For beauty similar to the redwood forests on
the north coast of California I recommend the Calaveras Big trees. These
giant Sequoias (Sequoiadenderon Giganteum) are not quite as tall
as the redwoods but they are more massive. For instance some of the
lower trunks of the larger trees are incredibly thick. Thirty people
could stand next to each other in a circle with their arms extended and
the first and last person would still not be able to touch each other.
There are two different groves
here, the north and the south grove. The
south grove is located about 10 miles from the park headquarters, which
are located in the north grove. The south grove has three times as many
trees as the north grove. In fact of all the different Sequoia groves in
California, the south grove is the third largest. These groves are
located along Highway 4 above Angels Camp and above the town of Arnold.
The park is located between 4000 and 5000 feet. There are fully
developed camp grounds, picnic areas, and many miles of hiking trails.
The south grove has not been invaded by roads. You can drive
to within a mile of the grove but if you want to enter the grove you
must hike in.
The Sequoia is an interesting tree. It is very resistant to fire damage
for several reasons. First, on many of the older to middle aged trees
their branches start high above the forest floor. Second, their bark is
quite thick and its thickness protects the vulnerable cambium growth
layers underneath. Third, there are many tannins in the bark of the
Sequoias. These tannins are naturally resistant to fire damage. It is
ironic to note that for all its adaptations to resisting fire damage a
Sequoia seed can only sprout and grow into a seedling after a fire. A
fire needs to burn all the pine needles and natural duff that exists on
the forest floor. After a fire all that remains is the bare soil on the
forest floor. Only then can the Sequoia seed become imbedded into the
soil and develop into a seedling.
There is an excellent map and guide that you can purchase at the park.
It provides a detailed map of the groves and lists and describes points
of interest. It also describes hikes and trails. Admission is $5 per day
for a single vehicle. Horseback tours and stagecoach rides are also
given. For more information call PHONE NUMBER (209) 795-2334.
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