Trail Manager: Empire Mine State Historic Park | Contact (530) 273-8522
Length: Longest continuous distance is a 2.9 mile loop following various trails around the periphery of the Union Hill Trails Area.
Altitude Change: 175′ Maximum
Trail Surface: Natural Earth
Rules: Park trails are open from dawn to dusk; stay on marked trails; no motor vehicles; no camping; dogs must be on leash; all natural and historic features of the park are protected. Caution: poison oak, ticks, and rattlesnakes.
Trailheads: Gold Hill Trailhead: The primary trailhead is adjacent to a parking area at the end of Gold Hill Drive. (N39.21152 W121.04351) From Grass Valley, take the Colfax Highway 174 approximately 1.1 miles southeast from Highway 49 to Silver Way. Turn left onto Silver Way and take the second right turn onto Gold Hill Drive and follow it two blocks to the parking area by the trailhead.
Colfax Highway Trailhead: A secondary trailhead is located along the Colfax Highway 174. (N39.20719 W121.04144) From Grass Valley, take the Colfax Highway 174 approximately 1.5 miles east from Highway 49 and look for horse crossing signs along both sides of the highway just before you see the Calvary Bible Church on your right. The trailhead is visible as a wide dirt path next to the horse crossing sign on the north side of the highway. It is about 100 yards west of Mark Drive. There is no parking at the trailhead, but you can find road shoulder parking nearby. Please park completely off the road and take care crossing the busy highway.
Trail Facts: The Union Hill Trail Area is part of the 800-acre Empire Mine State Historic Park. The trails in this area are enjoyable for hiking, jogging, bicycling, and horseback riding. Separated by the Colfax Highway 174 from the main part of the park that contains the visitor center, historic buildings, and mining machinery, the Union Hill Trails Area has fewer visitors. It is a beautiful, peaceful place to enjoy nature that is only a short distance from Grass Valley.
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