Griffith Quarry

Griffith Quarry is a granite extraction site spanning approximately 23 acres with walking trails and a two-story stone building housing the museum. The grounds display multiple quarrying areas and remnants of a historic polishing mill from the mining era.

Welsh immigrant Griffith established this quarry in 1864 to supply granite for major buildings in San Francisco and the California State Capitol. The site became a key source of building material as California experienced rapid expansion during that period.

The museum displays period furnishings and exhibits about California's early stone industry and local heritage. The displays show how vital this location was to the region's development.

Visitors can obtain printed trail guides at the museum before exploring the three-mile network of paths throughout the quarry grounds. Sturdy footwear and plenty of water are recommended as you walk across the uneven terrain.

The location contains California's first successful granite polishing workshop, with remnants still visible among the preserved extraction sites. This rare industrial infrastructure shows how advanced stone processing techniques were during this era.

Location: Placer County

GPS coordinates: 38.85113,-121.16444

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:46