Name: Hike w/ Geology - Empire Mine Ruins (moderate)
Start: 2026-08-02T13:00:00-0600
End: 2026-08-02T16:30:00-0600

Sign-ups will officially open on June 28th at 9 PDT/ 11 CDT/ 12 EDT. Activities without signup limits are available now. Need help? The Summit Handbook and our pick a hike guide are helpful resources! Email [email protected] with additional questions or message us in Sched!

Session availability is subject to change due to weather, availability, and interest. Classes with fewer than 5 participants are subject to cancellation.

Hike w/ Geology - Empire Mine Ruins (moderate)

Limited spots

Sunday August 2, 2026 1:00pm - 4:30pm MDT

Limited Capacity seats available

Hike Guide

This is a short out-and-back hike, 2.5 miles with a 200-foot total climb, to a former gold mine where structures and equipment associated with the mine are still present. The main structures are located near the top of a slope. This is a fun chance to poke around interesting old wooden and brick mining ruins & excavations from as early as the 1890s. The photogenic old structures and interpretation from veteran Summit geology expert Dave Egan set this hike apart as a unique opportunity. The gold, silver, and garnet mining here began in the 1890s. Collectors have reported finding specimens of garnet, pyrite, and disseminated gold flakes in the area -- collecting is allowed.

50-minute drive each way

Faculty

Dave Egan

Geology Leader, Faculty

Dave Egan has enjoyed exploring and teaching about geology at Summits throughout the U.S., and occasionally Canada, for the past 30+ years. For folks of all ages, he provides an interpretation of the geology and natural setting in an understandable way, with the purpose of providing... Read More →

Sunday August 2, 2026 1:00pm - 4:30pm MDT

Hike, Difficulty- Moderate

Family Nature Summits: Black Hills Summit

Dave Egan

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Family Nature Summits: Black Hills Summit

Dave Egan

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