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Almaden Quicksilver County Park
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
65 reviews for Almaden Quicksilver County Park
65 reviews in English
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Review from Talga V.
San Jose, CA
1/20/2012
Honestly, I'm partial to these trails because I live near them and have gone on countless runs throughout. I know this place so well and I think there is a trail or section of trail to appeal to everyone. Some offer beautiful shaded areas, and other vast open views. There are also many areas with old buildings, equipment, and historical artifacts scattered around which offer great opportunities for photographs and exploration.
Another thing I love are the many trails that run off from one another, so you have many opportunities to change your route and try new areas at the drop of a hat. Some are steeper than others, so you can modify your work out or hike however you'd like. It even leads you across Hicks Road to a nearby trail called the Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve, which is a challenging hike, but a different review :b
Anyway I'd like to end this with a question, because I'm new to Yelp. Can anyone inform me how to msg other yelpers or ask questions about other reviews. I've noticed some pics posted by Anthony B. and Brenda L. of a mine shaft /tunnel that I believe was called San Cristobal Tunnel 1866, which I have yet to see myself. I've been on these trails hundreds of times, and I have no idea where that is but I would love to see it. Can anyone give me any info on that? I'd really appreciate it!
- Thanks! -
Review from Heather K.
Bay Area
Oh, the places you'll go.....
Went much deeper into the park via the Mockingbird entrance and discovered English Camp, Spanish Town and many other ruins of civilizations past.
Still on my list of things to discover and explore....a mine!
This is such a treasure in the middle of Almaden!2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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12/31/2011
Still love this park!
I just discovered a new entrance and a more challenging trail via the… Read more »
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Review from Lisa R.
1/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
LOVE LOVE LOVE....my friend Ian and I did the 17.28 mile loop today. Kicked our asses, but we loved every moment. Took 5.5 hours and was brutal on the up elevation....
Great location, close to civilization and yet you can go have a day here without planning too far ahead.
Beautiful vistas....so lucky to have this in our backyard. -
Review from Patricia A.
San Francisco, CA
12/25/2011
Oh how I miss having a horse to take me up cardiac hill but all the same I walked and it wasn't too bad. Plan to do more walking in 2012. I have to remember all the times Faye would charge up a hill without breaking a sweat because I do a lot more sweating ...that is for certain.
I may indeed borrow a horse in the future and take a trek but in all reality I would only remember Faye and cry so I should stick to walking its the least I can do. -
Review from Scott P.
One of the best places to hike... each park entrance from Mockingbird to Mcabee has a variety of trails to challenge you or take you on a leisurely walk. You can find climbs that will burn calories or mild single track in the shade. Something for everyone.
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Review from Esther S.
11/14/2011
Took the drive here with my mentee to the Woods Trail entrance. I think this is one of the smaller entrances since we hardly saw anyone there. Overall the hike/walk was ok. Wish more of the trail was in the trees but a good majority is with open fields with lots of up and downs.
Walked all the way up to the mine and the mine loop. From the wood trail side, this loop is an UPHILL climb. The mine itself was kinda spooky. We only went half way in and got too creeped out to continue on the cold cloudy day. My dog wouldn't venture forward either haha
Beware: if you bring your pet, there are tick warnings! I kept a close watch on my dog (where she stepped and sniffed) and I still found a tick on her.
Very peaceful surroundings. Just wish there were more trees (especially ones with fall color!)Listed in: Out and About
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Review from Cynthia P.
Alameda, CA
10/25/2011
I regret not discovering this place earlier, even though it was right in my 'hood (I've even biked past it several times throughout the summers I've lived in South San Jo).
Ample parking and great trails with lots of trees and great views of the Santa Cruz mountains and the city of San Jose. Some rest stops (picnic tables) along the way, and the trails weren't crowded despite going on a weekend. -
Review from Madeline W.
San Jose, CA
9/28/2011 1 photo
This is the only dog-friendly place to go on a "real" hike in San Jose proper. But luckily, our one option is excellent!
