Honor and Adventure: Free Admission to Sierra Nevada State Parks on Veterans Day

The Empire Cottage built by Mr. bourne

Sierra Nevada, CA — October 28, 2025This Veterans Day, California State Parks invites all U.S. service members, veterans, and their families to enjoy free admission at more than 140 parks statewide — including some of the Sierra Nevada’s most treasured destinations. “California State Parks is proud to provide free access to veterans who have stood … Read more

Discover Nature’s Playground: 16 Remarkable Outdoor Destinations and Trails in Calaveras County

Couple standing on Large sequoia stump

Discover more in the home of ancient giant trees and jumping frog competitions. California’s Gold Country in Calaveras County beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its diverse and captivating landscapes. From the towering peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the tranquil beauty of its rivers, giant forests and valleys, this region is a haven for those seeking … Read more

The Orphans’ at Calaveras Big Trees State Park Are Alive and No Longer Stand Alone 

collage calaveras big trees the orphans

ARNOLD, Calif.— California State Parks today announced that the two monarch giant sequoias known as “The Orphans” at Calaveras Big Trees State Park are alive and no longer stand alone. The sequoias were damaged during a prescribed burn in the park’s North Grove area last fall. Several scientists visited The Orphans on Thursday, October 5, and observed … Read more

One Final Family Summer Vacation Trip into the Sierra Nevada

Sunrise Donner Summit

Summer Vacations are winding down across the west already. Is there still time for one more Family memory maker in the Sierra? Are you looking for an exciting adventure vacation spot for your family before school starts? While popular destinations like Yosemite and Lake Tahoe are rightfully famous, there are plenty of hidden gems to … Read more

California State Parks Celebrating Stat Parks Week this Weekend

Couple at Calaveras Big tree State park

California Second Annual state Park week June 14-18th 2023 State parks California, June 2023 – As we head into our Fathers Day weekend a quick reminder that California State parks are celebrating state Parks week this week with special events at 280 California State Parks. If you are looking a fun and educational experiences this … Read more

Yosemite Giant Sequoia Groves

Couple standing on Large sequoia stump

With the closure of the Generals highway in Sequoia National Park for the summer of 2023, access to some of the worlds largest trees will be limited to summer travelers. Turning your attention North, to Yosemite and Calaveras big tree state park, might be the perfect vacation alternative is you are seeking the biggest trees … Read more

Celebrate the Second Annual California State Parks Week June 14-18, 2023

The Empire Cottage built by Mr. bourne

Parks across the state will offer special community events with in-person and virtual programming SACRAMENTO, Calif., — The public is invited to celebrate the second annual California State Parks Week, June 14-18, presented by California State Parks, Save the Redwoods League, Parks California and California State Parks Foundation. Through special community events and in-person and virtual programming, this week-long event celebrates California’s … Read more

California State Parks Launches Digital Passport Program

Bodie State Historic Ghost town

Digital Passport Program to Broaden Access and Deepen Engagement Across Nation’s Largest State Park System Developed with OuterSpatial, app invites and informs visitors with an interactive challenge that prompts collection of badges across 200+ parks. California State Parks today enters a new era with its new digital Passport Program, driven by OuterSpatial, designed to increase … Read more

Kick-Off 2023 in the Outdoors With an Annual First Day Hike

Calaveras Big trees park ca Trail

More than 50 Hikes Taking Place Across California’s State Park System SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California State Parks is inviting Californians to kick-start the new year in a healthy way by getting some fresh air and enjoying the outdoors with an annual First Day Hike. More than 50 state parks will be participating with over 50 guided hikes … Read more

White Knuckle Adventure in Calaveras County

The transition from winter to spring is one of the epic times of year to sample all of the adventure opportunities here in the Central Sierra.   While the snow hangs on in the high country offering great spring skiing, it’s also trickling down and charging up the rivers for the rafters and kayakers. Everything in … Read more

California State Parks Offers Free Admission to Veterans, Active and Reserve Military Members

Calaveras Big trees park ca Trail

SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California State Parks is honoring the service of veterans, active and reserve military members, by offering them free admission to participating parks on Memorial Day – Monday, May 30, 2022. A total of 133 park units will be honoring the free admission this year, including state vehicular recreation areas and the California State Railroad Museum. … Read more

Celebrate the First Annual California State Parks Week June 14-18, 2022

Calaveras big tree state park Header Sierra Rec Magazine

Parks across the state will offer special community events within-person and virtual programming SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Mar. 15, 2022) — The public is invited to celebrate the first annual California State Parks Week, June 14-18, presented by California State Parks, Save the Redwoods League, Parks California and the California State Parks Foundation. Through special community events and in-person and virtual programming, this … Read more

Visiting Gold Country On The Scenic California HWY 49

It is impossible to travel one of the Sierra national or state scenic byways without running straight through California’s historic gold country. Based on the western edge of the Sierra Crest and running down into rich central valley, the California gold country is a collection of nine distinct counties all with a rich history of … Read more

California State Parks Offers Free Admission to Veterans, Active and Reserve Military Members on Memorial Day – May 31, 2021

Devils Post Pile

Public Urged to Recreate Responsibly During Busy Holiday Weekend SACRAMENTO, Calif.— California State Parks is honoring the service of veterans, active and reserve military members, by offering them free admission to participating parks on Memorial Day – Monday, May 31, 2021. A total of 134 park units will be honoring the free admission this year, including state vehicular … Read more

California State Parks Invites Public to Celebrate Earth Day 2021 with Virtual Events

Calaveras big tree state park Header Sierra Rec Magazine

SACRAMENTO, Calif., – California State Parks invites the public to commemorate Earth Day 2021 by participating in one or several virtual events being held on April 22 from across the State Park System. April 22 marks the 51st anniversary of the first Earth Day, which is credited with launching the modern environmental movement, and is now … Read more

Mono wind Event Devastates Yosemite National Park

Yosemite Valley Sunlight Through the trees

Yosemite National Park is now Closed to general public until January 26th for clean up. Sierra Rec Magazine – January 21, 2021 – On January 19, 2021 the Sierra was under weather warnings for high winds across the Sierra. Ski resorts closed in Lake Tahoe, but no one expected the devastation that would hit the … Read more

California State Parks and CAL FIRE Plan Prescribed Burns at Calaveras Big Trees State Park

ARNOLD, Calif.— California State Parks in cooperation with the California Department of Forestry and Fire protection (CAL FIRE) are planning to begin a series of prescribed burns beginning on or around the week of October 21, 2019 through the end of November in Calaveras Big Trees State Park. The goal is to complete 382 acres … Read more

Prescribed Burn Planned at Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Burn anticipated to start around June 13 – 14, 2019 ARNOLD, Calif. June 14, 2019 — California State Parks in cooperation with the California Department of Forestry and Fire protection (CAL FIRE) are planning to begin a prescribed burn on or around Thursday, June 13 to Friday, June 14, 2019 in Calaveras Big Trees State … Read more