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Gate 144 - China Bar - Cardiac Trail Peak
4.7 ★★★★★ 147 Google reviews · Running trail in Auburn, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Gate 144 - China Bar - Cardiac Trail Peak's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. 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.
Recreation area featuring hiking trails of varying difficulty that lead to canyon views and old mining equipment.
What runners say about Gate 144 - China Bar - Cardiac Trail Peak
“The roads and trails themselves are well-maintained and easy to follow.”
“If you're looking for a challenging and scenic hike not too far from Sacramento, look no further than the Cardiac Trail at the Auburn State Recreation Area.”
Lots of great hiking trails... had a great time exploring this terrain. Will be back for sure. Make sure to bring $10 in cash for self-pay registration parking.
Great easy hike with views of the now scrapped poorly designed potentially disastrous Auburn Dam site that would have killed millions had it been built. It will never return to it's former beauty but stands as an example of the hubris of poor engineering.
This is a tough hike. The first half is mostly downhill, and the second half is mostly uphill.
Nice hiking area. Not too crowded. Cardiac trail is pretty steep. Not too bad going down, but if you're not in shape or have knee issues, consider taking the cardiac bypass or even the gravel road back up. Much more manageable if needed.
Trail conditions & character
“If you're looking for a challenging and scenic hike not too far from Sacramento, look no further than the Cardiac Trail at the Auburn State Recreation Area.”
“These trails are beautiful but quite steep and slippery from the dry clay and rocks.”
“The lot is a "fee" area ($10 I think), but there were cars parked on the shoulder past the main entrance.”
“Paved lot with around 12-15 or so spaces, easy to spot from the road.”
Plan your run at Gate 144 - China Bar - Cardiac Trail Peak
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteparks.ca.gov
- Phone(530) 885-4527
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM–5:30 PM |
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.
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Training Hill
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Hiking area where trail running and horseback riding are also popular.