Calaveras Big Trees for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
Make no mistake about it, California can have some brutal winters. Take 2017, for example. Between a record rainfall, mudslides and a late season snow it was definitely a challenge for many mountain communities. And unfortunately there were a few causalities, such as the loss of the Pioneer Cabin “tunnel tree” at Calaveras Big Trees State Park (www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=551).
Sadly this giant sequoia was uprooted during a torrential downpour; however after a massive spring cleanup the grove reopened, with traffic routed around the fallen giant. Granted, the forest won’t be the same without this iconic tree; however this Northern California state park is still worth a visit for a very accessible and intimate look at the remaining giant sequoias.
The Majestic North Grove
Although the giant trees are scattered through the park, the North Grove has the most accessible concentration of them. Accessible parking is located near the visitor center, which offers barrier-free access and features a collection of interpretive exhibits. Accessible restrooms with flush toilets are located next to the visitor center.
The trail to the North Grove begins to the left of the visitor center. This hard-packed dirt tail winds around to the right to the Discovery Stump, the official beginning of the grove. This was the site of the first tree that Augustus T. Dowd found in 1852, while he was chasing a wounded grizzly bear. Sadly the tree was felled in 1853, but remnants of it can be found next to the stump.
The Three Senses Trail — which is located just past the Discovery Stump on the left — is also worth a stop. This .13-mile hard-packed dirt trail features interpretive plaques about the native vegetation, and includes benches to sit and rest along the way. And although the trail has a few bumps here and there, it’s still a good choice for most wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
The hard-packed dirt North Grove Trail, continues past the Three Senses Trail, and winds around the Empire Tree, the Old Bachelor, the Mother-of-the-Forest and the Father-of-the-Forest. At times the dirt transitions to a level boardwalk, as this 1.7-mile trail snakes past the named and unnamed giants.
Just past the Abraham Lincoln Tree, there’s a detour around a fallen giant and through the remains of the Pioneer Cabin Tree. The fallen tree will remain on the ground to provide nourishment to new trees, and continue the forest cycle. And although the North Grove is accessible, it’s best to visit after the winter debris has been cleared in the early summer.
A Meadow Boardwalk
Although the major focus is on the giant sequoias at Calaveras Big Trees, there’s also a nice accessible boardwalk through a meadow near the North Grove. The meadow itself is surrounded by the North Campground, which is just a short level walk from the visitor center. Follow the park road to the North Grove Campground, and if you hit the dump station, go back as you missed the campground.
Stay on the main campground road, and be on the lookout for accessible campsite 16 on the left. There’s an accessible showerhouse right behind the campsite, and the meadow boardwalk begins on the far side of that building.
There level access to this short boardwalk — just .3-mile long — but when the wildflowers are in bloom it’s a sight to see. Lupine and corn lilies fill the meadow in June and July; although peak bloom time is weather dependent. And be on the lookout for Western Tanagers which also frequent the meadow. The boardwalk has low bumpers and no railings so wheelchair-users get an unobstructed view of all of natures beauty. And don’t forget to check at the visitor center to see if there are any wildflower walks scheduled.
The Quieter South Grove
Save some time to explore the South Grove at Calaveras Big Trees. Here you’ll find fewer visitors and the nicely accessible Beaver Creek Trail. It’s easy to find, as it’s near the end of the Walter W. Smith Memorial Parkway, about twenty minutes from the entrance station.
Accessible parking is located near the accessible vault toilet, and there’s level access over to several accessible picnic tables shaded by the surrounding forest. The .7-mile Beaver Creek Trail begins behind the vault toilet. This hard-packed dirt trail follows Beaver Creek, then passes the South Grove parking area, before it loops back to the Beaver Creek picnic area.
Make sure and stop at Beaver Creek along the trail, which is just .1 mile from the Beaver Creek picnic area. Not only are there some more picnic tables near the creek, but beach mats allow for access right up to the water.
If you want to try a more challenging — yet still accessible — trail, then head on over to the River Picnic Area and try the Stanislaus River Trail. The trailhead for this .35-mile round-trip hike on a hard-packed dirt trail is next to the parking area. The trail winds downhill to the river, however it still maintains an accessible grade. Make sure and take a good look at the trail in the beginning though, as it’s not flat; and you will have to make your way back up to the parking area at the end of the hike.
You’ll get a nice gander of the river from the end of the trail. It’s also pretty secluded and not frequented by a lot of park visitors. Granted this trail won’t work for everyone, but if you fancy a little workout it’s just what the doctor ordered.
