Almaden Quicksilver Park

Rate this place

Parks

California

Nearby: Cathedral Oaks Park Glenview Park

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Almaden Quicksilver Park is a state park located in Santa Clara County, California.

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

It is a great destination to visit for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and history buffs. The park offers over 37 miles of trails, ranging from easy to difficult, that are perfect for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. Visitors can take in stunning views of the surrounding hillsides, valleys, and reservoirs.

One of the most popular attractions at Almaden Quicksilver Park is the historic mining town of New Almaden. Visitors can take a guided tour of the town and learn about the history of the quicksilver mining industry that was once booming in the area. The park also features several other points of interest, including the Casa Grande ruins, the Senador Mine, and the Wood Road Trail.

Interesting facts about the area include the fact that Almaden Quicksilver Park is home to one of the largest mercury mines in the world, and that the park's trails were once used for transporting mercury ore. The park also contains a diverse range of plant and animal life, including bobcats, coyotes, and rare wildflowers.

The best time of year to visit Almaden Quicksilver Park is in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the park is less crowded than during the summer months. However, the park is open year-round, and visitors can enjoy different activities depending on the season. In the winter, the park offers great opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting, while in the summer, visitors can cool off by swimming in the reservoirs.

Overall, Almaden Quicksilver Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in California history and outdoor recreation. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and diverse range of activities, the park offers something for everyone.

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.

Related References