


Quarry Trail Parking Area
About
Quarry Trail Parking Area serves as the gateway to Auburn's popular trail system, offering families a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and recreational fun. With well-maintained hiking trails suitable for little legs, open spaces for running around, and quality playground equipment, this spot delivers multiple activities in one convenient location that keeps kids of all ages entertained.
Highlights
- ✓Well-maintained hiking trails with varying difficulty levels for different ages
- ✓Quality playground equipment for active play between trail adventures
- ✓Basketball courts for older kids and family games
- ✓Shaded picnic areas perfect for post-hike snacks and meals
- ✓Open grass areas ideal for frisbee, ball games, or letting toddlers roam safely
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early morning (before 9am) on weekends to snag shaded parking and enjoy cooler temperatures for hiking
- 2.Bring bikes or scooters, the paved areas near the parking lot are perfect for younger kids to ride while older siblings hit the trails
- 3.Pack a picnic and claim one of the shaded picnic spots after your hike; they fill up quickly on nice days
- 4.Wear closed-toe shoes with good traction as trail sections can be rocky and uneven, especially for younger hikers
- 5.Download a trail map beforehand as cell service can be spotty, stick to the main Quarry Trail loop for an easy family-friendly route
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for hiking with kids. Visit weekday mornings or late afternoons on weekends to avoid crowds. Summer mornings before 10am are ideal before temperatures climb, and you'll have better access to shaded areas.
What to Know
Free parking and admission make this an budget-friendly outing. No food facilities on-site, so pack snacks, plenty of water, and sunscreen. Restroom availability may be limited, so plan accordingly before hitting the trails.
Seasonal Notes
Spring brings wildflowers and green hillsides, making it the most scenic season for family photos. Summer can be very hot, visit early morning only. Fall offers comfortable hiking weather. Winter may bring muddy trail conditions after rain, but the park amenities remain accessible year-round.
Nearby Eats
Head to downtown Auburn (5 minutes away) for family-friendly options like Bootleggers Old Town Tavern & Grill with its casual kids' menu, or grab pizza at Mountain Mike's Pizza where kids can watch their pies being made.
More Activities Near Auburn
Auburn State Recreation Area
Auburn State Recreation Area offers families 40 miles of stunning trails along the American River canyon, complete with refreshing swimming holes that are perfect for cooling off on hot California days. With easy riverside picnic spots, kid-friendly hiking paths, and shallow areas for water play, this outdoor paradise provides the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation for families looking to escape into nature without traveling far from Auburn.
Regional Park Auburn Disc Golf Course
Regional Park Auburn Disc Golf Course is a sprawling community park that offers something for every family member. Beyond its well-maintained 18-hole disc golf course that's perfect for introducing kids to this accessible sport, the park features excellent playgrounds, open sports fields for impromptu games, and scenic walking trails that wind through beautiful Auburn terrain.
Auburn Library
Auburn Library offers a welcoming, modern space designed with families in mind. The extensive children's section provides age-appropriate books, interactive learning spaces, and comfortable reading nooks perfect for quiet exploration. Regular storytimes, craft programs, and the popular summer reading challenge make this a go-to destination for enriching, free entertainment that keeps kids engaged and learning.
Hidden Falls Regional Park
Hidden Falls Regional Park offers families an exciting outdoor escape with well-maintained trails that wind through stunning Auburn countryside to picturesque waterfalls. The park features multiple trail options suitable for various skill levels, making it perfect for families wanting to introduce kids to hiking in a manageable, rewarding setting where the promise of reaching a waterfall keeps little legs motivated.