On a clear day, you can see downtown SJ, Oakland, and SF from the top of the hill. In the winter, Almaden Valley finally gets a brush of fall color and the sun-exposed sections of trail are easier to handle. I've seen sounders of wild boar, hawks, chipmunks, and plenty of other wildlife.
If you're not the hiking type, you can drive in to visit the museum and learn about the history of the mercury mines. Fascinating. -
Review from Phi L.
San Jose, CA
8/15/2011
Who here doesn't like to stand amid the ruin of man and revel in the absolution and liberation of final reckoning? No? Just me?
OK, well apocalypse fetish aside this place is filled with the remnants of a former time--the decaying edifices of human commerce: old mine shafts, rusted ore furnaces, buildings in various stages of collapse, the skeletal shells of crashed cars.
Yes, from the late 19th century well into the early 20th century this place was home to the largest mercury mining operation around. Communities grew around it to house the workers and at various times throughout America's history the place was occupied by Army Corps of Engineers, the Civilian Conservation Corps, and in all likelihood probably some badass Old West motherfuckers.
I should probably mention there's also this open mine-tunnel accessible to hikers. The San Cristobal Mine. Think of a stereotypical mine tunnel...with wooden trestle supports and steel rail tracks for mine carts leading out of it. That's exactly what the San Cristobal Mine tunnel is. A few hundred feet into the tunnel the opening is sealed off (for our safety of course), but it's dark and dank and creepy and if you have the right eyes, a portal into another dimension...or another time.
Really, the whole park makes you feel like you're going back in time, or so far forward you're no longer anything but an eerie memory residue lingering in a ruin like a ghost. I love ruins. I like to see what happens after civilization ends and nature reclaims its dominion. It gives me a sense of perspective, like I'm watching all of human history unfold before my eyes. It gives me a sense of liberation, like humanity in all its folly has been wiped to a nice pristine tabula rasa to start over and try again.
One day when the big quake sinks most of San Francisco under the bay, I want to go there and explore its ruins. It will be beautiful. But until then, I have Almaden Quicksilver County Park.Listed in: South Bay Wayfarers
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Review from Kenny P.
9/6/2011
Really cool and easy place to go on a hike if you're a local. I was just up here over the weekend and thought it hadn't changed a bit since the last couple time I was there. I went hiking here shortly months ago and before that was probably three years ago. Since then, I have mostly explored new hiking locations which were either much more difficult near east San Jose or even in the west near Los Gatos.
The place is never too busy and it seems pretty safe (no mountain lion attacks that i know of). There are not too many poisonous snakes or plants on the trail most of the time... but there is always the risk that you might come across one. I remember coming across a rattle snake at the large Joseph Grant park. The trail has a good amount of shade and I'd rate it's overall difficulty at beginner to intermediate. -
Review from Frances T.
San Jose, CA
7/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
Aside from the natural hues of lush greens that lead your exploring eyes to the limitless blue skies, my favorite part about Quicksilver is getting LOST! This may become a nuisance to most, but for me, getting lost in nature is the best form of exploration. There are plenty of maps for you to grab and study, and markers along the way to help guide you, but even those aren't helpful if it's your first time, so just have fun putting your sense of direction to the test.
The trail starts off as a lengthy incline that makes you wonder how much longer you are going to have to walk uphill. Pretty crucial for an unfit person like me, but well worth it once you reach the beautiful view of the bay! For the remainder of the walk, I found the leftover mining establishments to be educational and interesting to peak at. It felt as if I just scored a hike + museum deal in one! (You know I love my museums.)
I detoured into an inside side trail that I enjoyed a lot because it was quiet and undisturbed and offered lots of trees and shade. I don't know what the trail was called because everything said Mine Trail at the time!! On the way back down I took Deep Gulf, which my booty did not appreciate because, as it appears, the name of the trail was far from misleading. In other words, it really did feel like miles worth of walking down steep gulfs!! Owwie for my buttocks and calves. But if that's what you're looking for, then by all means, be my guest.
