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Almaden Quicksilver Park is 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
4,152 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.
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Almaden Quicksilver Park is accessible from four trail head areas.
Below you find information pertaining to each trail head.
Hacienda Entrance:
Location: Almaden Road.
Directions:
From Almaden Expressway, proceed 3 miles along Almaden Road through the town of New Almaden to the unpaved staging area on
the right.
Parking: Ample Horse Trailer parking is available
Description:
Heading out on horseback from the Hacienda trail is a beautiful walk through nature and mining history. Most visitors
start their climb using the Mine Hill Trail. From the left you can begin your climb by using Deep Gulch Trail head to
English Camp. Deep Gulch trail is bicycle free, Mine trail does allow bikes. Along your journey you will see old
structures that remain from the mining industry that flourished in this area in the last 1800's.
Trail
recommendations: Deep Gulch Trail to Yellow Kid Trail to Hidalgo Cemetery Trail The trail ends at the cemetery,
turn around go back down the Yellow Kid Trail to English Camp Trail back to the parking lot. Note: Horses should be
fit to ride from this, you will encounter some steep hills.
Mockingbird Entrance:
Location: Mockingbird Hill Lane
Directions:
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 .5 miles on Almaden Road to Mockingbird Hill Lane, turn right and continue .4 miles to the
parking area.
Parking: Ample Horse Trailer parking is available
Description:
Trails from the Mockingbird entrance are known to be steep. Fondly called Cardiac Hill expect a workout on this ride.
Trail recommendation: Virl O Norton to Hacienda
Trail. You can take Hacienda further into the park for a longer ride or head down the mountain to the trail head.
Note: Horses should be fit to ride from this, you will encounter some steep hills.
Wood Road Entrance:
Location: Wood Road
Directions: The Wood Road
entrance is accessed off Wood Road. From Hwy. 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.
Description: Few
trail options are available from this starting point, but the Wood Road trail will take you into the Spanish Town area.
You will see historic buildings from the past mining days, especially in the Spanish town area.
Trail recommendation: Wood Road trail to Hildago Cemetery Trail and back, meet your friends who started
from the Hacienda entrance! ;-)
Enjoy Quicksilver park, it is
a wonderful place to ride!
Map of the park
