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. 

Confluence to Clementine Loop

  • When: CANCELED DUE TO RAIN **** Friday, November 14, 2025 at 09:00 AM 
  • Where: Confluence Trailhead
  • Hike Description: Confluence Trail, Shortcut Trail, Lower Clementine Rd, Clementine Dam Trail. Approximately 6.2 miles hike, easy/moderate loop. About 4+ hours. Includes crossing old and new Foresthill Rds. Gradual climb about 900 ft. A couple of narrow trail sections. Beautiful views of the Canyon, American River and Lake Clementine. Come and join us for a wonderful nature hike, stunning views and bird sighting. BEWARE: construction around the Confluence area - Hwy 49. Meet 9:00 AM at Confluence  trailhead parking area. Right side on Old Foresthill Rd., past ranger kiosk  and the old Foresthill bridge at the Confluence. Parking $10 cash/credit at the kiosk or Park Pass. Bring water, snacks, trail shoes and essentials. Friendly dogs on leash are welcome. Rain or poor air quality cancels. No need to RSVP. Lucy lucyl2rock@gmail.com

Geology Ramble at Auburn Dam Site

  • When: Thursday, December 4, at 10:00 AM
  • Where: Oregon Hill Parking Lot
  • Hike Description: China Bar / Birdsall takeout river area, Oregon Bar river area. Geology Ramble below the Auburn damsite (1.5 miles)Learn about this area’s geologic history and diverse rock types in a river-edge exploration with geologist Sarah Roeske. From Oregon Hill we will carpool down to the China Bar/Birdsall takeout and Oregon Bar areas. We will spend some time at China Bar looking at rocks exposed by blasting for the dam site, continuing on to examine the interesting granite plutons and other formations along the river at Oregon Bar. Total distance walking about 1.5 miles, total elevation gain of 150 feet. Gravel roads and rocky outcrops beside the river, Short scrambles off trail to access rock outcrops along the river, optional spots of tricky footing. Plan on 2.5 hr. Meet 10:00 am at the Oregon Hill parking lot, located 1.25 miles down the park road inside the China Bar entrance (across from 490 Maidu Dr, Auburn). Parking $10 cash or free with park permit. Bring water, optional snack, shoes with good traction, essentials.No dogs. Rain cancels. No need to RSVP. Joe Shanahan (530-863-8848) Peggy Egli (530-718-0448) 

Applegate Lime Kilns

  • When: Friday, December 5, 2025 at 10:00 AM 
  • Where: Left shoulder of Cero Vista Drive
  • Hike Description: Applegate to Lake Clementine Trail, side trail to kiln (BLM and ASRA). Join geologist and lime kiln expert Jim Wood for a 5.5-mile (round trip) hike down the Old Boole Rd to a picturesque 1870s-era kiln perched 200’ above upper Lake Clementine. Beautiful river views and scenic rock outcrops en route to this early relic of lime production. Mostly well-graded old gravel road with a few narrow sections (possibly muddy) on the trail to the kiln. After a break for refreshments, we will retrace our steps and climb 1000’ back to our start.  Easy-moderate pace. Plan on 4 -5 hr. Meet 10:00 am at the large dirt parking area on Cerro Vista Dr in Applegate. Take Applegate exit 128 off I-80. Turn R (east) at top of ramp onto Crother Rd, then L at Applegate Rd. Immediately after you go under the RR overpass (appx 0.3 mi), turn R onto Boole Rd. Drive 1.65 miles (stay R at 0.5 mi) then turn L (uphill) onto Cerro Vista. Drive ~ 0.1 mi, parking is on L.Bring water, snacks/light lunch, trail shoes and essentials. Well-behaved dogs on leash OK. Rain or poor air quality cancel. No need to RSVP. Peggy Egli (530-718-0448)

Winter Solstice Hike

  • When: Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 10:00 AM 
  • Where: Olmstead Loop Parking Lot
  • Hike Description: Celebrate one of the shortest days of the year with a hike in the Olmstead Area. On this excursion, we’ll explore rich cultural and natural beauty of the oak woodlands of the Olmstead Area with a focus birds and biodiversity. The 5 mile hike will begin on the paved portion of St. Florian Ct. and will turn onto the Olmstead Loop and ‘Secret Trail’. There will be an optional turn around on the paved portion for participants with strollers or wheelchairs or hikers opting for a shorter outing. Friendly dogs on leash welcome. Dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring a snack and plenty of water. Bathrooms available at trailhead. Joseph Shanahan (530) 863-8848

First Day Hike - Park Headquarters to Confluence Loop 

  • When: Thursday, January 1, 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

First Day Hike - Quarry Night Hike

  • When: Thursday, January 1, 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

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 Ranger Program

During the Summer, Auburn SRA hosts weekly Junior Ranger Programs. Junior Rangers is a free program designed for ages 7-12, but all ages are welcome to attend. Programs are led by park staff and docents and typically last 1-2 hours. 

Summer 2025 Program: SIGN UP NOW

June Programs 09:00-10:30 AM at Auburn Sector Office

  • June 7 - Native Gardening 
  • June 14 - Recreation Roundup
  • June 21 - Rocks and Minerals
  • June 28 - Junior River Guards

July Programs 09:00-10:30 AM at Oregon Hill Parking Lot 

  • July 5 - Plant Adaptations
  • July 12 - Animal Adaptaions
  • July 19 - Slow and Say Hello 
  • July 26 - Wilderness Preparedness

August Programs 09:00-10:30 AM at Mammoth Bar Staging Area

  • August 2 - Bicycle safety and maintenance
  • August 9 - History of Gold 
  • August 16 - Aquatic Environments
  • August 23 - Fishing 

Our mission is to provide educational experiences both in Auburn SRA and in the classroom, assisting educators with curriculum needs and offering activities that enable students to investigate, research, and participate in interactive learning. All programs are free, though regular day use fees apply. 

Interested in an off season program for your group? Contact the Auburn SRA Interpretation Office at (530)745-2202

 

 

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