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. 

 

Summer evening ramble above the old Auburn Dam site

  • When: Thursday, June 13 at 6:30 PM  
  • Where: China Bar Entrance Lot
  • Hike Description: China Bar and Dam Haul roads, Pioneer Express Trail. Summer evening ramble above the old Auburn Dam site. Look for evening-blooming wildflowers and enjoy views of the river canyon and historic dam and Mountain Quarries RR remains. Easy/moderate 3-mile loop on mostly gentle grade. Paved/gravel roads and two short sections of narrow single-track trail. Appx 2 hrs. Meet 6:30 pm at ASRA?s China Bar entrance parking lot, 490 Maidu Dr in Auburn. Parking $10 cash or free along Maidu. Bring water, essentials, shoes with good traction, mosquito repellant and flashlight (sunset 8:30). Well-behaved dogs on leash OK. AQI > 100 or heat advisory cancel. 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.

 

 

 

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. 

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June Programs meet at Auburn SRA Ranger Station from 9:00-10:30 AM 

  • June 1 - Biodiversity 
  • June 8 - Canyon Ecosystem
  • June 15 - State Parks Careers
  • June 22 - Fire and Water

July Programs meet at Oregon Hill Parking Lot from 9:00-10:30 AM 

  • July 6 - Geology Rocks
  • July 13 - Navigating Preparedness 
  • July 20 - Recreation Roundup
  • July 27 - Trees of the Canyon

August Programs meet at Confluence Kiosk from 9:00-10:30 AM 

  • August 3 - Gold Panning
  • August 10 - Aquatic Life 
  • August 17 Stewardship
  • August 24 - Confluence History

Interested in an off season program for your group? 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. 

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