Trip Notes - Calaveras Big Trees SP

Photo: Gordon and Barb Moran as we discovered who is the most mature member of Inspiring Heights.

Trail Head: Calaveras Big Trees South Grove parking lot.

Land Status: State Park.

Fee: $8/Car

Weather: High Seventies.

Elevation:4700 ft. at trail head.

Description & Mileage:South Grove Interpretive Trail is an easy 5.2 mile walk with only 500 ft. elevation gain/loss. The Bradley Grove is a 2-mile loop. The North Grove is a .7-mile loop.
Fauna: Two Mountain Garter Snakes, a Chickaree (Douglas Squirrel), Steller's Jays, Giant Caddisfly Larva, Don's Mourning Cloak.

Dinner: Picnic at the North Grove picnic area and Firewood Cafe in Murphys.

Participants:(25) Ralph & Jan Medema, Jackie Lederle, Barb Moran, Steven Fotheringham, Rachel, Sierra & Josh Golding, Gordon Dixon, Jill Duthie, Ruby Hennessey, Debbie & Don Fantazia, Michelle & Katelyn Gutierrez, Ellie Zoslocki, Dayna Newton, Jill John & Rich Todd, Stefanie Rochow, Kimberly Dawn, Patrick Wall, Barb Hayes, Nick & Becky Teberg.

Notes: Lovely walk. Not too hot. North Grove in the late afternoon light was amazing. Seven first-time participants: Josh, Ruby, Ellie, Katy, Michelle, Dayna, and Patrick. Dayna, Nick and Ralph racked up 8 miles by doing all three hikes. Katy lucked out to see the first garter snake, Ellie, the second. Good eyes. The Chickaree was a nice spotting as well.