Once I reached the parking lot, I ended my day with a nice lunch that I packed up and had it at one of the lunch tables. I highly recommend this because after a long hike, you deserve a treat and what better way to have it than with an abundant amount of gorgeous trees and mountains? Don't worry; the lunch tables are shaded. ;)
P.S. Watch out for poison ivy. -
Review from Josh B.
San Jose, CA
6/10/2011 3 photos
Almaden Quicksilver Park offers some of the best hiking trails in San Jose. The climb in elevation will get your heart pumping as you overlook the beautiful (and increasingly smoggy) Santa Clara Valley. Springtime is especially spectacular when the wildflowers are in full bloom. The wildlife is abundant, so you may run into deer, wild turkey, quail, and rattlesnakes. Dogs are allowed, but be sure to check them for ticks if they can't resist tromping through the grass like a certain dumb dog I know. This is a great park for locals but not as breathtaking as coastal California or the Sierras.
The park is named after the old quicksilver (mercury) mine that was built here generations ago. Several dilapidated buildings from that era still stand, providing a unique glimpse into the region's history. If you aren't afraid of the dark, you can walk a short distance into the San Cristobal Mine entrance. I recommend learning a little bit about the park's history to enrich the experience of hiking and mountain bike riding here.
This park also serves as an important reminder of the mining industry's environmental impacts. The water here is contaminated with mercury and unsafe to drink, so be sure to bring drinking water for yourself and your dogs. The mine shafts have been filled and closed in order to prevent further mercury pollution. I'm not too worried about mercury poisoning, but I try to avoid dusty days since I come here regularly.
Thanks to you taxpayers, the parking is free and there is no park usage fee. The Park Rangers on patrol are pleasant and helpful.
Tip: For steep hiking trails in the shade, try Deep Gulch (Hacienda entrance) or Hacienda (Mockingbird Hill entrance). Happy trails! -
Review from Lorrayne L.
Oakland, CA
3/29/2011
This place is WHACKED!
I'm getting a little disillusioned on Yelp, and am contemplating thoughts of deleting my account. So, I'm just gonna make my second review of the day and see if I can't relieve myself of this temporary inclination.
Once again, this place is WHACK! Why? The park map kinda sucks, so the guys and I got a little lost while hiking around on Sunday. I am a purveyor of maps; I grew up reading maps; I fucking majoured in maps in college. So therefore, I was a bit miffed with this one. That's the ONLY reason they get 4 stars instead of 5.
Other than that, the park's really nice, with really good elevation changes to get your heart pumping and legs fucked. The fresh air and exercise was definitely what the doctor called for to help get rid of most of my last vestiges of sickness from my body. And I got a little sunburned too. Whod'da thunkit? I mean, there was hardly any sun on Sunday, but I got burned anyway. Me! The "Oh, I thought you were Cambodian" chick! Like, WTF?! I shoulda known better and thrown some of my 100 spf on. Or worn a hat. Dammitall. At least I didn't wear my shades and gotten panda eyes again. That shit never goes away.
We hiked a good 6 miles that day, up and down around 400 ft elevation changes. It would have been more lovely had the trails not been washed out by landslides and covered in cinnabar mud. But that's the beauty of going somewhere right after a huge storm. It's fun getting dirty; that is, until it gets in your shoes and socks. Then it's not cool. Luckily, my trusty jeans stopped that from occuring when my foot sunk into a mud hole. Watch where you're stepping, idiot!
We only covered a little bit of the area around Mine Hill and White (English) Camp. (I loved the whole racial theme to this park) Spanish Town doesn't really exist anymore, and we got to see the remnants of the Hidalgo Cemetery. There's only one marker left, and I love how the past inhabitants marked the gravesite by planting non-indigenous trees (I don't know what kind they were, but they really stood out amongst the oaks and manzanitas). MN was really brave and actually went into the site and took pics. S_ and I were like "no thanks". I did notiice the air pressure's a little bit heavier around the gravesite than the rest of the park, so if you're sensitive like me, you might have a little fun there.
