Calaveras Big Trees State Park& Hiking Tips

Calaveras Big Trees State Park 2.jpg — Calaveras Big Trees State Park

**Arnold, CA**

Hello September!

It's been awhile since I last posted my adventures, August has kept me busy and MIA! After getting back from LA, fall semester has pretty much started for everyone including myself. But that didn't stop me from heading back to the " City of Angels" for a mini girls trip. The following weekend coming back I wanted start off the semester on the right foot and stress free I took a visit to Calaveras Big Trees State Park ( Arnold, CA).

Calaveras Big Trees State Park 3.jpg — Calaveras Big Trees State Park: South Grove

***Arnold, CA***

This is probably the farthest I've gone to hit up a hiking spot, 2 in a half hour drive from San Leandro. Yikes I know, But if your a fan of nature and hiking the drive is worth it! The park itself is huge, again this is probably also the biggest state park I've been too, admission to the park is $10 bucks. Options for the park is endless, if your planning of RV'ing down here or campers are welcome to stay or simply checking out the trails or having a picnic with the family. The park provides two sections: North Grove& South Grove.

Me and Erik opt for the South Grove, since it was the closest to the entrance. The South Grove trail is 5 miles long took us about 4 hours to complete due to stopping every now and then to photograph nature. We unfortunately didn't have time to hike both trails, but expect wonderful views of gigantic redwood trees, a small creek, and some knocked down redwood trees.

Calaveras Big Trees State Park 4.jpg — Calaveras: South Grove Creek

***Arnold, CA***

I've hiked a handful of places now and I wished I did some more research about being prepared for hiking so here are some tips I've learned through experience:

Hike before sunrise! I know no-one wants to wakeup before the sunrise unless they really have to but hitting a hiking spot before sunrise gives you a head start before the peak of the heat hits you
Do research. Sometimes certain hikes aren't for everyone I've learned once or twice the hard way I'm not a big fan of hot open plain hikes, I'm more of a cool, refreshing forest hiker. It's key to prepare yourself to what your about to get yourself into.
Wear Comfy Shoes! This is a must, double check those nikes if their built for trail walking or climbing uphill. If you become more of a hiking addict like me think about purchasing hiking boots they'll help you so much in the long run.
Have a checklist. Things I always keep in my backpack are: Sunscreen, Small Dried Snacks, Wet Wipes, hat, Bug Spray ( I've learned the hard way during this hike, packing bug spray is a must!!!)
Hydrate or Die! Something Erik always reminds me is to " DRINK WATER!", we try to pack a gallon of water as well as our 24oz filled hydroflask.

Until the next Adventure.

Ciao,

Chrystal De Villa