HomeCaliforniaAuburn › Lake Clementine Trail

Lake Clementine Trail

4.7 ★★★★★ 1,394 Google reviews · Running trail in Auburn, California · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
4 mi
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Tree cover
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Lake Clementine Trail'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.

4 miShadedScenicDog-friendlyHillyRestroomsWaterTrailhead parking

Steepish but well-marked trail for hiking, mountain biking and splashing at the dam.

What runners say about Lake Clementine Trail

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (1,394 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 13 mentions

“It's a absolutely beautiful on this trail with the forest hill bridge 700 feet above and an epic dam and waterfall at the end of the journey.”

🌳 shaded & cool 4 mentions

“The majority of the trail is shady and covered by beautiful trees, some spots are under the direct sun so bring a hat or sunnies.”

🪧 well-marked 2 mentions

“The trail is mostly flat and some tight spots but for the most part it is easy to navigate.”

👟 good for all levels 3 mentions

“There's quite a bit of rocks in the path too so watch your footing but overall an easy hike.”

It is one of our go to trails if we want to hike around the area. Absolutely beautiful trail with amazing views especially the Foresthill bridge (tallest bridge in California) and the waterfall. It's about a 5 mile hike. Moderate, not too strenuous just bring some water.

★★★★★ — Ross , Jan 2023

Great day hike. Very easy, so bring the dogs and kids. It's a absolutely beautiful on this trail with the forest hill bridge 700 feet above and an epic dam and waterfall at the end of the journey. I highly recommend this for all levels of hikers. There is a $10 parking cost but it is well worth it. Enjoy!

★★★★☆ — Steele , Jan 2020

Easy to moderate trail. Good for adults,kids, and pets. It is better to arrive early because parking gets full easily. There is a $10 parking fee and make sure you pay to avoid the ticket. There is a slight elevation on the trail and it's a 2 hour in and out hike.

★★★★★ — I , May 2024

The Lake Clementine hike is a fantastic outdoor experience, perfect for those looking to enjoy nature and stunning views. Approximately 3.5 to 4 miles round trip. The trail offers breathtaking views of Lake Clementine and the surrounding landscape. The trail is primarily dirt with some rocky sections.

★★★★★ — Mohammed , Oct 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 1,394 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 23 mentions

“It's a absolutely beautiful on this trail with the forest hill bridge 700 feet above and an epic dam and waterfall at the end of the journey.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 20 mentions

“The trailhead has limited parking, so arriving early can help you secure a spot, especially on weekends.”

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⛰️ Hills / elevation 5 mentions

“It's a absolutely beautiful on this trail with the forest hill bridge 700 feet above and an epic dam and waterfall at the end of the journey.”

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🐕 Dog-friendly 5 mentions

“The trail is pretty wide, there were people with their dogs, a few little kids, and lots of groups enjoying the beautiful day.”

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🌳 Shaded / tree cover 4 mentions

“The majority of the trail is shady and covered by beautiful trees, some spots are under the direct sun so bring a hat or sunnies.”

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🚻 Restrooms

“Easy hike, no bathrooms on trail.”

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🚰 Water fountains

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Plan your run at Lake Clementine Trail

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • Distance4 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit
  • ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
  • 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 6 AM–7 PM
Tuesday 6 AM–7 PM
Wednesday 6 AM–7 PM
Thursday 6 AM–7 PM
Friday 6 AM–7 PM
Saturday 6 AM–7 PM
Sunday 6 AM–7 PM

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Lake Clementine Trail

139 Old Foresthill Rd, Auburn, CA 95603

Get directions

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.

Black Hole of Calcutta Falls Trailhead

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under a mile away

Quarry Road Trail

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Easy hiking trails following a waterway lead to quarry walls, waterfalls and old mines.

under a mile away

Training Hill

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4.8 miLoopNatural surfaceScenic

Hiking area where trail running and horseback riding are also popular.

under a mile away

Canyon View Preserve

4.7 ★★★★★ 87 reviews

Auburn, CA

4 miLoopShadedScenic

Kid-friendly area featuring hiking trails and picnic tables.

1.5 miles away

Robie Point

4.6 ★★★★★ 266 reviews

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ShadedScenicDog-friendly

Extensive ruins on this trail were abandoned when plans for the Auburn Dam were put into place.

1.9 miles away

Auburn Trail Run

4.4 ★★★★☆ 13 reviews

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2.6 miles away

All running trails in Auburn, CA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.