Free Hikes and Programs

Line of hikers on a single track trail in oak woodland.

Guided Hikes

In the fall, winter and spring our staff and docents lead hikes in different areas of the park. These hikes vary greatly in lenght and intensity. The hikes focus on flora, fauna, or the history of the canyon. They are free, though a $10 day use fee applies in marked areas.

We recommend arriving early, dressing in layers, wearing sun protection, wearing comfortable walking shoes, and bringing plenty of water and snacks.

**** POSTPONED DUE TO RAIN **** First Day Hike - Park Headquarters to Confluence Loop 

  • When: Rescheduled to Friday, January 9, 2026 at 09:00 AM 
  • Where: Auburn SRA Sector Office (501 El Dorado Street Auburn CA)
  • Hike Description: Begin 2026 with a classic Auburn loop that yields views Canyon Creek Falls, Mountain Quarries Railroad Bridge, and the Confluence of the North and Middle forks of the American River. The 4.6 mile route will begin the Native Garden Located at Auburn SRA Ranger Station (501 El Dorado Street Auburn, CA 95603), descend the park access trail to the Western State Trail and ascend ~700 feet via Stagecoach Trail and Manzanita Trail. Hikers will explore the rich cultural and natural history of the American River Canyons and start the new year with fresh air, river views, and community. Friendly dogs on leash welcome. Dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring a snack and plenty of water. Bathrooms available at start and at halfway point. Joseph Shanahan (530) 863-8848

**** POSTPONED DUE TO RAIN **** First Day Hike - Quarry Night Hike

  • When: Rescheduled to Friday, January 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM 
  • Where: Quarry Trailhead
  • Hike Description: Lights above and lights below. Take a new-year dusk hike along the Quarry trail gazing for stars above and biofluorescent creatures below. A very easy 2.5-mile hike, stroller and wheelchair friendly trail. Dogs on leash are welcome. Meet at Quarry parking lot at 5:00 PM. Regular parking fees apply. Bring water, flashlight, optional trail snack, and essentials. Dress warmly. Hot water will be available, bring your own tea or hot coco and mug. Dogs are welcome. Rain cancels. No need to RSVP. James Oslie (530) 863-8848

Doc Gordon's Hike

  • When: Friday January 23, 2026 at 10:00 AM 
  • Where: Intersection of Foresthill and Old Foresthill Rds
  • Details: This trail is the park’s only route down to the “mid-section” of Lake Clementine - above the dam but below the day use area. A nicely graded service road, it offers good views of Lake Clementine, limestone outcroppings, and various habitats as it descends to a cove mid-way along the shoreline. Moderate pace, 3.2 miles out-and-back trail. From parking to trailhead requires crossing Foresthill Rd. We’ll take a break at the water before climbing 1.6 miles and 784’ back up to our start. Plan on about 3 hr. Meet 10:00 am at the parking pullout at the intersection of Foresthill and Old Foresthill Roads. Coming from Auburn on Foresthill Rd, it is 3.1 miles from the signal light at Lincoln Way x Foresthill Rd. Look for the pullout on your right, just before the intersection with Old Foresthill Rd. Bring water, optional trail snack, and essentials. No dogs. Rain cancels. No need to RSVP. Peggy Egli 530-718-0448 

Hike The North Fork 

  • When: Saturday January 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM 
  • Where: RSVP for meeting location 
  • Hike Details: Venture out with us on a winter wilderness adventure! Our 4 mile, moderate difficulty out and back hike will take us along the beautiful canyon of the North Fork of the American River, where we will admire vistas and learn about the ecosystem around us. We will be joined by staff from the Auburn State Recreation Area interpretation team, so make sure to sign up if you'd like to meet other passionate people with experience and knowledge of our local environment. No dogs, rain cancels. Joseph Shanahan and Andrew Craft (530)863-8848.

Quarry Hike

  • When: Friday February 6, 2026 at 10:00 AM 
  • Where: Quarry Parking Lot
  • Hike Details: Four miles, easy-moderate pace. Starting from Quarry Trail, we’ll divert and climb 400’ up an unnamed trail and then PGE trail to reach a grand view of the upper limestone quarry. From there we turn back down to explore the lower Quarry, peer into Hawver Cave, then enjoy Middle Fork views, interpretive posters and a break at the picnic tables before returning to our start via the Quarry Trail. Limestone has been mined here since the mid-1800s. Learn about how it got here, some unique local limestone features, and how limestone was quarried, processed, and used. Mostly good footing on old wide gravel road (some steep sections); one short climb up narrow wet trail. Plan on 3-4 hrs. Meet by 10:00 am at the Quarry Trailhead parking lot. The turnoff to the lot from Hwy 49 is ~ 0.3 miles up from the S side of the bridge (38.91196, -121.03484). Parking $10 cash or find free parking along Hwy 49 near the turnoff. Bring water, optional trail snack, shoes with good traction, essentials. Toilets available along the route. Well-behaved dogs on leash OK. Rain cancels. No need to RSVP. Peggy Egli 530-718-0448

Interested in scheduling a guided hike for your group? Call the Auburn SRA interpretation office at (530) 863-8848

For more hike information, visit https://www.canyonkeepers.org/ or email joseph.shanahan@parks.ca.gov 

 

 

Junior Cubs Program

The Junior Cubs Program is designed for ages 3-6 and typically includes story and craft. Join State Parks educators with your little ones for this free program. 

  • When: The 1st Saturday of each month 10:00-11:00 AM
  • Where: Murphy House (501 El Dorado Street Auburn)
  • Details: Programs include a nature based story, craft, sometimes music and a short walk in the garden. Programs will be held outdoors weather permitting otherwise they will be held indoors. No need to RSVP. Brought to you by Auburn SRA Interpretation and Education (530)863-8848

Interested in an off site program or would like a program on a different date? Contact the Auburn SRA Interpretation Office at (530)745-2202

 

School Groups

Auburn SRA offers K-12 programs for schools both in the classroom and in the park. If you are interested in scheduling a program or seeing a list of our current programs call the Auburn SRA Interpretation Office at (530) 745-2202. or fill out a Program Request and we will reach out to confirm. 

 

 

 

Campfire Programs

During the Summer, Auburn SRA hosts campfire programs. Campfire programs are interactive educational programs that take place in the evening. Led by park staff and volunteers, campfire programs are thematic, interactive and theatrical and typically last one hour. 

Interested in scheduling a campfire program for your group? Call the Auburn SRA Intperpretation Office at (530) 745-2202

 

 

 

Tall man in park uniform smiling and waving next to a table with scat and skulls