Home › California › Grass Valley › Hardrock Trail Entrance
Hardrock Trail Entrance
4.7 ★★★★★ 149 Google reviews · Running trail in Grass Valley, California · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Hardrock Trail Entrance's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking area featuring easy trails through a forested locale.
What runners say about Hardrock Trail Entrance
“Easy parking, close to freeway, miles of well-maintained trails for hiking, biking, and horse riding.”
“It offers easy access to a lovely, relatively flat, two-mile walk, with other trails branching off of it; a beautiful place to do some concentrated “forest bathing.”
The Hardrock Trail is part of the trail system of the Empire Mine State Park. But unlike the access at the park's main entrance to the historic mine structures, which can be found .7 miles down the road, this trail head has no entrance fee and features plenty of free parking.
I've lived in the area 2 years now and just discovered this trailhead. So many trail options, and not a lot of foot traffic. Beautiful! I'll be back!
Easy trail but even when I went on the weekend it was not very crowded which some people like but I prefer more people as I hike alone and get nervous when I’m alone in the forest 😬 Other then that great little trails.
This trail was beautiful. Some dog and horse poo were left along the trail, but not enough to ruin our fun.
Trail conditions & character
“So many great trails for Walking, jogging, dog walking, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding are all welcome here.”
“Seems urban from the trail parking lots but you'll quickly forget about the streets and cars a few minutes into your walk.”
“It offers easy access to a lovely, relatively flat, two-mile walk, with other trails branching off of it; a beautiful place to do some concentrated “forest bathing.”
“It offers easy access to a lovely, relatively flat, two-mile walk, with other trails branching off of it; a beautiful place to do some concentrated “forest bathing.”
Plan your run at Hardrock Trail Entrance
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websiteparks.ca.gov
- Phone(530) 273-8522
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–8 PM |
Running trails near Grass Valley
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Wolf Creek Trail
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The site of this state's oldest gold mine has miles of trails to hike, bike or explore on horseback.
Condon Park
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Alan Thiesen Trailhead
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Independence Trail
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