Almaden Quicksilver County Park

Almaden Quicksilver County Park had very little access until I was in my mid-teens. Knowing some of the locals residents, my father would bring me here to experience the old haunted mining homes, relics, and stories. Wildflowers were always prevalent here in the spring.

There are now over 35 miles of trials that allow hikers, horses, and dogs on leash. Remember horses have the right of way, followed by hikers, and then bicycles. The mines of New Almaden produced Mercury (Quicksilver), a very toxic and very rare element, known to have its own magnetic field. It was essential in separating gold and silver from the raw ore. The Mercury was extracted from a rock called cinnabar, which the ancient Ohlone natives used as a rust-colored paint, notably used at Mission Santa Clara.

Of the three entrances to the Almaden Quicksilver County Park, I recommend the Hacienda entrance. It is near the “Casa Grande” museum that is now open to the public. You can also see original mining homes along the roadway. I recommend a historical book called “Cinnabar Hills” that was written by a close family friend, “Milton Lanyon” who was said to enjoy rubbing my bald head when I was born.

This is a great park if you want to go back in time and enjoy a moderate hike among the abandon mining towns, mine shafts, and relics. Do not drink the water in the creeks or eat the fish, due to the Mercury.