Almaden Quicksilver

Scenic out and back with a good dose of park history. The parking area is reached by driving up to the summit of Hicks Road, where your hike starts at an altitude of 1400'. The first 0.5 miles takes you through a wonderful variety of habitat, beginning under full cover of mostly live oaks, crossing a stretch of chaparral, then emerging into rolling grassy hills. About half way along, you will pass a very odd pointy rocky outcrop on your left. Things get interesting as you approach the rotary furnace. Note the bamboo and pampas grass left over from cultivated areas, and look for the "Hanging Tree" on your right. The rotary furnace itself is fenced off and is in bad shape, but still one of the most impressive structures in the park. Stay right as you pass the furnace then sharp left at the next intersection to make a small loop back to the furnace via a short steep downhill section. Follow the trail around back to the parking area.

Trail map

Moderately strenuous lollipop (out and back plus a loop) to the historical heart of the park. This hike is one of my favorites and is good for anytime of the year. Great views and ever-changing habitats. The parking area is reached by driving up to the summit of Hicks Road, where your hike starts at an altitude of 1400'. The first 0.5 miles takes you through a wonderful variety of habitat, beginning under full cover of mostly live oaks, crossing a stretch of chaparral, then emerging into rolling grassy hills. About half way along, you will pass a very odd pointy rocky outcrop on your left. Things get interesting as you approach the rotary furnace. Note the bamboo and pampas grass left over from cultivated areas, and look for the "Hanging Tree" on your right. The rotary furnace itself is fenced off and is in bad shape, but still one of the most impressive structures in the park. Climb up the steep but short trail to the left of the furnace area to reach the Castillero trail where you turn left towards Bull Run, which you will reach after about 0.6 miles of gentle uphill. Here you have a picnic bench with one of the best views in the park, as you look out towards Mt. Umunhum. Head down Mine Hill where you have an option to visit the San Cristobal Mine opening in about 1/4 of mile. In a little over 3/4 mile you will reach the historically important English Camp where you can read the markers and take a look around. Find the Kitty Monahan trail to the left and head down for about half a mile noting another history marker on the "Yellow Kid" and Main Tunnel. Turn right at the top of the trail and you will soon be back at the furnace and then backtrack to the parking area.

Trail map