Save this idea for your next trip to California: a hike in Calaveras Big Trees State Park. . This state park, which is in the Sierra Nevadas north of Yosemite National Park and southwest of Lake Tahoe, is a bit of a sleeper hit—many people, especially those who live outside of California, don’t know about it. Yet this hike through these ancient (and yes, giant!) Sequoias is a truly majestic experience. Just proof that even if you can’t get that coveted reservation to enter Yosemite, you can still have a wonderful time exploring the nearby, hidden gems elsewhere in the Sierras. . As always when exploring outdoors: stay on the trail (if not for the plants, do it for yourself: this is poison oak country), pack out what you pack in, and respect nature. Safe travels! . How to visit: spend the night and camp, or come up as a day/afternoon excursion while spending the weekend in the small towns of Murphy’s (20 minutes) or Arnold (5 minutes). . #californiastateparks #travelcalifornia #hiddengemscalifornia #calaverasbigtrees