Almaden Quicksilver County Park

Hike Host: Johanna J

Almaden Quicksilver County Park is a 4,147 acre park that includes the grounds of former mercury (quicksilver) mines. The Ohlone people used cinnabar, a bright red mercury ore, for body paint and trading: The Ohlone ground cinnabar into a powder, mixed it with water, and applied it to their bodies. They called the cinnabar mohetka, which means “red earth”. The Ohlone used the paint in religious ceremonies and dances. The Ohlone traded cinnabar with coastal tribes as far away as Puget Sound. Cinnabar was a highly sought-after trade item, and expeditions to the New Almaden area of Santa Clara County came from as far away as Walla Walla, Washington.

The Hike

We will be parking at the Hacienda Entrance on the east side of the park and hiking the English Camp Loop. The trail is wide and well maintained. There is ample free parking with easy to find trail heads. Trails are well marked. A fun blend of natural views and human history with picnic tables for our meeting spot.

Difficulty: Level 2 Moderate | Miles: 3.5 | Elevation: 912 ft ft

Getting There
(click for directions)

From San Jose, take I-280 N to CA-87 to Almaden Expy to Almaden Rd. Follow Almaden Rd to your destination: 21785 Almaden Rd., San Jose, CA 95120. For those in service, we will have a business meeting after the hike.

Know Before you go

Drive Time from San Jose: 20 min – Parking: Free – Dogs Allowed on Leash