If you live in Almaden, chances are you’ve driven past the rolling green hills of Almaden Quicksilver County Park and thought, I really should hike that someday. Consider this your sign.

Just minutes from the neighborhood, Quicksilver offers wide-open views, oak-dotted ridgelines, and miles of trails that blend natural beauty with a fascinating slice of local history. It’s one of those rare places where you can get a serious workout, spot wildflowers, and walk through the remains of old mining towns—all in a single morning.

A Little History Beneath Your Feet

Before Silicon Valley was known for tech, this corner of South San Jose was known for quicksilver—mercury. For more than 135 years, the New Almaden mines pulled mercury ore (cinnabar) from these hills, supporting gold and silver mining throughout California. At its peak, the area housed over 1,800 miners and their families, making it one of the most productive mercury mining operations in the world. newalmaden.org+3Santa Clara County Parks+3tommangan.net+3

Today, the tunnels are sealed and the mining equipment is quiet, but remnants remain: brick furnaces, old building foundations, cemeteries, and historic sites like English Camp and the Hacienda area that you can still visit along the trails. tommangan.net+1

The Basics: Park Overview

• Location: South San Jose, just above Almaden Valley

• Size: About 4,163 acres stretching across Capitancillos Ridge Santa Clara County Parks

• Trail network: Over 37 miles of hiking trails, plus multi-use routes for equestrians and cyclists AllTrails.com

• Entrances: Main access points are the Mockingbird Hill, Hacienda, and McAbee entrances, each offering different types of hikes and scenery. Santa Clara County Parks+1

In early spring, these hills are known for one of the region’s standout wildflower displays, with carpets of poppies, lupine, and other seasonal blooms covering the slopes. Santa Clara County Parks+1

Popular Hiking Routes at Quicksilver

One of the best parts about Quicksilver is that there’s truly something for everyone—whether you’re looking for a stroller-friendly stroll or a quad-burning climb.

1. Hacienda & Mine Hill Loop

Starting from the Hacienda entrance, this loop links Hacienda Trail, Mine Hill Trail, and Virl O. Norton Trail for a scenic tour of mining history, canyon views, and open ridgelines. It’s a moderate, multi-use route with steady climbs and partial shade—great for hikers who want a workout without getting into “all-day hike” territory. AllTrails.com+2AllTrails.com+2

2. New Almaden & Mine Hill Historic Circuit

If you’re a history buff, this longer loop takes you past old reduction works, building foundations, and former mining communities like English Camp. Expect about 10–11 miles and meaningful elevation gain—ideal for experienced hikers looking for a half-day adventure with big views. redwoodhikes.com+2tommangan.net+2

3. Bay Area Ridge Trail Segment

Quicksilver also hosts a stretch of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, connecting the Mockingbird Hill trailhead to Jacques Ridge. This one-way route delivers wide panoramas of Almaden Valley and the Santa Cruz Mountains, with roughly 1,160 feet of elevation gain along the way. Bay Area Ridge Trail+1

For families or new hikers, there are also shorter out-and-back options from the Mockingbird entrance on wide, well-graded paths with rewarding views in under a couple of hours. komoot

What to Expect on the Trail

Terrain & Elevation:
Most trails are wide fire roads with some singletrack connectors. Expect rolling hills, a mix of shaded oak woodland and exposed stretches, and moderate climbs that add up quickly if you’re doing a longer loop. AllTrails.com+1

Views:
From many points along the ridge, you’ll look out over Almaden Valley, the Santa Cruz Mountains, and nearby reservoirs—especially photogenic in the green season and at golden hour. redwoodhikes.com

Wildlife & Nature:
Keep an eye out for deer, raptors, wild turkeys, and spring wildflowers. Rattlesnakes are also part of the ecosystem, especially on warm days, so it’s smart to stay on trail and keep dogs close. Santa Clara County Parks+1

Practical Tips for a Great Quicksilver Hike

• Best seasons: Late winter through spring for green hills and wildflowers; early mornings and cooler days in summer and fall. Santa Clara County Parks+2tommangan.net+2

• Parking: Each entrance has a parking lot; they can fill up on weekends, so arrive earlier when possible. Santa Clara County Parks+1

• Dogs: Allowed on-leash on most trails—another reason locals love it. Santa Clara County Parks

• Water & shade: Many routes are exposed, with limited water sources, so bring more water than you think you’ll need, sunscreen, and a hat. redwoodhikes.com+1

• Fishing note: Nearby Guadalupe and Almaden Reservoirs are catch-and-release only due to elevated mercury levels in fish—worth knowing if you’re planning a post-hike fishing stop. Bay Area Rides+1

Why Quicksilver Makes Almaden Special

For Almaden residents, Quicksilver is more than just a park—it’s an extension of the neighborhood. On any given weekend, you’ll see families getting kids ready for their first “real” hike, neighbors walking dogs, trail runners training for events, and locals escaping to the hills for a couple of hours before soccer games and errands.

It’s one of those perks of living in Almaden that doesn’t show up on a listing sheet:
4,000+ acres of open space, history, and hiking… right in your backyard. Santa Clara County Parks

Whether you’re new to the area or you’ve lived here for years, adding Quicksilver into your regular rotation—Saturday hikes, after-school walks, sunrise runs—is one of the best ways to enjoy what makes Almaden such a special place to call home.