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. 

Grizzly Bear House Hike

  • When: Friday, February 14, 2025 at 9:30 AM
  • Where: Grizzly Bear Pullout
  • Hike Description: Grizzly Bear House Trailhead/Foresthill Divide Loop/Whale Rock Trail. Visit a historic stagecoach stop dating back to the 1860s and hear tall tales from the past, then hike part of the Foresthill Divide loop trail out to a grand view of the Middle Fork canyon and Poverty Bar.  Easy-moderate 3.5-miles, mostly out-and-back hike on rolling terrain through pines, chamise, and oak woodlands. Mix of single-track and old dirt road bed, possible muddy sections. Plan on 2.5-3 hrs. Meet 9:30 am at the Grizzly Bear House pullout on Foresthill Road. From the signal light at Lincoln Way and Foresthill Rd in Auburn, travel 4.6 miles east on Foresthill Road (about 1.4 mi past Lower Clementine and Old Foresthill Rd intersection). Turn right into the large pullout. Bring water, snack/lunch, shoes with good traction, other essentials. Parking fee $10 (cash only). No dogs. Rain cancels. No need to RSVP. Peggy Egli 530-718-0448.

Western States Trail Hike

  • When: Friday February 28, 2025 at 09:00 AM
  • Where: Black Hole of Calcutta Falls Trailhead
  • Hike Description: Hike from the Confluence to Cool and back. Appx 7 total miles total and 1,100’ elevation. Up/down hills. Moderate difficulty. Easy pace. Lunch stop in Cool (restaurants available). We’ll enjoy beautiful meadows, wildflowers and stunning views of the American River. Come on over and join us on a wonderful nature hike. Meet at 9:00 AM at the “Access to Western States Trail” gate just south of the Hwy 49 bridge. Some free parking along Hwy 49 or find pay parking on the Auburn side of Hwy 49 bridge ($10 cash/credit card at the kiosk or free with state park pass). Bring water, snacks, sturdy trail shoes and essentials. No dogs, rain cancels, no need to RSVP. Lucy rockyl2rock@gmail.com 

Tamaroo Bar Hike

  • When: Friday, March 28, 2025 at 09:30 AM
  • Where:  Auburn Overlook Parking Lot
  • Hike Description: Western States, Gold St Connector, Contour, Robie Point Fuel Break,and Tamaroo Bar trails to the river. Return via Riverview and Western States. We’ll hike a 4.5-mile semi-loop down to Tamaroo Bar on the American River and enjoy a lunch break on a rocky beach. Learn about the area’s role in gold mining and water use. Parts of the route follow the historic Mountain Quarries RR and Western States Trails. Easy-moderate down, moderate-difficult return climbs 780' back up to our start. Return includes one 0.3-mile, steep (190') climb back up to  Riverview trail. Plan on 4-5 hrs. Meet by 9:30 am near the restrooms at Auburn’s Overlook Park parking lot (855 Pacific Ave). Bring water, snack/lunch, shoes with good traction, other essentials. No dogs. 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) 745-2202 

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

 

 

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. 

 

 

 

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. 

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 3rd Wednesday of each month
  • 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

 

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. 

Mammoth Bar Campfire Program - RESCHEDULED to Sat Nov 20, 2024

  • When: Saturday, Nov 30, 2024
  • Where:  Mammoth Bar Staging Area
  • Details: Megafauna, outlaws, and the dangers that lurk in the canyons. Do you have what it takes to survive? Bring a chair/blanket and a reusable mug. Rain cancels. No RSVP required. Brought to you by Auburn SRA Interpretation and Education (530)863-8848

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