Empire Mine State Park                               

Location: Grass Valley (Nevada County)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

Address: Empire St (park address is 10791 East Empire St  Grass Valley, Ca 95945)

Phone: 530 273-8522

Web Site: www.empiremine.org

Directions: From Hwy 80 going east exit Hwy 49 north in Auburn, proceed north on Hwy 49 approx 22 miles to Grass Valley. Exit Hwy 20/Empire St, turning right onto Empire St and proceed approx .6 miles to the Penn Gate Staging area located on the right. From Hwy 80 going west exit on Hwy 20 which becomes Hwy20/49 in Nevada City, continue on to the Empire St exit and from Marysville area take Hwy 20 which becomes Empire St after crossing over Hwy 49. There will be white gates which will be closed - open and proceed into staging area, closing gates after entering.     

Staging area: The staging area is not very large but can accommodate a fairly large rig. If rigs are parked on the diagonal backing to the trees more rigs can fit. 

Dogs:  allowed on leash

Trails: Most of the trails are easy, some slight hills with one or two of the hills being on the steeper side. There is one large shallow water crossing - great place for the horses to drink. Most of the trails are wide, a few recently covered (July 2009) in a base rock. The trails are divided into 2 sections with the second section being on the other side of Hwy 174. Watch for cars when crossing as they do go fast - weekend traffic is busier then weekday traffic. Many of the trails are ideal for moving out on whether you are gaiting, trotting or cantering. Trails are multi use so you will see hikers, dogs and bicycles. Some of the trails back up to surrounding homes.

Water: there is no water, good idea to bring in your own

Restroom facilities: one older port a potty ( as of Oct 2012 the port a potty has been removed, hopefully another one will be sponsored soon)

Other info: Lots of shade with all the trees, can also see some of the remnants of mining along some of the trails. There is a picnic table located off one of the main trails. Trail map is located at trail head - there should also be one you can take with you.

Fees: no fee

See “trail pictures” tab located to the left of this page for photos and more information.                                                                   

Print this page to take with you for reference.

Friendly reminder, be smart, do not leave any valuables in your vehicle.