Overall, I enjoyed our visit there, and I'd like to do a return trip when it's dry and warm. The rocks there are absolutely gorgeous, and I think I almost made out with one of them (you serpentine with calcitic veins, you!). I wanted to take them home with me, but they were a bit too large for me to haul. Maybe next time. I'll bring a CAT with me.Listed in: Get Lost
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Review from Graydon M.
Los Gatos, CA
8/22/2011
Have been here several times and have enjoyed each time. The benefit is that I just moved to Almaden and now I'm only 3 minutes from one of the entrances so that's fantastic.
Lots of beautiful trails, lots of beautiful vistas. Be sure to plan out your hike though because some can get pretty long and if you have young children like I do then you may end up carrying them. I've only explored a small portion of this part and look forward to continuing my exploration. -
Review from Kimberlee H.
Fremont, CA
4/7/2011
Our original destination was Uvas County Park. I was excited to see the waterfalls because I've never seen one up close before. It was Wednesday afternoon, and the entire park was closed due to rock slides. It'll re-open as soon as it can.
Looking for another county park/hiking grounds, my friend and I found Almaden (after many pull'over on the roads and waving police officers off that we weren't lost). It is near a residential neighborhood, so you're going to have to drive about 2 miles through residential streets. An adequately size parking lot on a dirt road. Pulled up, and it looked country as hell. A chick was walking with blazin red/orange frizzy hair in shorts and cowboy boots and a tank top, and another chick was leading a horse somewhere. Truly felt western, lol.
We took Mine Trail and came left at every single split. It was a total 3 hour hike, and elevation ranges from 700-1700 ft. For beginners, this can be a tough trail for you. The only trail I've hiked in the Bay Area was Mission Peak which is about 2200 elevation, so Almaden was a piece of cake for me. I was hoping to have sweat spots on my thin Army PT shirt, but I barely broke a sweat on my nose. So for moderate/advanced hikers, seek elsewhere. For beginners, this is a wonderful trail for a new beginning!
The only downside is all the bugs and black mosquitoes flying in clusters on some parts of the trail. I'll probably return to this trail and jog it. But until then, onwards on my Bay Area hiking experience! :) -
Review from Angie H.
San Jose, CA
4/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Horse Poo.
No, really, the trail is FULL of horse poo everywhere.
Maybe its because we went on a Sunday afternoon in the spring time, maybe what I experienced was uncommon, but OH MY GOSH the first mile of the trail was like a minefield! (old mercury mine, minefiled, get it??.... Ohnevermind). Not to mention the smell. I'm glad we went in the afternoon when it was cooling down, I can only imagine the horror under the midday heat.
The poo situation gradually got better once we climbed higher up, it's a nice hike with great views and plenty of shade. As some other reviews have mentioned the historical stuff is pretty cool. For some reason their "do not enter" and "animal with deadly virus" signs made me want to go explore in the restricted area even more, thankfully the bf has enough sense in him to stop me before I clumsily fall to my death, or get infected and cause a zombie induced apocalypse.
We went up Mine Hill Rd and came back down English Camp Trail, a 3 miles+ circle. It was a nice hike, it left me wondering why is that dog owners are responsible to pick up after their dogs but not people with horses? If anything horses shit a whole lotta more than dogs do...
Trail signs are a bit unclear, thankfully I didn't have to navigate, but it's not that confusing anyway, if you are worried just look at the different trails on googlemap before you go. -
Review from Crazy J.
Phoenix, AZ
4/26/2011
I love this park! It's got many miles of trails for running/hiking and awesome views of the Santa Cruz mountains and the Santa Clara valley.
My favorite trail in the park is the New Almaden trail which has a lot of shade and meanders through forest and over small creeks. And flowers in the springtime!
Many of the other trails in the park are fireroads, so they are wide and flat, not technical at all.
In the summer, it can get quite hot in the park, so be warned. -
Review from Michael S.
Campbell, CA
7/21/2011
This is one of my two favorite Bay Area parks.
The southeast end of the park has the Mine Hill Trail where you can view the various buildings and equipment left over from the abandoned mercury mine. This trail is very popular and there are never maps available at the southeast entrance off Almaden Rd., so if you visit this park it might be good to print a copy of the map in advance. The southeastern trails are also steeper, however, and don't seem to attract as many families as the northwest part of the park.
