Almaden Quicksilver Historic Trail Hike
Details
Distance: 7.5 miles
Elevation: 1500 ft
- A restroom is available at the parking lot.
- The hike will start promptly at 8:30, so please arrive in time to get ready for your hike.
Hike Description: This 7.5 mile hike was marked by Boy Scout Troop 466 in Sunnyvale as an Eagle Scoutproject. We'll follow the trail that he laid out and stop briefly at most of the 15 historic markers, including the hanging tree, the San Cristobal mine tunnel, and many ruins from the mining days. Along the way, we'll have magnificent views of the Santa Clara Valley, Mt. Umunhum, Mt. Loma Prieta and Mt. El Sombroso. The hike starts with a steep climb up the Deep Gulch Trail, but the grade levels out after that. There is a picnic table at the intersection of Castillero and Mine Hill Trail where we will be taking a short break.
Directions to Trailhead: The lat/lon for Hacienda entrance to Almaden Quicksilver County park is 37.174110, -121.825058 . From CA-85 S take the Almaden Expressway exit, use the right two lanes to turn left onto Almaden Plaza Way, then turn right onto Almaden Expressway, in 4.2 miles turn right onto Almaden Road, in 3 miles the Hacienda entrance to Almaden Quicksilver County Park will be on your right.
Note: in the town of New Almaden about a half-mile before the Hacienda entrance to the Almaden Quicksilver County Park you will pass the Casa Grande and the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum on your left. On Saturday the museum is open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. There are some exhibits about the mining history of New Almaden and a couple of rooms with furnishings representative of the time the house containing the museum was built. If you visit the museum after the hike, you can ask for a tour. There is a suggested $2.00 donation requested.
Disclaimer: The South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group and its event organizers are not responsible for your safety. Outdoor activities are inherently dangerous. By signing up for these events, you agree to release the South Bay Ramblers Hiking Group and its event organizers from any responsibility, liability, or claim in law or in equity. If you don't agree to these terms, DO NOT join this meetup event. The South Bay Ramblers does not certify the expertise of its event organizers - we are all volunteers. You are responsible for yourself. Please come prepared with appropriate hiking shoes, gear and water.