Empire Mine State Historic Park

Hiking is golden here in California, and there are puptastic trails just waiting for you and Fido at the Empire Mine State Historic Park. Located in Grass Valley, this central-eastern portion of the state is where you can enjoy your day with your fur-ever friend by your side.

The park offers 14 miles of trails within its 800 acres. There are two different sets of trails located in the park. The Hardrock Trails and Union Hill Trails offer a mix of pup-friendly dirt and paved paths to hike where you can explore this gorgeous area.

Pick up the trailhead for the Hardrock Trails in the visitor’s center parking lot of the park itself. Head to the southeast corner of the lot and off you go! There are numerous trails here of varied lengths encircling all the park’s attractions and amenities. The longest trail runs here which is a 3.5-mile loop taking you through the area’s forests.

Access for the Union Hill Trails is situated on the other side of Colfax Highway, but is part of the park and accessible from the main entrance. Union Hill Trails offer variety and varying lengths where you can enjoy a less-traveled path with your pup! The forest grows dense here and wildlife can be expected. 

The park highlights the mining industry where over 5.8-million ounces of gold was found over a 100-year period before 1956, when the mines were closed. This area has become a tourist attraction where tours of the mine are given.

Trails allow use for hikers, bicyclists, horseback riders and jogging. Be sure to keep your pup on leash here for everyone’s safety. Cleaning up after them is a must to keep this park pup-friendly. Water and restrooms are near the visitor’s center.

Check out the Empire Mine State Historic Park for a hiking adventure not soon to be forgotten.