Almaden Quicksilver Park Hike
Explore the Human and Natural History of the Almaden Quicksilver County Park
Sunday Oct 28 2018 (Weather permitting)
2:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Almaden Quicksilver County Park
21785 Almaden Rd, San Jose, CA 95120
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Almaden Quicksilver Park was once the site one of the largest mercury mines in the world. Mining activities ceased in the 1970's, but still some traces of the activity remain. The park has wonderful natural beauty and spectacular views from the top of the mine hill.
This is a moderate level hike as there is about an 800 ft elevation gain at the start as we climb the hill.
Some of the things we will see:
- mercury extraction machinery, such as pipes and furnaces
- mine tunnel entrance, and other evidence of underground network
- fully restored gunpowder storage house
- abandoned cemetery, school, cabins, homes, cars, church, offices, sheds
- trestle bridge
- non-native plantings that have survived such as roses, eucalyptus, cedar and maple trees
- view of the old radar tower base on Mt Umunhum (cold war relic)
More info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almaden_Quicksilver_County_Park
Meet in front of the restrooms at the corner of Almaden Rd and Almaden Way:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Almaden+Quicksilver+County+Park/@37.1742721,-121.8248244,91m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x808e3089ad278513:0xd79952c4e8359a86!4b1!8m2!3d37.1824621!4d-121.8505804
Note that there is limited cell phone coverage in this area.
Important: Bring enough water, snacks, and sunblock to last you through an 8 mile, 3 hour hike
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