Fall & Winter 2011 Outdoor Activities at Santa Clara County Parks in Almaden Valley
Following are the Fall & Winter 2011 Outdoor Activities at Santa Clara County Parks located here in beautiful Almaden Valley, including Almaden Quicksilver County Park and Calero County Park.
You can also visit the Santa Clara County Parks and Recreation website.
History and Nature Hike with a Ranger
Calero-Rancho San Vicente
Saturday, September 10, 2011, 9am-11am
Take a 2-mile hike with a Park Ranger to explore Rancho San Vicente’s nature, history and spectacular views. Meet at Calero Reservoir, then caravan to a gated site nearby. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, snacks, and water. No dogs. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access; group travels together. Restrooms not available except at reservoir meeting location. For more information, call (408) 268-3883.
Evening Mountain Bike Ride
Almaden Quicksilver
Sunday, September 11, 2011, 6pm-8pm
Take a moderate 5.5-mile bike ride with a Park Ranger from the Wood Rd. staging area to the rotary furnace, up Bull Run, down through English Camp and back out to Wood Rd. Take periodic stops to see artifacts and learn about mining history along the way. Bring a well maintained mountain bike, layered clothing and water. Reservations required. For more information, call (408) 268-3883.
History Hike
Almaden Quicksilver
Saturday, September 17, 2011, 9am-1:30pm
Step back in time and experience what life was like back in the mining heyday. Ride by van up into the park, hike approximately 5 miles to various historic sites, and enjoy a brown-bag lunch in the park. Meet at the Quicksilver Museum. Bring water, lunch, sturdy hiking shoes and sun protection. Tour costs $5. Reservations required. For more information, call (408) 323-1107.
Casa Grande Open House
Quicksilver Mining Museum
Saturday, September 17, 2011, 11am-3pm
Join staff and docents in period costumes to tour Casa Grande and learn about the rich history of mercury mining and Victorian life in New Almaden. Bring a lunch to enjoy in the newly landscaped back yard of this National Historic Landmark site. For more information, call (408) 323-1107.
Healthy Trails Hike
Santa Teresa
Saturday, September 24, 2011, 9am-11am
Join a Park Docent on a moderately challenging 2.5-mile hike on the Fortini, Mine, and Stile Ranch Trails (loop). See beautiful views of the Santa Teresa hills, Calero Reservoir and the Almaden Valley. Meet at the Stile Ranch entrance with sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection and water. For more information, call (408) 355-2240.
Healthy “Tails” Dog Hike
Almaden Quicksilver
Saturday, October 1, 2011, 9am-11am
Get fit and in shape with your dog! A docent from California K9 Solutions will teach you how to get outside and get healthy as you take a moderate 2.5-mile hike on the Wood Road Trail. Dogs must be controlled on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Meet at the Wood Road parking lot with sturdy hiking shoes and water for you and your dog. Reservations required. Register online or call (408) 355-2240.
Fall Nature Hike
Calero’s Rancho San Vicente
Saturday, October 15, 2011, 9am-Noon
Join a Park Docent on a 3-mile hike to enjoy the changing landscape of fall at Rancho San Vicente. Enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding foothills and discover how these rolling serpentine grasslands provide critical habitat for endangered species. Meet at Calero Reservoir, then carpool to a trail nearby. Bring water, snacks and camera. Wear sun protection and sturdy hiking shoes. No dogs. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access, group travels together. Restrooms not available except at reservoir meeting location. Reservations required. Register online or call (408) 355-224.
Healthy “Tails” Dog Hike
Almaden Quicksilver
Saturday, November 5, 2011, 9am-11am
Get fit and in shape with your dog! A docent from California K9 Solutions will teach you how to get outside and get healthy as you take a moderate 2.5-mile hike on the Wood Road Trail. Dogs must be controlled on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Meet at the Wood Road parking lot with sturdy hiking shoes and water for you and your dog. Reservations required. Register online or call (408) 355-2240.
Healthy Trails Hike
Calero
Saturday, January 21, 2012, 9am-11:30am
Join a Park Docent on 3.0-mile easy hike along the Figueroa, Vallecito, Pena, and Los Cerritos Trails. Stop by the Los Cerritos Pond and view the majestic winter woodland landscape. Meet at the parking lot near the Calero Ranger Office. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and sun protection. For more information, call (408) 355-2240.
Healthy Trails Hike
Almaden Quicksilver
Saturday, February 18, 2012, 9am-1pm
Join a Park Docent on a moderately challenging 4.5-mile hike along the Wood Road, Castillero and Mine Hill Trails. View remnants of the expansive mercury mining operation as you explore nature and history. Meet at the Wood Road parking lot on Hicks Road. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and sunscreen. Bring water, snacks and a camera. For more information, call (408) 355-2240.
Healthy Trails Hike
Santa Teresa
Saturday, March 24, 2012, 9am-11am
A Park Docent will lead you on a moderate 2.5-mile hike along the Fortini Trail to see beautiful views of the Santa Teresa hills, Calero Lake and Almaden Valley. Meet at the Fortini Trailhead parking lot with sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, water and snacks. For more information, call (408) 355-2240.
Wildflower Hike
Calero’s Rancho San Vicente
Saturday, March 31, 2012, 9am-1:30pm
Join a Park Docent on a 3-mile hike to enjoy the spring wildflowers and learn how the rolling serpentine grasslands provide critical habitat for endangered species. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding foothills along the way. Meet at Calero Reservoir, then caravan to a gated site nearby. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, snacks, and water. No dogs. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access; group travels together. Restrooms not available except at reservoir meeting location. Reservations required. Register online or call (408) 355-2240.
