North Grove Big Trees Hike
 Bill Papke - Mother Lode Grotto 

In the summers of 1958 thru 1960, Bill Papke, Mother Lode Grotto caver, led nature walks and campfires at Calaveras Big Trees State Park. Alternating with another park naturalist, Bill walked the Big Trees trails almost every day of the week.

In those days, many of the state parks had summer naturalist programs. Bill and the other naturalist greeted visitors and explained to them what was special about the park and how to take good care of it. The regular park rangers occupied themselves with mostly administrative duties.

With these memories, Bill has offered to guide - one more time - a group of hikers interested in seeing the North Grove Trail. Although the trail has changed somewhat over the years, the trees have only gotten 46 years older. In the time frame of a giant sequoia, that's hardly worth measuring. These trees are the largest living things on earth - and some of the oldest as well.

For more information, please download the registration flyer by clicking here