For more information and updates on programs, please check the black sandwich boards by the Visitor Center and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. All programs are free with entrance fee ($10/vehicle) and do not require a reservation.
Spring - Fall Guided Hikes and Walks
- North Grove: 11:30am - about 1:00pm
Saturdays and Sundays starting May 23rd then offered daily June 15th - August 16th
Level, 1.7 mile loop
*Meet at the trailhead by the Visitor Center
- Introduction to North Grove: 1:00pm - 1:45pm
Sundays starting June 14th
Level, 0.5 mile walk
*Meet outside Visitor Center
- South Grove: 10am - about 1:00pm
SFridays, Saturdays, Sundays late May through early September. Sundays also in October
Moderate, 5 mile trail. Bring water and snacks/lunch as there is no water or food available at the trailhead.
*Meet at the South Grove trailhead parking lot
- Bird Walk: 9:30am - about 11:30am
Thursdays May 28th through September 24th. No experience or gear required.
Level, approx 1 mile walk around the North Grove area, including the campground and meadow.
*Meet outside Visitor Center
- Meadow Walk: 10:00am - about 11:00pm
Tuesdays and Saturdays June 16th through August 15th
Level, 0.5 mile walk around the meadow in the middle of the North Grove campground
*Meet at North Grove Campsite #16, by the black sandwich board
Spring - Late Summer Kid's Programs
- Little Rangers: ages 3-6 and Junior Rangers: ages 7-12
Weekends Memorial Day - June 14th, every day but Tuesday June 15th- August 16th. 10am
*Meet at picnic tables across from Jack Knight Hall
- Creek Critters: for all ages
June 13th - August 15th, Tuesdays and Saturdays 1pm
*Meet at Beaver Creek, a short walk from the Beaver Creek Picnic Area, to learn about the critters in our water and what they tell us about our watershed! Come with sandals
Spring - Late Summer Evening Programs (2026 Only)
- Optical Astronomy Nights (with telescopes!) Thursdays:
May 14th, 8:30pm
May 21st, 8:00pm (moon night)
June 11th, 8:30pm
June 25th 9:00pm (moon night)
July 9th, 8:30pm
July 23rd, 8:30pm (moon night)
August 13th, 8:00pm
August 20th, 7:30pm (moon night)
September 10th, 7:30pm
- Night Skies with Doc Nancy (science, constellations, and stories!) Fridays and Saturdays:
Saturday June 13, 9 pm
Friday July 3, 8:30 pm
Friday July 10, 8:30 pm
Saturday August 1, 8 pm,
Saturday August 8, 8 pm
Saturday September 5, 8pm
*Meet at the Scenic Overlook for both astronomy programs. Parking is limited so carpooling is recommended. Please bring your own chairs and blankets!
- Campfire Saturdays starting May 23, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday June 15 - August 16
Songs and Silliness - Fridays at 7:30
Laugh then Learn - Saturday - Sunday (topics and time varies, please check the Visitor Center board)
Hug-A-Tree Mondays 8:00pm
Saturday campfires do not occur when there is a Night Skies program the same day
*Meet at the Campfire Center by the Visitor Center
Spring - Summer Special Events
Arnold 4th of July Parade
July 4th, morning parade through highway 4 in Arnold. The park will not have all the usual summer programs this day so we can be in the parade!
July History Celebration- Jack Knight Hall
While we are super into giant sequoias, this park also has a fascinating history! We'll have Jack Knight Hall, built in 1937 by the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC), open to the public from 11am-2pm. Come on in and view the amazing architecture and learn about the CCCs!
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math)
August 1st, 11:30am - 1:30pm
Learn about how STEAM is found all across the park! Each station will cover one part of STEAM with a fun activity. There's a prize if you visit every station! Find us on the start of the North Grove trail between the Visitor Center and the Stump.
Celebrate Teachers
August 8th, 11:30am - 1:30pm
Teachers, this one is for you! Come to Jack Knight Hall to learn about field trip opportunities in the Calaveras, Tuolumne, and Amador counties from multiple agencies. Some of these trips are free and/or have a potential for grant funding.