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.
Abandoned Dam Relics, Witches' Broom, Parasitic Plants, & Epic Views
- When: Sunday Oct 25, 2026 at 09:00 AM
- Where: China Bar Entrance Kiosk
- Hike Details: China Bar Road, Cardiac Bypass, Oregon Hill, Haul Road, Pioneer Express Trail. Abandoned Auburn Dam relics, witches’ broom, parasitic plants and river views await you on this route below South Auburn. Learn about the dam’s haunted history and how one kind of mistletoe spreads by explosion! Our 5.5-mile semi-loop route follows paved, gravel and historic routes plus sections of narrow trail. Gradual descent 570’ to the Auburn damsite. Return is similar except for one steeper 0.3-mile climb of 200’. Plan on about 4 hrs. Meet 9:00 am at Auburn SRA’s China Bar entrance kiosk located across from 490 Maidu Dr in Auburn. Parking $10 cash or free along Maidu. Bring water, snack, sun protection, essentials, shoes with good traction. Toilets available at start and mid-point. Well-behaved dogs on leash OK. Rain, AQI > 100 or heat advisory cancel. No need to RSVP. Peggy Egli 530-718-0448
Quarry, Hawver, and Middle Fork Views
- When: Friday, Nov 13, 2026 at 10:00 AM
- Where: Quarry Parking Lot
- Hike Details: Quarry Trail, PGE Trail. Four miles, easy-moderate pace. Starting from Quarry Trail, we’ll divert and climb 400’ up an unnamed trail and then PGE trail to reach a grand view of the upper limestone quarry. From there we turn back down to explore the lower Quarry, peer into Hawver Cave, then enjoy Middle Fork views, interpretive posters and a break at the picnic tables before returning to our start via the Quarry Trail. Limestone has been mined here since the mid-1800s. Learn about how it got here, some unique local limestone features, and how limestone was quarried, processed, and used. Mostly good footing on old wide gravel road (some steep sections); one short climb up narrow wet trail. Plan on 3-4 hrs. Meet by 10:00 am at the Quarry Trailhead parking lot. The turnoff to the lot from Hwy 49 is ~ 0.3 miles up from the S side of the bridge (38.91196, -121.03484). Parking $10 cash or find free parking along Hwy 49 near the turnoff. Bring water, optional trail snack, shoes with good traction, essentials. Toilets available along the route. Well-behaved dogs on leash OK. Rain or AQI > 100 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) 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
