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. 

Tamaroo Bar Loop 

  • When: Friday, Feb 23, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. 
  • Where: Auburn Overlook Near the Restrooms
  • Hike Description: Dale Dr, Robie Point Fuel Break, Tamaroo Bar, Riverview, Contour, Overlook, WST. We’ll make a 5-mile loop down to Tamaroo Bar on the American River, enjoy a break on a rocky beach beside the river, and learn a little about early gold and water claims here. Views include remains of the Auburn Dam project as well as natural looking sections of the river. To return, we ascend to the old Mountain Quarries RR bed and follow it until we turn steeply up and back to our start. Moderate pace, 5 miles with 900’ total climb including one  300’, 0.2-mile ascent near our finish. Route is a mix of gravel and paved roads, old RR bed, and narrow trails. Meet by 10:00 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 or AQI > 100 cancel. No need to RSVP. Peggy Egli (530) 718-0448 

Native Plants Uses and History 

  • When: Wednesday March 13, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. 
  • Where: Olmstead Loop Trailhead
  • Hike Description: Native Plants uses and history. Pleasant paved trail of approx. 3 miles round trip, views of rolling hills of Oaks trees, native plants, and historic points of interests. Restrooms located at parking lot, ADA access for entirety of hike. Bring water, sunscreen, and essentials. No dogs. Rain cancels. No need to RSVP. Carley Martirano: carley.martirano@parks.ca.gov 530-745-2202

Signs of Spring Hike 

  • When: Friday, March 22, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. 
  • Where: Confluence Kiosk
  • Hike Description: Tinker's Cutoff, Stagecoach, Manzanita, Canyon/Russell Rds, Upper Stagecoach, Flood, Bridgeview. We'll see what's blooming on our 5-mile loop through a variety of habitats. The route includes old stagecoach roads, ASRA's Native Plant Garden, broad vistas of the Confluence and a different view of the Foresthill Bridge. Moderate pace. Mix of old roads and narrow hillside trails includes a steep 0.3-mile climb at the start. Rest/snack break at the Native Garden. Plan on 4-5 hr. Meet at the Confluence Kiosk by 10:00 am. Parking along Old Foresthill Rd $10 cash or free with park permit. Bring water, optional trail snack, and essentials. Wear shoes with good traction. No dogs. Rain cancels. No need to RSVP. Peggy Egli (530) 718-0448    

Easter Egg Orienteering

  • When: Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 10:00 A.M.
  • Where: Confluence Kiosk
  • Event Description: Learn how to use a map and compass on this Easter Egg excursion at the confluence. This event will involve between 1 and 2 miles of hiking. Bring a compass if you have one, or borrow one of ours. Friendly dogs on leash welcome. Rain cancels. No need to RSVP. James Oslie and Joe Shanahan (530) 745-2202

 

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. 

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