The 20 Best Hiking Trails in Auburn, CA
Whether you live in the Auburn CA area or you are visiting in the future, there are at least 20 hiking trails at various levels for you to enjoy. These trails give hikers the opportunity to experience a part of California with beautiful views and see nature up close. Below are the hiking trails available, so make sure you visit a few of them on your trip.
1. Salt Creek Loop
With a roundtrip of 10. 38 miles, the Salt Creek Loop hiking trail is a great way for moderate or advanced hikers to get outside and enjoy a variety of terrain. It does make a loop, so no matter which direction you decide to take at the starting point, you will come right back where you started on the other side. Advanced hikers use this trail as a warm up, especially if they are new to the area to get a feel of the terrain on more strenuous hikes.
2. Shirland Canal With Eagle’s Nest Loop
Having a distance of 7.3 miles, the Shirland Canal with Eagle’s Nest Loop is a great hike for all levels. It is considered easy in terms of terrain, but it can be a bit long for those who do not hike often. If you are just getting into hiking or want an easy start, this one is a good option. There are a few places along the way where the trail narrows a bit and you can come across some rocks, but the overall hike is great and not as crowded as others.
3. Western States Trail to Calcutta Falls
A great morning warm-up for locals in the area is the Western States Trail to Calcutta Falls. This hiking trail is a short 2.2 miles, but it is a great way for you to start your day if you are looking to get in some cardio and enjoy the fresh air. Most folks complete this hiking trail in less than an hour, so you will find different hikers out all day throughout the rail. Cross-country runners are also among those who frequent this trail because of the hilly terrain and but clearly defined trail.
4. Middle Fork American River Quarry Trail
There is a trail that is more moderate or even slightly strenuous for some known as the Middle Fork American River Quarry Trail. The total length of this trail is almost 11 miles, and it is a backcountry trail in Auburn. The average completion time on this trail is 4.5 hours for most hikers who are at the moderate level. Those who enjoy birdwatching while hiking find lots of habitats to photograph and enjoy because of its depth into the woods.
5. Hidden Falls to River Otter Loop
If you want a quick and easy morning hike where you can do some bird watching and catch nature in action, then Hidden Falls to River Otter Loop is a great option. It is only 4.2 miles long and is great for families who want to enjoy this outing together. There is also a waterfall located throughout the trail where many enjoy picnicking.
6. Confluence and Clementine Trail Loop
Another one of the popular Auburn hiking trails is Confluence and Clementine Trail Loop. This trail is a popular option for travelers to the area and can get a little crowded in the summer months. Loops make a great trail for those who are not familiar with the area. This trail is almost 6.5 miles long and can take an average of 3 hours or more to complete if you are a moderate hiker. Those who are more familiar with easier trails may find it taking them a little longer to complete.
7. Cardiac Hill
At almost 4 miles long, Cardiac Hill is a great hiking option for those who enjoy moderate hikes. This is not free like most of the Auburn hiking trails but costs order to park and use the area for the day. It is attached to a recreation area so when you come down from your hike, enjoy the shared space for rest, lunch, and just experiencing California at its very best.
8. Robie Point Trail
At 2.5 miles, this is a great starting hike for those who want something with a little challenge. If you are a fan of populated trails, Robie Point Trail usually has heavy traffic, especially in the early mornings and mid-afternoons. Most of those on the trail can complete it in an hour, so it is great for warming up or those who have been traveling all day just to get out and stretch their legs. It is also a loop trail, so it brings you right back to where you started.
9. Robie Point Firebreak Trail
In the same area, there is a longer trail available known as the Robie Point Firebreak Trail. This is more moderate to the strenuous challenging trail. It is 5.5 miles long and you encounter parts of the trail that are rocky, and narrow and can be a bit challenging for those without a lot of hiking experience. Those who hike regularly and are proficient in their skill level find this hike to be a better option. It is also not as busy as the smaller Robie Point Trail. Most of those on the trail complete it within 2-3 hours, depending on their skill level.
10. Foresthill Divide Loop
If you are ready to do a little climbing with your hiking, then Foresthill Divide Loop may be just the trail for you. As you make your way back through the 10.7-mile look, you will have to descend some pretty steep steps. This trail is most popular in the spring because of the blooms of wildflowers through the meadows and flat areas that you encounter while out hiking the trail. This trail is usually completed within 3-4 hours for avid hikers. Be prepared to pay a fee for parking while out on the trail. The other views include the American River and Lake Clementine which are points throughout the trail.
