Big Trees and Moaning Cavern
Walk among giant sequoias on an easy loop, then climb down a spiral staircase into a huge cave. Great for a summer or fall weekend.
3 hrs drive · 2 days · Best for toddlers to teens · May–Oct
Day 1: Into the cavern
- 8:00 Leave the Bay Area for Vallecito
- 11:00 Spiral Tour at Moaning Caverns (about 45 minutes, leaves on the hour)
- 12:30 Lunch, then gem panning at the caverns
- 3:00 Check in to North Grove Campground or a room near Arnold
Day 2: Giant sequoias
- 9:00 Walk the North Grove Trail, an easy 1.7-mile loop
- 11:00 Visit the Visitor Center and picnic
- 1:00 Big kids and teens: start the 5-mile South Grove Trail, or head home
- 2:00 Drive home
From parents who have been
- The Spiral Tour starts with three narrow, steep levels where you may have to duck, then about 230 more steps. The climb back up is the hard part, and there is a deck about halfway where you can rest. TripAdvisor reviews
- One parent advised against the cave for kids under about 9 because carrying a toddler down those stairs is very hard. The guide also turns all the lights off for a while, which can scare little ones. Gem panning was the hit with every age. TripAdvisor review 'Not kid friendly'
- The cave stays about 61F and humid, and one parent said a jacket wasn't needed. Wear sneakers, not flip-flops. Buy the bigger bag of gem 'rough' so every kid finds something. Pack lunch, since only drinks and a few snacks are sold. Inspired Imperfection
- The North Grove loop at Big Trees is about 1.5 to 1.7 miles, flat and mostly boardwalk, and it works with a stroller when dry. It's the park's most crowded trail, so arrive early on weekends. The visitor center by the trailhead has the only flush toilets, and small treats there were cash only. Inspired Imperfection
- After the grove, kids loved splashing in Beaver Creek, so pack extra socks. The Stanislaus River in the park has a sandy, shallow spot good for families. Inspired Imperfection
Good to know
- The Spiral Tour has no age limit, but kids must walk on their own or fit in a front carrier. It is 235 steps each way and not OK for strollers. Price is $26.50 for 12+, $20.14 for ages 3 to 11, and free under 3.
- The Expedition crawling tour is for ages 12+ and at least 4 feet tall, $130, weekends only, by phone reservation (209-736-2708).
- Moaning Caverns has been open 10 AM to 4 PM Thursday to Monday outside summer. Call to confirm. GPS can drop near the site, so bring a map.
- Big Trees day use is $10 per car. The park sits at about 4,700 feet and gets snow every winter. Dogs are not allowed on trails.
Sources: Moaning Caverns FAQ · Moaning Caverns cave tours · Moaning Caverns hours · Calaveras Big Trees info sheet (CA State Parks)