Empire Mine Historic State Park Hike
Thursday February 22, 2024
DIFFICULTY: Easy
ELEVATION: 479 gain. Start point around 2,600 feet.
HIKE DISTANCE: Approximately 4.4 miles
GENERAL LOCATION: Outskirts of Grass Valley
DESCRIPTION: We will hike the Hardrock, Osborne Hills, Empire Street Loop
located in Empire Mines Park. This mine was once the most profitable gold mine
in California during the gold rush. We will start at the visitor’s center and traverse
the surrounding trails lined with conifers, pine, and oak trees. There are some
gentle uphill and downhill areas, but the trails are mostly flat and lined with leaves
and pine needles. There were a few areas with a steady uphill climb and a few rocky
areas. After rains there are some patches of mud. We will end our hike at the
picnic tables by the main parking lot. After lunch, those interested can
join a one-hour mine tour which starts at noon from the Visitor's Center. The tour,
led by a park volunteer, is very interesting and takes you part way down a mine
shaft. It does require standing most of the tour. There are beautiful grounds to
walk in.
TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE: About 50–55-minute drive and 36 miles one way.
Return time to Lincoln will depend on whether you explore the area after lunch, or
not. If lunch without exploring, return time to Lincoln would be approximately 1:00
pm. If staying to explore, ride in a car where everyone plans to stary for the tour,
the return time would be approximately 2:30pm. There is a $5 entrance fee into
the to the Center and grounds if you stay to explore. There is no fee for parking.
A donation of $8 is suggested for all riders. Driving directions --- see attached
and please print before coming to the hike, if driving.
HIKE LEADER: Laura Hamilton SWEEP: Debbie Knowles
SPECIAL NOTES:
FACILITIES: Bathrooms near the Visitor's Center and picnic tables at
lunchtime. The Visitor Center opens at 10:00am and the bathroom facilities are
open at 9:00am.
PREPARATION FOR HIKE:
1) Bring a copy of your ID (Driver's License), health card, and an emergency
contact name and phone number with you when you hike.
2) If you have any health issues, please consider your condition before
hiking.
3) Always bring 2 pairs of shoes along with a plastic bag to store your
muddy/dusty boots after the hike.
4) Bring lunch and water.
5) Trekking poles are not required for this hike, but may help with some of the rocky
and uphill areas.
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RISKS: Some poison oak but it can be avoided.
QUESTIONS: Call Laura Hamilton (925) 586-5411.
MEETING TIME: Meet 7:45am at Far end of Orchard Creek Parking Lot in front
of Fitness center, rows 12-14. LEAVE Parking lot for hike: 8:00am
PHOTOS FROM PREHIKE HIKE ROUTE DRIVING DIRECTIONS
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