Almaden Quicksilver Hacienda Entrance

This entrance may be more remote than other entrances to Almaden Quicksilver Park but it has restrooms (porta potties) and a large unpaved parking area. I find that it's usually less crowded as well. Two main trails are Deep Gulch and Mine Hill which connects to form a short 2 mile loop that can be done in an hour at moderate pace. Starting on Deep Gulch is a bit more strenuous IMHO with a sustained clime over 0.8 mile whereas Mine Hill is a bit more gradual, making the same clime in about 1.2 miles. Deep Gulch is reasonably wide where 2-3 people can hike side-by-side and Mine Hill is very wide that more than 5 people can hike side-by-side because it serves as a PGGE maintenance road and fire road. I was able to take my dog with no issues and the only two other hikes I saw also had dogs.

This is the crown jewel of the Santa clara county park system. It’s large enough to have trail options, tall enough for good views and a workout, plus some interesting historical mining ruins thrown into the mix. Good for hikes, mtn bikes, and trail runs. It can be hot in the summer, but many of the trails are fairly shaded. Some trails can be steep, but there are usually less steep options going to the same destination.

About the only thing lacking is that many of the “trails” are wider dirt road rather than true single track trails. But is does keep the poison oak further away.

Don't forget your hat, 50/50 on shade.

A quite demanding hike with a beautiful view! Truly recommended for the slightly seasoned hiker.