Empire Mine State Historic Park:
The State Historic Park is the site of the oldest, richest hardrock gold mine in California. Mine depths reached 11,007’ with over 367 miles of underground passageways. Museum visits and walks around the grounds are popular, and visiting the Bourn “cottage” is a favorite – especially when the formal gardens are in bloom.
The historic features attract many tourists, while it’s the hiking trails through the 750 acres of forested “backcountry” that bring locals back time and time again. Sitting prettily on the outskirts of Grass Valley, this is a great place for a hearty stroll.
Trail opportunities are summarized below. Pick up an informative and detailed Walking Trails brochure at the museum.
Hardrock Loop Trail: 2 miles, gentle, elevations: 2660’-2540’-2660’, 1 hour, Topographic map: Grass Valley. This trail includes 16 interpretive stops and it is the best way to appreciate the mining history: the remains of a stamp mill, abandoned mines, sand tailings and dam, and the remains of the North Star Water Line that served a 32-foot Pelton Wheel. The North Star Powerhouse and Museum lying east of the Empire Mine State Historic Park display the huge Pelton Wheel as well as many other mining artifacts.. Directions: the Hardrock Loop Trail is accessed through the Empire Mine SHP Museum.
Osburn Hill Loop Trail Area: 1 mile, moderate, elevations: 2540’-2900’, 0.5 hour, Topographic map: Grass Valley. An offshoot of the Hardrock Trail, this trail runs 1.0 mile southeast of the Penn Gate and includes the Powerline and Osburn Crosscut Trails, which offer shorter loops. The main trail skirts by 4 abandoned mines and at the top of the loop a bench provides a relaxing view. Directions: Park at Penn Gate trailhead on Empire Street then follow 1st mile of the Hardrock Trail to the Osburn Hill Loop Trail junction.
Union Hill Trail Area: 1 to 3 miles, gentle to moderate, elevations: 2660’-2900’, 0.5 to 1.5 hours, Topographic map: Grass Valley. The nearest thing to “backcountry” of the Park, this area includes the Pipeline, Indian Ridge, and Union Hill Trails, which offer several options through foothill forests with numerous wildflowers in season – even solitude on the edge of a bustling town. Directions: The main trailhead lies at the Colfax Highway 174 east and Empire Street intersection (east of the museum), or you can park in the museum area and follow connecting trails (east) to the Orleans Trail crossing over the Colfax Highway.
