Before you visit, it is important to ensure that you are expected. Please call ahead and make the necessary arrangements. This area of the national forest has a history of use as a marijuana growing region and hideout for scofflaws. As a result, the entire facility is electronically monitored and the Tuolumne County Sheriff's office will respond.

The road to the Gray Squirrel Mine is amazing. It's only 12 or 16 miles outside of Murphy's, but it takes you an hour or more to drive it. It winds above the Stannislaus River providing gorgeous views of the valley. Much of the road is single lane, so watch out for oncoming traffic (remember, the vehicle heading uphill has the right-of-way.)

The last 6 miles are dirt (or mud) with switchbacks that take you from the Stannislaus River bed (at about 1,000 ft elevation) straight up to 2,400 feet. Four-wheel drive is not necessary in good weather, but in heavy winter weather, the road is impassible.

Contact us for a detailed topographic map.