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Auburn State Recreation Area
4.7 ★★★★★ 77 Google reviews · Running trail in Auburn, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Auburn State Recreation Area yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Large park on the American River with extensive hiking trails, whitewater boating & gold panning.
What runners say about Auburn State Recreation Area
“I will not ever disclose the beautiful places I've discovered here but I will encourage you to seek them out yourself.”
Great area for recreation and photography, I spent most of my childhood at the river below the Foresthill bridge and also up at Clementine. Plenty of locations for hiking, swimming, fishing and more surrounding this area. Canyon fog in the fall months make for awesome views.
This State Park is super close to Sacramento and offers many outdoor activities. There’s plenty of hiking, biking, climbing and rafting in the area. You’re able to do all of these things in a day, and if that’s not living the dream I don’t know what is. 🤘 IG: @adventureoveramenities_
Great area but do be safe. The river takes lives every year. No hands bridge is a nice walk. Water is cold and fast. Bring life vests if you plan on going in the water. Parking is busy and hectic on the weekends. Pack it in, pack it out. A gem of the county. Don't miss out on this beautiful place.
Excellent views, plenty of trails, and if you're into the movie xXx this is also where they launched the red Corvette off the bridge. Bottom line is that I love coming here to hike and drive is extremely scenic. It's a must do!
Trail conditions & character
“My first time on the trail - I give it a 15 out of 10 (great weather helped) CHALLENGE: Can you find 3 waterfalls on the way to the dam?”
“Very small parking lot, got there just as someone else was coming too, they didn't pay the fee & the park ranger only gave them a warning in their windshield.”
“This trail is fairly flat and starts to incline toward the dam - steep drop down to access the dam close up.”
“I didn’t see strollers and I wouldn’t recommend them - people put little ones in back carriers.”
Plan your run at Auburn State Recreation Area
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websiteparks.ca.gov
- Phone(530) 885-4527
Running trails near Auburn
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lake Clementine Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,394 reviews
Steepish but well-marked trail for hiking, mountain biking and splashing at the dam.
Canyon View Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 87 reviews
Kid-friendly area featuring hiking trails and picnic tables.
Quarry Road Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 186 reviews
Easy hiking trails following a waterway lead to quarry walls, waterfalls and old mines.
Black Hole of Calcutta Falls Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 757 reviews
Pretty waterfalls are the goal of some of the many hiking trails here, including easy ones for families.
Training Hill
4.8 ★★★★★ 72 reviews
Hiking area where trail running and horseback riding are also popular.
Robie Point
4.6 ★★★★★ 266 reviews
Extensive ruins on this trail were abandoned when plans for the Auburn Dam were put into place.