When to Go
The park can be visited year-round, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. Spring and fall will be the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Spring is a good time to see wildflowers around the Union Hill trails and to see the garden in bloom. When available, guided tours of the owner estate are offered between May and September.
Know Before You Go
- Not all buildings may be open to visitors. Check ahead to avoid disappointment.
- Due to historically narrow doorway widths and steep stair wells, not all attractions are accessible. Wide-tire wheelchairs can be borrowed and alternative entries and lifts are available in limited areas.
- Some trails are rocky and steep, so sturdy shoes are recommended. Also watch out for poison oak, ticks, and rattlesnakes while on trails.
- Dogs are permitted in the park but not inside historic buildings or in mine shafts.
Empire Mine State Historic Park
Explore one of the oldest, largest, deepest, longest, and richest gold mines in California.
From 1850 to 1956, the Empire Mine produced 5.8 million ounces of gold, worth more than $8 billion dollars by today’s standards. Now, this park spans 856 acres and includes forested backcountry in addition to the centerpiece complex of mine buildings, the owner’s mansion and gardens, and the entrance to 367 miles of underground mine shafts. The park also offers 14 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Camping is not permitted inside the park, but options can be found at Malakoff Diggins State Park and at private campgrounds near area lakes.
From 1850 to 1956, the Empire Mine produced 5.8 million ounces of gold, worth more than $8 billion dollars by today’s standards. Now, this park spans 856 acres and includes forested backcountry in addition to the centerpiece complex of mine buildings, the owner’s mansion and gardens, and the entrance to 367 miles of underground mine shafts. The park also offers 14 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Camping is not permitted inside the park, but options can be found at Malakoff Diggins State Park and at private campgrounds near area lakes.
When to Go
The park can be visited year-round, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. Spring and fall will be the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Spring is a good time to see wildflowers around the Union Hill trails and to see the garden in bloom. When available, guided tours of the owner estate are offered between May and
Read more...When to Go
The park can be visited year-round, with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. Spring and fall will be the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Spring is a good time to see wildflowers around the Union Hill trails and to see the garden in bloom. When available, guided tours of the owner estate are offered between May and September.
Know Before You Go
Public campgrounds (book externally) —