EMPIRE MINE HIKE
Thursday, July 30, 2009
DIFFICULTY:   Easy

ELEVATION GAIN:  Starting & lowest elevation - 2600  feet.  Highest  elevation - 2800 feet.

HIKE DISTANCE:  Approximately 5 miles

GENERAL LOCATION: In the outskirts of the city of Grass Valley

DESCRIPTION:   This outing will be a hike in the forest!!  Empire Mine State Park has an extensive trail system amid mixed oaks and conifers ---- hence providing a pleasant and mostly shaded hike.  We will  traverse the trails which are gentle in uphill and downhill walking  (and avoid the steep trails!).   Lunch will be hiker's choice ---- either at picnic tables in the shade or at a Grass Valley restaurant of your own  choosing.   After the hike and lunch,  those who are interested may  explore the fascinating mining history of Empire Mine in the Visitor's  Center, mining buildings, and grounds ----- a fee of $3 is charged for entrance.  No fee is charged for parking.  From a Grass Valley Chamber of Commerce pamphlet:  " The Empire  Mine was one of the oldest, largest, and richest mines in California.  During 107 years of operation, it produced more than $960 million in  gold.  The surface of the mine with its mansion, formal gardens,  mining artifacts and trail systems, make the park a renowned  historical and recreational showplace."

TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE:  About 1 hour and 20 minute drive, and  37 miles  one way.  Return time to Lincoln will depend on type of lunch ---  picnic or restaurant.  If picnic lunch, approximate return time ---  1:30 pm.    Those hikers wishing to eat lunch at a Grass Valley  restaurant need to ride in the same car.  Those who wish to explore  the Visitor's Center, buildings, and grounds need to bring a picnic  lunch and ride in the same car ---- as the return time to Lincoln will depend on the amount of time you spend exploring the Park.

A donation of $6 is suggested for riders.  Detailed driving directions  will be handed out to all drivers.

HIKE LEADER/SWEEP:  Sue Geisler and Rosemarie Gutmann

SPECIAL NOTES:

    FACILITIES:  Bathroom at Empire Mine State Park
    PREPARATION FOR HIKE:  See #8 Standard Hiking Equipment and #9  Guidelines for Hiking information on the website.  Hiking boots,  trekking poles (recommended, but not required),  water,  lunch (if  having picnic).
    RISKS:  Poison oak is trailside but can be avoided. 

IF TEMPERATURES  ARE IN THE TRIPLE DIGITS THE DAY BEFORE OR THE DAY OF THE HIKE --- THE  HIKE  WILL BE CANCELLED.

QUESTIONS:  Call Sue Geisler at 408-1010.

MEETING TIME:  7:30 AM - LEAVING TIME:  7:45  AM




Photo of the rare Humbolt Lily - as seen on the Empire Mine trail.