The northwest part has great scenery once you get a mile into it. It's less steep and seems to attract a lot more families. There are also some narrower, less-developed trails in the middle of the park such as the New Almaden Trail.
On a side note, this park and Sierra Azul next door seem to have more rattlesnakes than other Bay Area parks. I wouldn't recommend letting kids or dogs run free if you're on a narrow trail or no other people are around - the last time I explored a less-used trail here I ran into a coiled rattlesnake sitting up on the side of the trail about waist-high. Other people I talked to reported finding rattlesnakes here too. -
Review from Jen Y.
San Jose, CA
9/19/2011
I usually hike at Rancho San Antonio, so Almaden Quicksilver park was a nice detour. I like the variety among the trails. Hacienda trail has a steep incline while others are relatively level.
Bring enough water because I haven't seen any water fountains on the trails.
As other people have said, it's best to read the map and posts very carefully. The posts seem to point in the opposite direction of where you want to go.
I also suggest you bring bug spray in the summer. Interesting enough, my California Baby sunblock repelled flies by itself. With Epicenial sunblock, flies came to me like honey! -
Review from Brenda L.
7/5/2011 22 photos
I have come here maybe three times. I love hiking here because of the historic artifacts left behind from the mining times. There are several trails to follow, ea/ with differing difficulties. When you get to the top you see a view of the Santa Cruz mountains. What I like best about this place are the 3 abandoned old cars you'll see on the hillsides. Play some I-spy and click "cool" if you've found them :)
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Review from Jay F.
Saratoga, CA
2/21/2011 5 photos
This place is pretty awesome. It's got a very wide network of trails. The views of the South Bay are impressive and abundant, and the historical sites are pretty cool.
I recommend checking out English Camp for its ruins and interpretive signs.
Also remember to keep your eyes open for cool things. There are banana slugs around, and watch your step in the wet season so you don't step on a poor little California Newt. If you are into mushrooms I have found some Chanterelle's here as well.
Finally around dusk be alert for a Bobcat sighting. I was lucky enough to see one only 20-30 feet away and it was pretty chill.
My one knock on it is that there are so many trails you had better bring a map. Don't leave your car without getting one from a near by kiosk. It will come in very handy.
Overall this is a pretty sweet place with a variety of things to do and see. -
Review from Pauline D.
Gilroy, CA
9/6/2010 9 photos
After hiking a few miles here, you'll be rewarded with one of THE BEST views of the Silicon Valley.
We started from the entrance at Mockingbird Hill, where there's plenty of free parking along the streets.
I love that there's so much variation in the terrain; we really got to appreciate Mother Nature in all her glory. Our eight-mile trek took us along Guadalupe Reservoir, up mountains, through beautiful wildflowers, past remnants of the mining era, and down in the lush forest by Randol Creek.
By the end, be ready for somewhat of a reality check. You'll find yourself in a deep existential daze...
-- "With all this beauty on Earth, what is my role?"
-- "What is meaningful and valuable in life?"
-- "How did this all get here? What is it all about?"
If you're not a frequent hiker (like me), not to worry! Just be sure to print out the topographic map from the SCCG website and plan your route to include or exclude the steeper trails. http://www.sccgov.org/...
Benches found here and there along the way are lunch-friendly but most importantly, be sure to pack a liter of water with you to stay adequately hydrated. Mother Earth au naturale = no convenient water fountains, and crappy cell phone reception = no help!Listed in: San JO, you know!, Climb Every Mountain
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Review from Jenna R.
San Jose, CA
5/1/2011
Love hiking here. On the 5.8 new almaden trail I burn 800 calories. This hike takes 1.5 hours and has beautiful views. Keep on the look out for rattlesnakes. My last hike we almost stepped on one. Luckily they warn you when you get to close. I love this hike.
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Review from Susan D.
