Free Hikes and Programs

Hiking

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. 

Friday evenings in July and August, 2023 - Legends of the American River Canyon

  • Legends of the American River Canyon: In this 60 minute program, Hear the stories of the dreaded desparado Yankee Jim, the wild times at the Grizzly Bear Hotel, the trajedy of our darling Clementine and More!
  • Meet at the Mineral Bar Day Use Area at 6:30 P.M. 
  • Bring a lawn chair or blanket. This program is free and there is no need to register, just come as you are. Camping/Day Use fees apply 

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

 

 

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. 

Quarry Trail Bioblitz

  • When: Wednesday September 6 at 08:00 A.M.
  • Where: Quarry Trailhead
  • Hike Description: Celebrate the biodiversity of Auburn State Recreation Area on this 2.5 mile easy out and back hike. We will explore and identify some of the many species of plants, animals and fungus that thrive on our Northern facing canyon slopes. If possible before you arrive, please download the ‘inaturalist’ app from the Appstore or Playstore as we will be tracking our observations using the app. We recommend arriving early, wearing sun protection, wearing comfortable walking shoes, and bringing plenty of water and snacks. The Quarry Trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

Olmstead Bioblitz

  • When: Thursday September 7 at 08:00 A.M.
  • Where: Olmstead Loop Trailhead
  • Hike Description: Celebrate the biodiversity of Auburn State Recreation Area on this 4 mile loop. We will explore and identify some of the many species of plants, animals and fungus that thrive in riparian habitats. If possible before you arrive, please download the ‘inaturalist’ app from the Appstore or Playstore as we will be tracking our observations using the app. We recommend arriving early, wearing sun protection, wearing comfortable walking shoes, and bringing plenty of water and snacks. 

Mineral Bar Bioblitz

  • When: Friday September 8, 5:00-7:00 P.M. 
  • Where: Mineral Bar Kiosk 
  • Hike Description: Celebrate the biodiversity of Auburn State Recreation Area at this BioBlitz activity at Mineral Bar. Explore the North Fork of the American River and discover diverse plant and animal communities that thrive around it. If possible before you arrive, please download the ‘inaturalist’ app from the Appstore or Playstore as we will be tracking our observations using the app. We recommend arriving early, wearing sun protection, wearing comfortable walking shoes, and bringing plenty of water and snacks. 

 

Interested in scheduling a guided hike for your group? Call the Auburn SRA interpretation office at (530) 745-2202 

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

 

 

Junior Rangers 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. 

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. 

Program Series Summer 2023 (Different topics each week/90 Minute Program): SIGN UP HERE

June Programs Meet at the Auburn SRA Ranger Station (501 El Dorado Street Auburn, CA) at 09:00 A.M. 

  • June 3 - The Water Cycle
  • June 10 - Watershed Habitats
  • June 17 - Celebrate watershed communities 
  • June 24 - Watershed Safety 

July Programs Meet at Oregon Hill Parking Lot at 09:00 A.M.

  • July 1 - The Essentails of Preparedness
  • July 8 - The Art of Not Getting Lost
  • July 15 - Orienteering Through Time
  • July 22- Trees of the American River Watershed
  • July 29 - Scat, Skulls and Skin

August Programs at Confluence at 09:00 A.M. 

  • August 5 - Historic Bridges Challenge
  • August 12 - History of Gold and How to Pan 
    • En Espanol a las 11:00 de la manana 
  • August 19 - Aquatic Invertibrates 
  • August 26 - Soil Science and Archeology

Weekly Water Safety and Litter Getter Programs July and August, 2023 (Same topic each week/ 60 Minute Program): no sign up requrired 

Interested in an off season program for your group? 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.

Ranger at Confluence