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
- When: Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 8:00 AM
- Where: Grizzly Bear House
- Hike Details: 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. Plan on ~ 3 hrs. Meet 8:00 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). Friendly dogs on leash OK. Rain or heat advisory cancel. No need to RSVP. Peggy Egli 530-718-0448
Western State Trail to Cool and Back Loop
- When: Friday, May 29, 2026 at 8:00 AM
- Where: Western States Access Trailhead (Black Hole of Calcutta Falls Trailhead)\
- Hike Details: This is approx 7 miles round trip hike. 5 hrs average.About 1100’ elevation. Up/down hills. Moderate difficulty,except for Training Hill section, 1 mile uphill. 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 and energizing nature hike. Meet at 8:00AM at the “Access to Western States Trail” gate #150 just south of 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. Well behaved dogs are welcome. Rain or poor air quality cancels. No need to RSVP. Lucy lucyl2rock@gmail.com
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 Schedule 2026
Meet at the Confluence Kiosk for a drop-in program every Saturday between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM from June 6, 2026 - August 22, 2026. No sign up requried.
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
