The Auburn quarry (once known as the Spreckels quarry) lies within the boundaries of the Auburn State Recreation Area (ASRA) which is actually a state managed parcel of land owned by the Bureau of Reclamation. 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: Search for the Quarry Trail Parking Area on your favorite map app.

Parking: Paid parking at the trailhead, or on the side of the road. Get a CA State Parks Pass for annual access.

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.

Falcon Closures: https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/502/files/690-055-2025%20Cave%20Valley%20Temporary%20Closure-%20Auburn%20Sector.pdf

Temporary Closure of Horsehoe Canyon: A near fatal rockfall and groundfall accident that caused a near fatal secondary rockfall accident threatening EMS workers caused the temporary closure of Horseshoe Canyon. We are working to reopen this area soon.

Access Issues: It took a long time to advocate for the re-opening of Auburn Quarry which was closed to ALL climbing for years. Other pieces of rock in ASRA are closed to climbing. There is NO slacklining/highlining at Auburn Quarry; this activity may jeopardize all access.