10/27/2010 5 photos
This county park is a fun way to spend an afternoon if you're in a healthy mood. I took my Bella up there and we enjoyed the distant views of the city, as well as the trails that take you to different features such as an old mine and a farm. There are warning signs about hiking after dark though... apparently there are mountain lions in the area so be careful around dusk and with small children or pets.
No parking that I saw but if you go on off hours, you can just park along side the road in the residential area.
See ya there! -
Review from Tiffany N.
San Jose, CA
11/22/2010
Yes, it has a wonderful view, shady, good exercise, would be a lovely place to have a picnic, yes yes yes, all very true.
However, the signs suck, A LOT. Given, I probably wouldn't care if my friend and I weren't so dumb and decided to start our hike rather late (resulting in getting lost back to the parking lot, the sun setting, a lot of fearful hand-holding, squinting in the dark, and a parking ticket). But honestly, they might as well not have signs. "Mine trail 0.6 miles away," meaning, 0.6 miles away to the next sign that tell you how far the next sign is does me ZERO good. I'm not about to remember 1000 signs so I can get to my car. Bring bread crumbs, or something. Hansel and Gretel it up.
And, we couldn't even find the mine (where did everyone else find this unicorn of a mine because we followed those signs until there were no more "mine trail [distance] away"?).
Other than the pitch black, potentially irrational fear of a Donner Party reinactment, very enjoyable. Will try it again, very early in the morning, where there will be plenty of light. -
Review from Nana B.
Glendale, CA
8/23/2010
I never went hiking when I lived in San Jose but if I did this would be the place.
Pros:
Location
Free Parking
Wild Turkeys
Beautiful Scenery
Allows Dogs
Cons:
No general store or market near it -
Review from Alex B.
4/24/2011
Prepare to go straight UP for a couple miles!! We made the mistake of bringing our English Bulldog. Not a good idea! He's a non-sporting dog!! He was panting like crazy... especially because there was NO SHADE along the trail. Don't go on a hot summer day. Oh - and watch out for the mountain bikers and horse poop! Great place for a workout.
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Review from Phoebe T.
San Jose, CA
4/25/2010 2 photos
I'm not much of a hiking person, especially during a hot sunny day; but this place is really relaxing. The drive there was absolutely nice as well.
When we got there, the parking was FREE! Yes, yes! I'll say it again, it was FREE! Not only that but the scenary around us was amazing. Lots of trees, bugs, & hills.
If I wasn't wearing flats & all dolled up, I would've climbed higher. There's always a next time! Just make sure you pack lots of water & wear comfortable shoes! -
Review from Thanh P.
Santa Clara, CA
8/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
wow, I actually felt like I was doing a little exploring here! Actual trails? Creek crossing? Sweet! Not too many people here to make it run down and some good history with the ore history.
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Review from Ann L.
Updated - 3/15/2010
Went on a short hike at Almaden Quicksilver Co Park on Sun 3/14/10. I've been before, 2nd time. Nice sunny & cool day.
We parked at Mockingbird Hill parking lot FREE. They have separate men/women bathrooms. 2 stalls in the women's w/ flushed TOTO toilets & 1 sink.
We started on the Virl O. Norton Trail to Hacienda Trail to Mine Hill trail back to Hacienda Trail. We did a loop hike, think it was about 6 mi, lots of steep sections, but do-able.
Bikes allowed on designated trails only. Dogs/pets: Allowed, but on leash at all times.
Tons of ticks (didn't see any, but friend w/ dog found them on her dog) & lots of poison oak on the sides of the trails.Listed in: places to hike
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/31/2008
Since I had Cesar Chavez's Birthday off (3/31) I hike here with my friends. It was a nice clear day… Read more »
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Review from Nam N.
2/4/2010 4 photos
Seriously....what a wonderful surprise to have this beautiful Hiking Trail in San Jose!!!
