Each summer, Auburn, California becomes the epicenter of the equestrian world as it welcomes the finish of the Tevis Cup Ride. The oldest and most prestigious endurance horseback ride in the world.
Spanning 100 rugged miles from Lake Tahoe to Auburn, the Tevis Cup is a true test of partnership between horse and rider, demanding courage, stamina, and trust.
Auburn’s Role in a Global Tradition
For decades, the Tevis Cup has brought international attention to Auburn. Riders and their support crews travel from across the United States and around the globe to tackle the Sierra Nevada trails, following a path that blends history, wilderness, and challenge. The event is more than a competition, it’s a tradition that cements Auburn’s identity as the “Endurance Capital of the World.”
When the riders thunder into town and cross the finish line at the Auburn Fairgrounds, the community comes alive. Local businesses hum with activity, restaurants overflow with stories from the trail, and spectators line the way to celebrate the remarkable spirit of endurance.
The Foothills Motel: A Gathering Place for Tevis Cup Riders
At the Foothills Motel, we’re honored to play a part in this world-class event. Each year, our rooms fill with equestrians, crew members, and supporters who come to Auburn for the Tevis Cup. The motel becomes a home base for preparation and recovery, a place where tack is organized, horses are discussed, and riders can finally exhale after long days on the trail.
Our courtyard and hallways echo with conversations revolving around a shared love of horses and the challenge of the trail. Guests often remark that staying at Foothills during Tevis feels like being part of a family, one united by endurance, grit, and an unshakable bond with their animals.
Convenience is also part of the experience. The Foothills Motel is just ten minutes from the Tevis Cup finish at the Fairgrounds and an equestrian trailhead, making it easy for riders to connect with Auburn’s legendary network of trails. We’re also dog-friendly, so four-legged companions are always welcome, and with a dog park nearby, it’s simple to give them a chance to stretch their legs and enjoy Auburn too.
More Than a Ride
The Tevis Cup is more than a race from Lake Tahoe to Auburn; it is a celebration of Auburn’s enduring spirit and its role in hosting one of the greatest tests of horse and rider in the world. For our town, it means economic vitality, cultural exchange, and a yearly reminder that Auburn is not just a place on the map, it’s a place where history and endurance meet.
At the Foothills Motel, we are proud to welcome riders and supporters from near and far, year after year, and to celebrate their accomplishments as they become part of Auburn’s legendary Tevis Cup story.
Why Choose Foothills Motel?
- Newly Renovated: Retro-stylish and with the best beds money can buy
- We Have Bowling: Enjoy bowling with friends and your partner or pool and darts, full bar too!
- Beer Tasting: Three award-winning breweries nearby
- Wine Tasting: Wineries and the Placer Wine Trail are within a few minutes drive
- Restaurants within Walking Distance: 8 restaurants in walking distance from your room
- Get Out of the City: Fun Things to do in Auburn
In addition to being so newly renovated, some rooms have a patio allowing you to relax and enjoy the more simple things outside. And who knows, you might just land in room 208, where Emilio Estevez’s movie, “Wisdom” was filmed!
Book Your Stay Today