Almaden Quicksilver County Park

For UP-TO-DATE trail closure information, call (408) 355-2200, press 3.

Occasional and brief trail closures may be posted at trailheads for the following trails as we undertake the installation of irrigation mains on the downslope edge of Mine Hill Trail and other finishing work related to the calcine remediation project: Wood Rd Trail, Kitty Monahan Trail (formerly Yellow Kid Trail), Castillero Trail, Hidalgo Cemetery Trail, Mine Hill Trail. Your understanding and cooperation during these intermittent closures are greatly appreciated.

*Please help maintain safety on our streets and obey all traffic and speed limit signs in and around the park.

Welcome to Almaden Quicksilver County Park, spectacular in natural diversity and a landmark of California history. The park is the site of over 135 years of mining activities and former home to more than 1,800 miners and their families. The park encompasses 4,163 acres, occupying a majority of Capitancillos Ridge. During early spring, the park offers one of the most spectacular wildflower displays in the region. Remnants of the mining era also offer an exciting look into the mining operations of the latter part of the 19th century.

How to Get There

Almaden Quicksilver County Park is located at:

21785 Almaden Rd San Jose, CA 95120

Park Office: (408) 535-4070

Mining Museum: (408) 918-7770

Almaden Quicksilver County Park is located in south San Jose, in the town of New Almaden. The New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum is located at 21350 Almaden Road, San Jose, CA 95120.

The park may be accessed from three areas. The Mockingbird Hill entrance is accessed off Mockingbird Hill Lane. This entrance is accessible to all users, including bicyclists. From Highway 85, take the Almaden Expressway exit south 4.5 miles to Almaden Road. Proceed 0.5 miles on Almaden Road to Mockingbird Hill Lane, turn right and continue 0.4 miles to the parking area.

The Hacienda entrance is located at the south end of New Almaden. This entrance is accessible to all users, including bicyclists. From Almaden Expressway, proceed 3 miles along Almaden Road through the town of New Almaden to the unpaved staging area on the right.

The Wood Road entrance is accessed off Wood Road. From Highway 85 take the Camden Avenue exit south. Turn right on Hicks Road and follow for 6 miles. At the intersection of Wood Road and Hicks Road, turn left into the staging area.

Activities

Hiking, Biking, and Picnicking

The park includes over 37 miles of hiking trails, including 30 miles of equestrian trails and 16.6 miles of bike trails. All trails in the park are also open to pet owners to walk their dogs on leash.

A number of picnic tables are scattered throughout the park adjacent to the trails and horse water troughs are available in a few locations. No potable water is available within the park except at the Hacienda and Mockingbird Hill entrances.

There are also remnants of mining structures throughout the park. All mines and adits have been sealed. However, the San Cristobal mine may be viewed from behind a locked gate. For your safety, please do not climb on any structures.

New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum

The mining museum is open year round and has exhibits about the history of mercury mining in New Almaden and the mining communities who lived here. Open hours vary. Please check out the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum webpage or call 408-918-7770 for the most up to date information.

Public Programs, School Programs, and Events

Custom guided nature walks, history walks, and tours of the mining museum are available upon request. Please visit our Custom Programs & Tours webpage for more information and to submit a request. For information on school field trip opportunities, visit the E ducation webpage or email [email protected].

Check our Events Calendar for public programs and events at Almaden Quicksilver and other Santa Clara County Parks.

Fishing

CATCH AND RELEASE... PLEASE DON'T EAT THE FISH

Mercury has been found to accumulate in Guadalupe and Almaden Reservoirs at levels that make the fish from those reservoirs unsafe to eat. Almaden Quicksilver County Park was once the site of extensive quicksilver (mercury) mining. Sediments that contain mercury have been deposited in some of the local reservoirs and streams. Over time, the mercury in the sediment may have been converted to methyl mercury by naturally occurring bacteria. Methyl mercury is absorbed by aquatic plants and fish, and subsequently by humans who may eat the contaminated fish. If you have any questions regarding mercury and its effects, please contact the County's Environmental Health Services at (408) 918-3400.

If you have any questions regarding the above information, please email the Park's Communication Officer at [email protected].

Online Historical Collections

Be sure to check our online historical collections to see photos, documents, and artifacts related to Almaden Quicksilver County Park. You can also view artifacts from Martial Cottle County Park or Joseph D. Grant County Park and can request images from us.

Hours and Fees

The park is open year-round from 8:00 a.m. until sunset. Park trails are subject to closure due to poor conditions, typically after heavy rains. No fees are required at any entrances.

Accessibility

In compliance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (‘ADA'), the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation Department will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its programs, services, or activities. The Department will make reasonable modifications to policies and programs to ensure that people with disability have an equal opportunity to enjoy our programs, services, facilities, and activities. If you need assistance with an ADA request, please contact our ADA Coordinator.