ALMADEN QUICKSILVER COUNTY PARK

Almaden Quicksilver County Park

Leader: Ron Gasparinetti

Leader Email: sfbahiker@gmail.com

Leader Phone: 650 759-5345

Meeting Date and Day: Saturday, December 5, 2020

Meeting Time: 10:00 AM

Departure Time: 10:15 AM

Meeting Place:  The main parking lot (aka: The Hacienda Entrance) of Almaden Quicksilver County Park at 21875 Almaden Rd.  There is a white belltower indicating the entrance which will be on your right.  Note that the final mile or so before the parking lot is through the small town of New Almaden.  Please obey the 25 mph speed limit.  Hike leader will meet you at this entrance near the restrooms.
Directions:  Take 101S or 280S to 85S; Take Almaden Expressway exit;  Bear right onto Almaden Rd.  Address: 21875 Almaden Rd.,  San Jose Ca.
Google Map Link: Almaden Quicksilver Park

Rating:  Level 3 - 4

Mileage: 8.6 miles

Elevation Gain: 1644'

Description:  Almaden Quicksilver County 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. It occupies a majority of Capitancillos Ridge. Remnants of the mining era also offer an exciting look into the mining operations of the latter part of the 19th century.  The first 1.5 miles of the hike is a bit of a climb to get to the top of Miner's Hill.  It's pretty easy going after that with many little side jaunts to round out the experience.  The trails are mostly wide and rocky/gravel.  All trails allow pets on a leash.

Santa Clara County has relaxed its group-size restrictions.  But all of the usual directives, masks, distancing..... MUST be followed.  These initial hikes will be limited to 16 people.
Below are the regulations:

• We need to stay at least 6' apart at all times;
• You need to keep whatever type of mask you prefer around your neck at all times to be prepared to put it in place at a moment's notice when encountering others.  Some prefer to wear a mask at all times - even better!  The easiest solution some of us have found is to wear a bandana around your neck, shifting it up over your nose and mouth when passing or speaking with others;
• Ideally, unless you're members of one household, there should be one passenger in the back right seat only.  Drivers and passengers can decide what they feel comfortable with.  PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED A RIDE AND/OR CAN TAKE A PASSENGER, AND WHAT YOUR COMFORT LEVEL IS REGARDING PASSENGERS.

Bring/Wear:  Water, sturdy hiking shoes, lunch, snacks, sunscreen and your MASK.

Rain Policy: Hike will take place but may be altered if raining.  Please contact the hikeleader if there's any doubt.

Driving Distance: 124 miles total there and back

Car Pool Fees Including Bridge Toll: $16