History Hike Archives

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Register Now for a Quicksilver History Hike

May 5, 2024/in Education, Recreation/by Therese Swan

Join an Almaden Quicksilver Park Interpreter for a Quicksilver History Hike in the Almaden Hills to discover how our changing values have impacted the landscape, and a once bustling mining enterprise became a County Park. This moderate 3-4 mile hike leaves from the Wood Road parking lot of Almaden Quicksilver County Park. This hike will cover history content that is geared towards an adult audience. Best for ages 10+

Limited space! Please only sign up a max of 4-5 people. If you know more people would like to join, please share the registration form link. Reservations are not required but they are strongly recommended as parking is limited at the trailhead.

Although dogs are allowed within the park, for the comfort and safety of the group, they are discouraged from accompanying you on the hike (with the exception of service animals). Further questions? Call 408-918-7770 or email desiree.humphers@prk.sccgov.org

Quicksilver History Hikes are offered monthly, usually on the 4th Saturday or Sunday of the month.

Quicksilver History Hike – June 2022

June 19, 2022/in Recreation/by Therese Swan

The next Quicksilver History Hike will be on June 25, 2022 from 9:00am-12:00pm.

Join a Park Interpreter to explore what remains of the once-bustling mining operations in the hills above New Almaden. This moderate, 3-4 mile hike in Almaden Quicksilver County Park leaves from the Wood Road parking lot off Hicks Road in San Jose. Dress in layers with sturdy shoes, sun protection, and bring plenty of drinking water. There are no bathrooms nor drinking fountains along the hike.

Pre-registration is required. Space is limited. This hike is offered once a month. Registration for the hike opens on the 1st of the month that the hike is offered. To reserve space on the upcoming History Hike, go to the Quicksilver History Hike page of the Santa Clara County Parks website.

Questions? Call 408-918-7700 or email interp@prk.sccgov.org.

Quicksilver History Hike – April 2022

April 3, 2022/in Recreation/by Therese Swan

The next Quicksilver History Hike will be on April 24, 2022 from 9:00am-12:00pm.

Questions? Call 408-918-7700 or email interp@prk.sccgov.org.

Almaden Quicksilver County Park – October 2019 Events

October 10, 2019/in Recreation/by Therese Swan

If you enjoy nature and are interested in knowing first-hand the history of Almaden Valley, this is a great time to head to the Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Starting this weekend, there are some interesting events organized by the New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association (NAQCPA) in partnership with the Santa Clara County Parks Department.

Here’s a synopsis of the events:

Saturday, October 12, 2019: A celebration of Pioneer Day, from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, at the Casa Grande. The NAQCPA has held their annual Pioneer Day celebrations in the Almaden Quicksilver County Park for 34 years. Pioneer Day began with the purpose of sharing mining stories and meeting with former New Almaden miners who remembered the place. Today it has evolved into an event to showcase historic sites and current projects in the park.

Saturday, October 26, 2019: Quicksilver History Hike from 9:00am-12:00pm. The Quicksilver History Hike is a docent led hike of moderate intensity to historic mining sites within the park.

Sunday, October 27, 2019: Whoppers and Ghostly Tales of New Almaden at the park from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Want to learn about the ghosts of New Almaden? Come over for an evening of ghostly stories about the Almaden Quicksilver mines narrated by a docent as you tour the historic 1854 Casa Grande. Meet at the Casa Grande front entrance. Reservations online or (408) 355-2240.

For more information, visit: http://newalmaden.org/#AQS-Events

Almaden Valley Athletic Club’s History Hike in Almaden Quicksilver County Park

September 8, 2012/in Health, Recreation/by Therese Swan

Join Almaden Valley Athletic Club’s General Manager and professionally trained Wilderness Guide, Jeff Griffith-Jones, and AVAC’s Activities Director, Becky Smothermon, on a walk through the past in Quicksilver Park in beautiful New Almaden.

Guided History Hike Tour in Almaden Quicksilver County Park

September 11, 2011/in Recreation/by Therese Swan

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. Bring water, lunch, sturdy hiking shoes, and sun protection.

Meet at the Quicksilver Museum on Saturday, September 17, 2011, 9am-1:30pm. The tour costs $5. Reservations required. Call 408-323-1107.

Guided History and Nature Hike with a Santa Clara County Parks Ranger

September 11, 2011/in Recreation/by Therese Swan

Take a 2-mile hike with a Park Ranger to explore Rancho San Vicente’s nature, history, and spectacular views.

Meet at Calero Reservoir in the Calero-Rancho San Vicente Park, then caravan to a gated site nearby. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, snacks, and water. No dogs.

This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access. The group travels together. Restrooms are available only at the reservoir meeting location.

The hike is Saturday, September 10, 2011, 9am-11am. For more information, call (408) 268-3883.

Deep Gulch History Hike in Almaden Quicksilver County Park – UPDATED 2022

March 26, 2011/in Family, Recreation/by Therese Swan

logo: almaden quicksilver county park Take a walk back in time on this 2.5-mile strenuous but leisurely paced trek up the Deep Gulch Trail.

Stop along the way at areas of historical interest, and discover how this route was used back when the mining operation was active.

Almaden Quicksilver County Park encompasses 4,152 acres and is the site of over 135 years of mining history and former home to more than 1,800 miners and their families.

Remnants of the mining era also offer an exciting look into the mining operations of the latter part of the 19th century.

As an added bonus, during the early Spring the park offers one of the most spectacular wildflower displays in the region.

Meet at the Hacienda entrance of Almaden Quicksilver County Park on Saturday, April 23, 2011 from 10:00am – 12:00pm.

Reservations are required. Call the park office at 408-268-3883. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, snacks, and water.

View the Almaden Quicksilver County Park Historic Trail Guide. [UPDATED LINKS: SANTA CLARA COUNTY PARKS EVENTS CALENDAR AND ALMADEN QUICKSILVER COUNTY PARK.]

History Hike in Almaden Quicksilver County Park – May 22 and July 10, 2010 – UPDATED 2022

April 3, 2010/in Recreation/by Therese Swan

Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum Exhibit Photo

The Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum and New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association is holding a History Hike in the Almaden Quicksilver County Park.

The hike will be informative and entertaining, and a great way to get outdoors for some exercise and to enjoy the beauty of the New Almaden Quicksilver County Park.

On this hike you will step back in time and learn what it was like to be a quicksilver (i.e., mercury) miner in New Almaden in the mining heyday of the mid nineteenth century. You will ride by van up into the park and then go on a 5-mile hike to various historic sites and stop to have lunch in the park.

Bring a brown-bag lunch, water, sturdy hiking shoes, and sun protection. The tour is $7 per person. Reservations are required. For more information call the Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum at 408-323-1107.

Meet at the Almaden Quicksilver County Park Hacienda Parking Lot Entrance, which is located at the south end of New Almaden. The History Hike is being held on two different days. The first is Saturday, May 22, 2010 from 9am to 1:30pm. The second is Saturday, July 10, 2010 from 9am to 1:30pm. [EVENT IS CLOSED]

If you can’t make either of the hikes, Ron Horii has created some really detailed and helpful information about the Almaden Quicksilver County Park, including beautiful pictures of the park, descriptions of the trails, and information about the Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum.