Auburn Staging Area  - as of Jan 17,2013 now operated by Western States Trail Foundation.There is no longer a $10 fee to park there, but there are signs requesting a $5 

donation. No donations are needed with California Poppy Park passes.

Location: Auburn (Placer County)                                                      

Address: Pleasant Street, Auburn (near the Fairgrounds)                    

Directions: Hwy 80 east exit Maple St, Hwy 80 west exit Hwy 49/Grass Valley, follow signs to Gold Country Fairgrounds. At High St turn left and proceed approx 1 block to Pleasant St, turn rt. Follow Pleasant St approx 3/4 of a mile across the RR tracks and the staging area is on your left.  

Staging area: day use only  - the staging area is the end of the Western States Trails. The parking area is long and a little narrow but should be able to handle most any size rig and accommodate quite a few rigs. PLEASE NOTE: the staging area is near the RR tracks and occasionally a train passes by and it is loud.

Dogs: allowed on leash

Trails: Trail head is near the large water trough. The trails are mostly single track, easy to moderate in difficulty. It is a beautiful trail that parallels the river and takes you to No Hands Bridge. After crossing the bridge and climbing the hill up you have the option of crossing Hwy 49 to end up at the Confluence staging area or continue on the trail and end up at the Olmstead staging area (about a 7-8 mile ride one way).   About 2/3 of the way to No Hands Bridge there are graduated wide "steps" built into the hill that your horse must navigate. The trail can get a bit dusty during the summer months especially near the trail head. You may want to check out the Auburn State Recreation Area website (www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=502) for more information.

Water: there is water available, usually with a hose and a large trough for drinking

Restroom facilities: 2 porta potties

Other info: This staging area is used for the end of the Tevis Endurance ride held every summer.

Fees: $5 donation requested but no donation required if you have a Poppy pass (yearly pass sells for is $125. -the passes will work at many of the State parks - each type of pass comes with a list when purchased. Passes can be purchased at a state park ranger office or on-line and are good for 1 year from month of purchase .)

See “trail pictures” tab located to the left of this page for photos and more information.

Print this page to take with you for reference.

Friendly reminder, be smart, do not leave any valuables in your vehicle.