With a break in all of the rain, the bf and I seized the opportunity to search out some outdoor activity. He stumbled upon the Almaden Quicksilver County Park through the aid of Yelp and http://www.bahiker.com
A few turns later in South San Jose and we were in a completely different world! Driving across wood bridges and narrow turns, we pulled up to the Hacienda Trailhead. Free and ample parking. :)
On the drive there, I read a post that warned folks with dogs about the ticks. This totally freaked me out but when we got there we had the chance to speak to a ranger. He did say that all trails around the area do have ticks but they are mostly in high vegetation areas. We kept Bella on the main trails and on her leash :) I'd also recommend to be sure to have your pups treated with their flea & tick medication prior to taking on this hike.
The hike itself was beautiful and provided great views of the County, plenty of trees for shade, and a great mix of inclines/declines for a good workout :) All throughout the area you can see old remnants of the silver mines. We also encountered a good amount of hikers that day so it appears that this gem is pretty well known.
With a few benches and tables along the trails, its perfect to pack a small picnic to enjoy with your special someone :)
Definitely a wonderful way to spend an active day outdoors in the South Bay. -
Review from Anthony B.
San Jose, CA
4/17/2009 12 photos
Almaden Quicksilver mines county park is a great place to go hiking if you really want to get a good workout. That is, if you are me. I am not a regular hiker, but sometimes get the craving to go. The trails from the main entrance are mostly uphill and provide a great workout for your legs. If you go slow, then it is just fine.
The views of the city from the country are amazing. It makes you realize how much of the land has actually been developed and is encroaching into nature. There are many spots where you do not see the city and there are some beautiful valleys and gulches to take in.
The trail I decided to follow the last time I was here was the St. Cristobal mine trail, which took me about two hours to get to and was entirely an all uphill hike. It ended at an old mine shaft that you could still walk about thirty feet or so into. It was really eerie and cool inside the shaft. There is a picnic table when you get there so you can sit and enjoy your packed lunch, mine was a pb & J sandwich with a banana, and take in the scenery while you eat.
I saw many families, including a group with two older (looked like they were in their 70s) people walking the trails. There are also a lot of bikers on the lower parts of the trail, but people start to get sparse as you ascend towards the end of it. You definitely have to be on the lookout for the bikers, because there are two or three at a time going very fast down the trail and if you are not careful, the results can not be pretty.
On returning to the main entrance there is a field in which you can watch wild turkeys, huge wild turkeys, congregate in it. Sometimes there can be up to twenty or thirty of them. There are many other animals in the park as well; deer, quail, bobcats, snakes (I saw a few), and even mountain lions. You should be careful not to approach the animals, because they are unpredictable wild animals. The mountain lions are rare, but there, and many of the snakes are rattlers and can kill you if your bitten and not treated in time. This is true with most, if not all, of our state parks.
So, if you want a good hike and want to stay near the city, without the hassle of a long drive, than this is a great place to go. -
Review from Cherryl D.
San Jose, CA
3/30/2010
My Ratings:
Location - 4 Stars
Distance - 4 Stars
View - 4 Stars
My Opinion/Story:
I'm not the "hiking" type of person but going up Quicksilver was pretty exhausting but fun. I took my little dog up who was at the same shape as I am. Thinking it would be a great idea for both of us to lose some weight. We barely got 1/4 up and we're both tired. She was begging me to carry her 3/4 of the way. Great! I'm barely out of breath and I'm carrying a 10lb dog on my back. I knew it was a bad idea to get in shape!
But in the midst of my struggles, I slowed down and started to enjoy what nature has to offer. Besides the bees buzzing, the trees shuffling, and the birds squaking (making both my dog and I jump), it was a very quiet, peaceful place to meditate while hiking up the not so steep hill.
During my hike/meditation walk, I argued in my head whether doing the hike is worth the trouble after having to eat all the delicious food my city has to offer... and I came to conclusion as I dragged myself up to the nearest bench, that YES it is definitely worth the trouble in exchange for the delicious delicacies that I have yet to discover.
What I like about this trail: no wild animals, lots of people walking and biking so you never feel alone, the climb isn't steep, and not trashy dirty. I'll definitely go up again and my next trip, my dog is staying at home so I can atleast reach the top. -
Review from Rob L.
