The Auburn quarry (once known as the Spreckels quarry) lies within the boundaries of the Auburn State Recreation Area (ASRA). The remains of an old limestone quarry, it was bequeathed to the Bureau of Reclamation after the Teichert Inc. had determined that the lower quarry had yielded as much material as was financially feasible. The SRA allows recreational usages include hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, camping, mountain biking, gold panning, equestrian/horseback riding trails, off-highway motorcycle riding, and whitewater, with Class II, III and IV runs. Ironically enough, climbing was not addressed in the recreational usage plan despite the quarries’ large rock cliffs being ideally suited for technical rock climbing.

Access: HWY 80, stop in Silverfork just after School Rd. Avoid crossing through private property.

Parking: Paid parking at the trailhead, or on the side of the road.

Accommodation: no camping. There are port-a-potties at the fork in the trail and at the climbing area.

Food & Drink: Pack it all in and out. You aren’t far from Auburn. No facilities or water once you leave the highway.