Calaveras Big Trees State Park offers giant sequoias, scenic trails, and river access in a quieter, more affordable setting than Yosemite.

Visitors can explore highlights like the easy North Grove Trail or the more remote South Grove with some of the park’s largest trees.

The park is open year-round with a $10 entry fee, with late spring through fall offering the best conditions for most visitors.

If you’re hoping for a more low-key way to experience California’s signature landscapes than Yosemite National Park , there’s a compelling alternative in the Sierra Nevada.…