ALMADEN QUICKSILVER COUNTY PARK

ALMADEN QUICKSILVER COUNTY PARK

Hike Date:  Saturday, January 25, 2025

Leader:  Ron Gasparinetti

Leader Email: ron@sfhiking.com

Leader Phone:  650 759-5345

Hike Rating: Level 3.5

Hike 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 with machinery, old mines, and even a cemetery atop a beautiful hill available to explore.  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.  Lunch will be taken with (weather permitting) expansive views of the South Bay Area.  The trails are mostly wide, rocky/gravel with approximately 85% of them being unshaded. Here is an Alltrails Link to the proposed route.

Bring / Wear:  Please bring LOTS of water, lunch, sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes, and hiking poles if you use them.  

Weather Policy:  Canceled in the event of heavy rain. 

Pet Policy for this hike: The park is dog friendly but must be kept on a leash.

Ready to join the hike?  Here are the meeting options:

• SF Meeting Location:  Whole Foods (map) @ 2001 Market Street.  Meet on the Dolores Street side.  There's parking on the street.

SF Meeting Time:  8:45 AM (departure shortly thereafter).

• East Bay Meeting Location:  Rockridge BART station (map).  Meet at the bottom of the escalators.  There's free and ample parking.

East Bay Meeting Time:  8:45 AM (departure shortly thereafter).

Not a member of the SFHC and want to join this hike? Contact the hikeleader so we know you're joining us and to arrange for ride-sharing (if needed).  Non-members are required to sign a release of liability form before participating in the hike.  The form will be available at the trailhead

NOTE: I'll reach out to those registered who have indicated that they need/want a ride or can take passengers.  If you need to contact me for whatever reason, please do so before Friday @ 3:00 PM the day before the hike.  Please show up at Whole Foods or the Rockridge BART station only if you have a ride arranged ahead of time Please note Carpool Fees below.

Trailhead Meeting Location: 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.  Google Maps Link

Trailhead Meeting Time: 10:15 AM (The hike will begin at 10:30am)

Roundtrip driving distance: From SF 126 miles.  From Rockridge 124 miles

Carpool Fees (per passenger):  From SF $16   From Rockridge $16 

Entrance Fee: No entrance fee for this location