Griffith Quarry Historic Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Griffith Quarry Historic Park is a 23-acre park located in Penryn, California, that was once the site of a granite quarry that supplied granite for buildings such as the State Capitol Building in Sacramento.
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Summary
Today, the park offers visitors a glimpse into the history of the area and many outdoor recreational opportunities.
One of the main reasons to visit Griffith Quarry Historic Park is to see the remnants of the old quarry, such as the towering granite walls and the quarry pond. Visitors can also take a self-guided tour of the park to learn about the quarry's history and see artifacts from the mining era.
In addition to the quarry, visitors can also enjoy hiking and mountain biking on the park's trails, fishing in the pond, and picnicking in the shaded areas. The park also hosts events throughout the year, including a historic festival and a nature walk.
Interesting facts about the quarry include the fact that it was one of the largest granite quarries in California, and that the granite from the quarry was used in many prominent buildings throughout the state. The quarry was also the site of a major labor strike in 1900, when workers protested poor working conditions and low pay.
The best time of year to visit Griffith Quarry Historic Park is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the park is less crowded. The park is open year-round, but some of the trails may be closed during wet weather.
Overall, Griffith Quarry Historic Park is a unique and interesting destination for anyone interested in history, outdoor recreation, or just a peaceful escape from the city.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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