San Jose, CA
7/1/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Great park, hardly anyone ever there! Hiking is a little tougher than most parks, some steep inclines and declines, but well worth it. Lots of trails, great views, parking lot is never full. Only downside is lots of ticks in the spring. Definitely need to do a tick check after hiking but don't let that discourage you. The hiking is awesome!
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Review from Kat L.
San Bruno, CA
8/25/2008
I love this park. It's just a 15-minute drive down Almaden Expressway, yet it's a great place to quickly escape San Jose for a walk or substantial day hike. It gets really hot and dry during the summer, so bring lots of water. Winter and spring are probably the most pleasant times of the year here. After the rainy season, everything is green and beautiful and full of flowers.
Oh, and my dog loves me more when I take her here. -
Review from Tea and Beer X.
Santa Cruz, CA
5/1/2011
Strenuous, expansive, and fido can come along, too! Be sure to bring extra water, sunscreen, and start early if you're hoping to go the distance. The map and sign system is confusing- which is really bad when it's just you and fido in the middle of the park an hour and a half before sunset with 4+ miles more to go get to your car. Not so bad if I hadn't been wandering about for the past three hiurs toget back to my car. Had to put swallow my pride and call in my bf for help. He came to my aid, flashlight in hand. Aside from that, i'm going back- but i'll start early and bring tons of water!
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Review from Noel M.
5/11/2008 3 photos
I've been missing out for too long! I'm always ready to trek a new park and I recently heard of this because of the "hanging tree."
As the flyer reads:
"Justice was quick at the Almaden Quicksilver mines. This rather ominous-looking tree was once, in the 19th century, the site of a hanging. Though the nature of the crime itself has been lost to history, descendants of those who witnessed the even still throw stones at the tree in symbolic contempt for the despicable crime."
Although, I didn't make it to the tree, I was unprepared for the multi-mile hike, there were hills, various flowers, periodic historical stops and lots of creatures: a mix for a lovely afternoon.
The downside, it's hotter than hell here. -
Review from Kristin M.
Santa Clara, CA
9/19/2010
This place gets five stars for its great location and awesome views at the top.
My boyfriend and I went mountain biking on the main road. Given that it's fire road, you're of course going to be sharing space with hikers, but it was never a problem. If you're new to mountain biking like me, this is a great place to start. It's a long and strenuous climb, but not too technical. Lots of fun turns and even a few little jumps for the way down.
Great way to spend a Saturday in the South Bay. Now get out there! -
Review from Grace Y.
8/25/2008
This place is great! I didn't know it existed until a friend showed me the hiking trail here. It was pretty intense, we did about 4.5 miles of hiking. I think it was way out of my hiking ability but I stuck through it. The views were beautiful, albeit the uphill and downhill parts were scary.
It was fun exploring the mine shafts (You can't go inside, but you can play in the areas where there are a bunch of openings, etc) and there were parts where you had a beautiful view of the southbay.
I saw a bobcat while I was here, and I was scared :( It went away though, and the rest of the day was happy! If only I knew how to find my way back! But yeah, that's why i took off a star. I know, I know, it's nature and stuff...animals exist. But still, I was scurred for a while :(Listed in: Things to do that don't…, The great outdoors...
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Review from Veronica B.
Campbell, CA
3/18/2009
You know that who'd-a-thunk-it feeling? I really love getting them! And that's exactly what I experienced when my BF reccommended that we head to Quicksilver for a hike. I had no idea I had access to such a hidden jewel in my very own backyard! It's huge and with many trails to choose from!
"The park is mostly undeveloped, but its history includes intense mercury mining operations that date back to the Gold Rush Era."
Upon encountering abandoned mercury furnaces, and old mining equipment, a cemetery, an old Spanish town ruins dating back to early 1900s, and beautiful views of the south bay, Quicksilver instantly became one of my favorite parks for our Sunday hikes!
The trails are beginner's to moderately challenging and is a great way to sweat. As Noel M. also wrote, I tried looking for the Hanging tree but with no such luck.. We'll just have to try again next Sunday!Listed in: Sweatin' to Nature
