Calveras Big Trees State Park, California

California is home to one of the world's few remaining refuges for gigantic trees, the Calveras Big Trees State Park. Famous for its massive sequoias, the park attracts an international selection of tourists who come to spend a couple of days, to experience these wonders and the local hotel that has become equally as famous.

Surprisingly enough, California never ceases to attract tourists to so many of its amazing parks. The Calveras Big Trees State Park is one of its most renowned; a home to some of the world's largest. Though known to Native Indians for many millenniums, it was not discovered by Europeans until the 19th century, and is now one of the most important stops for most when visiting the state.

The park offers a grand view. In fact, one is hard pressed to not see these incredible giants, which tower way above the normal tree heights and whose widths is just beyond compare. However, the park offers so much more than that, including excellent accommodation at the Mammoth Grove Hotel, thousands of acres of forest, the Stanislaus River, campgrounds, trails and both winter and summer sports. There is also a visitor center with complete information and interactive activities/exhibits.

When visiting the park, the trees are usually the biggest draw, but people enjoy hiking, cycling, picnicking and camping during the warmer months. In the winter, snowshoeing and skiing are equally as popular. Trails provide varied levels of challenges with maximum lengths as long as 4 miles. In fact, one trail has been specifically designed for those with visual impairments.