Confluence - Old Lime Stone Quarry (part of the Auburn State Recreation Area)                                                                                                                                 

Location: Half way between Auburn and Cool (El Dorado County, just over the Placer County line)

Directions: approx 3 miles south of Auburn, Ca on Hwy 49 off Hwy 80 - exit Elm St from Hwy 80. Turn left coming from the west, go 1 block and turn left at the stoplight onto Hwy 49. Continue traveling south on Hwy 49 towards Cool for approx 3 miles, turning right at the bridge. The staging area is located 1/4 mile south on the left after you cross the river.  NOTE: Hwy 49 is winding but very manageable unless you have an extremely large rig. 

Staging area: Day use only -this staging area is better suited for cars then horse trailers but it is doable with a trailer that is not too large and the parking lot is fairly empty - better to try it during the weekdays versus weekends, summer is also a very busy time. For more information on Auburn State Recreation Area you may want to visit their website at (www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=502). Parking is allowed along the highway - better suited for car parking and the $10 fee still applies.

Dogs: allowed on leash

Trails: nice wide fairly flat trail for the first mile or two (this first part of the trail is called Old Quarry Road Trail), then the trail becomes not quite as flat but still an easy trail with a few areas becoming a bit narrower. You can ride for approx 6-7 miles along this trail which parallels the river until you come to Poverty Bar where you must cross the river to continue. This trail is well used by hikers, bicyclists and dogs as well as horses. Approx 2 miles down the trail, the trail becomes the Western States Trail and you can either cut over on the trail to the right (part of Western States Trail) which will take you to the Olmstead Loop (after crossing Hwy 49 near Cool at the Quarry) or continue straight on the Western States Trail which continues all the way to Lake Tahoe. 

Water: none, horses can drink at the river in several places

Restroom facilities: none at the staging area but there a couple of porta potties with in the first mile of the trail 

Other info: there is a picnic table at the staging area and also a few located just off the trail in the first mile or so. Please note that there is an off road vehicle park located across the river and on the days it is open it can be fairly noisy along one section of the trail (about 2.5 miles in). Also about a mile down the trail there is an old sealed up mine. This is where the trail "splits", stay to the right and you will continue on to the Western States Trail.

Fees: $10 day use (there is a yearly pass you can purchase , the Poppy pass is $125 for a year. 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 or trailer.