11. Stagecoach Trail
When you think of a stagecoach, maybe a trail where there are attacks and robberies from the Old West comes to mind. On the Stagecoach Trail in Auburn, you will find strenuous tasks needed in order to complete this trail as one of the most difficult. The distance is only 3.6 miles, but you are climbing hundreds of feet for over half of the trail. Hikers are not the only ones out on the trail, as it is used for horseback riders and even some bikers who are looking for a real challenge.
12. Training Hill
If it wasn’t for the scenery you experience on this trail, you may decide to go with another option. Training Hill is a trail that will test your endurance, forcing you uphill for the first half of the hike. This 4.5 mile hike peaks at the top where the views of wildflowers, woodland animals, and birds frequent. It is a great place to enjoy lunch before heading downhill. You may not be the only ones on the trail, but it is not as busy as other trails because of its difficulty. Keep your eyes open for snakes and other creatures that may not be as pleasant as others.
13. Olmstead Loop Trail
Coming in at 9 miles approximately, the Olmstead Loop Trail is a pretty popular trailhead in the Auburn area. This is an easy to moderate hike, looping around. Parts of the trail climb up an additional 400 ft, but that is a gradual climb, and you also come back down before finishing the loop. This is a popular hiking area in the spring for nature photographers and those who enjoy bird-watching. Most hikers complete this trail in 3-4 hours, while those who are not as experienced can do it is 5 hours.
14. Pioneer Express Trail to Rattlesnake Bar
The Pioneer Express Trail in its complete length is almost 28 miles, but there are smaller portions of the trail that are are frequented by hikers. The Pioneer Express to Rattlesnake Bar is 7.6 miles long and is one of the easier sections of the trail. It is also the busiest part of the trail. There is not a lot of elevation on this trail, mainly just walking and exploring the views of the American River along the way.
15. Western States Trail to Manzanita Trail Loop
Another trail you can enjoy out at the Auburn State Recreation Area is the Western States Trail to Manzanita Trail Loop. With an average length of 4.5 miles long, this trail is expected to take hikers only a couple of hours to complete. It is ideal for an early morning hike or later in the afternoon. There is always someone hiking this trail, but it is not as busy as others found in Auburn. Because most of the trail is exposed to the sun, it is better to complete it when it is cooler outside and you have packed your sunscreen.
16. Base of Auburn Dam Trail
If you want to get the best views of the American River, then you should consider a hike along the river with the Base of Auburn Dam Trail. The majority of this hike is pretty easy, but there are some challenging areas that can label this as a moderate trail. It is just over 3 miles long and can be great for birdwatching if you like to enjoy that along your hike. If you hike straight through the trail without stopping, it should take you only a couple of hours to complete.
17. South Legacy Way
If you are looking for a trail that takes you more into the backcountry and not as populated as other trails, then South Legacy Way may be right for you. It is a bit of challenge, ranging between a moderate and hard trail. The fastest hikers have been known to complete this trail in under two hours, but the 4.2 mile tail can take 3-4 hours for others to complete. There are lots of points across this trail that are great for views. You can even bring your leashed dog with you while out on the trail.
18. Tamaroo Bar Trail
At 4.5 miles, this Tamaroo Bar Trail is a moderate trail that meets other trails along the way, but the direct path to the Auburn Overlook Park is roughly 2.5 hours to hike. There are parts that can be rocky and spots where the trail starts to narrow, so experienced hikers should be the ones taking on this trail. It is a great place to go and gain some quiet and solitude while out in the woods. This is a loop trail, so you can come right back to where you started and makes it great for those visiting.
19. Canyon View and Harrigan Loop
One of the easiest Auburn hiking trails is Canyon View and Harrigan Loop. This trail is short of 2 miles long and can take less than an hour to complete. Many visitors to the area take this trail after hours in a car and need a place to get out and walk. Some hikers use it as a warm-up trail before they take on one of the more strenuous trails in the area for the day. It is also kid-friendly and great to help them burn some energy.
20. Tinker’s Cut Off Trail
Another one of the easy Auburn hiking trails, Trinker’s Cut Off Trail is .6 miles long and great for those who need to walk with their pets. You get some of the best river views in the area and can enjoy some quiet from the area if you visit in the middle of the day. Hikers use this as a connector trail usually in the early mornings or in the late afternoons. Because it is out in the sun, it is best to visit this trail between the cooler months of October to May.
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