The Best Way to Experience the Auburn Quarry

Introduction

The Auburn Quarry and the confluence is packed with more adventures than you have days! This area has a little something for everyone; paddlers, rock climbers, hikers, photographers, bikers, nature observers, and those looking to relax. In this article, I try my best to paint the picture of just how many options there really are out here, but, quite honestly, the list feels endless!

Climbing

Some of the most accessible sport climbing only an hour from Sacramento

Access to outdoor climbing around the Sacramento area is a bit spotty, unless you are willing to make the trek to Lake Tahoe. However, for those of you looking to fill your itch without breaking the bank filling your tank with gas, the Auburn Quarry is a wonderful limestone sport climbing spot. The crag has several walls, the upper section is closed during the raptor mating season, and a wide variety of climbs. From short, three bolt wonders to longer, fore-arm bursting endurance climbs, this climbing area is a great resource. In addition, the grades vary widely, giving beginners and strong climbers (up to 5.13) a place to play around. Lastly, if you are new, Scale Wall is a great place to set up a top-rope!

The Most Popular Climbs in the Area:

  1. Scale Wall 5.10c

  2. Uncomfortably Dumb 5.10d

  3. Bionic Bitchslap 5.10d

  4. Sneaky 5.10b

  5. Human Oddity 5.11d

Hiking

While the climbing in the limestone quarry is an attraction to most adventure goers, there are still many adventures to have surrounding the Auburn Quarry. The hike into the quarry itself is a gorgeous, river-side, outing that is great for kids! If you are willing to broaden your scope of area, the hiking around here is a wonderful place to explore many miles—and one trail that will take you Lake Tahoe— and get away from the crowds at the river.

Five Hikes to Check Out

  1. Quarry Trail

  2. Western States Trail to Calcutta Falls

  3. Stagecoach Trail

  4. Forest Hill Bridge Loop

  5. No Hands Bridge

River Goers… safely!

If you are a paddler or a human looking to dip their feet in the water after a long week, this is the spot for you. However, as the confluence becomes overcrowded, the time has come for you to adventure deeper, towards the quarry, for new sandy beaches. The river is a delight and during those hot summer days, a midday soak is often needed. If you know were to look, there are also quite a few cliffs you can find to jump off of, just make sure to check the water depth before making the leap!

*Please, be aware that the river is cold and moves quickly, so make sure you are safe while around the confluence. A confluence is the merging of two rivers, which means there is a lot of water coming together and can be dangerous for all those who enter the water. Be diligent and have a good time!

Bike is Life Gang (Road and Mountain)

The bike scene in Auburn has been booming over the last few years. Road cycling has had a strong presence for as long as I can remember because of the challenging climbs combined with the light traffic has made Auburn Confluence a destination for cyclists. Not to mention the fact that there are a few bike races that come through town! If road life isn’t for you, there are endless trails to chose from as well. Here is a short list of bike ideas for you all:

  • Mammoth Bar

  • Fire Roads starting at river confluence

  • Downhill from the Forest Hill Bridge

  • Road out and back Auburn Bike Works to Confluence and back

For Photographers

If you are a photographer, your options are endless out here. From action sports to lifestyle, you have the possibility to shoot anything your mind can come up with. Take you camera while you are hiking, who knows you might see an eagle or a beautiful sunset. Here is short list of ideas:

  • Rock Climbing

  • Portrait and Elopement at the confluence, utilizing the river

  • Hiking and/or trail running

  • Wildlife

  • Landscapes with the Forest Hill Bridge

  • No Hands Bridge is a MUST

Conclusion

What did I tell you? This place has a little bit for everyone! How many other places do you know that have cycling, rock climbing, hiking, river adventures, and a place to relax near water? The Auburn Quarry is is well known gem in Auburn, but not so much by those in the surrounding area. As the population increases and people are looking for new places to explore, this area is growing in popularity, which is great! All are welcomed! Please, be respectful of this space and clean up after yourself. Heck, maybe go the extra mile and pick up some trash you find while out as well.

P.S. Shout out to my mom who came to see me, grabbed my camera, and snapped these shots of me on top-rope solo!