99 North. From I-5 you can cross to the other side of Stockton on State Hwy 4 to 99/4 South a few miles, then follow Hwy 4 towards and beyond Farmington to the Park. Calaveras Big Trees is about 35 minutes driving time from Angel’s Camp.
From Sacramento:
Take U.S. 99 South to Stockton. Turn East on State Hwy 4. Driving time to the park from here is approx 1 hour and 30 minutes. Pass through Farmington and Copperopolis to the Park. An alternate route from Sacramento is to take State Hwy 16 to State Hwy 49 South through Jackson, San Andreas, and Angels Camp.
From Nevada:
Take US 395 to State Hwy 89 West to the terminus of State Hwy 4, up over Ebbett’s Pass to the Park. The road is closed in Winter. It’s very scenic, but so steep and treacherous that trailers and large motorhomes are ill-advised to use it.
