| Name: | Quicksilver Trail |
| Type: | Loop |
| Trailhead: | McAbee Entrance |
| Map: | AllTrails |
| Round Trip Length: | 5 miles |
| Time: | 2 Hours |
| Nearest City: | San Jose, CA |
| Best Time of Year: | All Year |
| Elevation Gain: | 758 feet |
| Highest Point: | 802 feet |
San Jose, California, is better known as a tech hub rather than a hiking destination. But even Apple geniuses need some fresh air every once in a while. There is no better place to stretch those 9-5 computer legs than the Quicksilver Trail. Located in Almaden Quicksilver County Park, the trail travels around an old Mercury Mine. Conveniently, the trailhead is only 30 minutes outside downtown San Jose. With abundant wildlife and scenic views of the city and Guadalupe Reservoir, the Quicksilver trail in San Jose is your 5-mile journey that even the nerdiest of computer whiz can appreciate.
Quicksilver Trailhead Parking
If you are visiting from out of town, you’ll need a car to get to Quicksilver trailhead. The parking for this trail can be a little tricky. There is no parking lot. The entrance to the trail is located in a residential neighborhood, at the intersection of McAbee and Whispering Pines. This trailhead is known as the McAbee Entry. A giant metal gate marks the entrance.
Quicksilver Hiking Trail
After walking past the big metal gate, you’ll start a slow incline under some big shady trees. The trail begins as wide as a road but will eventually narrow down once you get to the base of foothills.
Around the half-mile mark, you’ll come to an information sign. The info kiosk marks the start of the Quicksilver loop. You can travel in either direction, whatever floats your boat. In terms of elevation, this trail follows a rollercoaster pattern. But if you go left at the junction and travel the loop counter-clockwise, the height gain is slow and steady over the first hump and steep switchbacks on the second. That is the direction we chose to venture.
After crossing a wooden bridge, you’ll start the slow creeping climb to the top of the valley. The beautiful thing about the Almaden area is the hills are always green. Southern California is absolutely spoiled with excellent weather. You’ll hike through the green hillside, occasionally getting glances of the city as you reach welcoming plateaus in the rising trail.
At the top of the first climb, you’ll have a sweeping view of the park. On your right, you’ll be able to see the Mount Umunhum and the abandoned radar tower that sits on top.
Guadalupe Reservoir
When you reach the 2-mile mark, you get your first glimpse of the Guadalupe Reservoir. For the next half mile, you’ll have some enjoyable waterfront views. If you brought a rod and reel to spend the day fishing under the sun, do not eat anything you catch. Due to the area’s history as a Mercury mine, the fish have a bit of a…”fishy” taste.
Speaking of the wildlife, the next part of the trail is a haven for some scruffy whitetail deer. Since there is no hunting allowed in the park, these deer do not spook when hikers move through there front yard. Maintain your distance and enjoy these majestic wild creatures.
Three miles into your loop adventure, your second climb commences. This part of the trail is a little more sagebrush and little less fields of green. It’s still pleasing to the eyes, but it can get toasty without the trees shading the trail.
Mercury Mine
The final part of the trail leads you past some remnants of the old mining community. The history of the mine dates back to before California was part of the United States. The excavation began operations under the control of the Mexican Calvary. The Mexicans observed the local Native Americans painting with cinnabar, a red paint that contains mercury. The precious mercury was needed to process silver in Mexico’s silver mines, which made this area a critical resource.
The loop portion of the trail ends back at the information sign. From here, you’ll retrace your earlier steps from the beginning of the hike and head back to your car.
Final Thoughts on the Quicksilver Trail in San Jose
Whether you’re visiting San Jose and looking for a hike close to the city or living here and just need a quick nature fix, the Quicksilver trail is a great option.
Chad can be summed up by his idea of a perfect day: Waking up early to watch the sunrise over the mountains, warm cup of coffee in hand then grabbing his camera and fly rod, hitting the trail to explore some uncharted territory followed by cold beers and campfire steaks. Chad is often joined on his adventures by his wife, Tori, and their dog, Kona.
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[…] San Jose lies within Silicon Valley. But one of the surprising things about the area is not what lies in Silicon Valley, but what creates the valley. The foothills surrounding the city have an excellent trail system for hiking, running, and mountain biking. One of the best trails right outside the city is the Quicksilver Mine Trail. This hike offers sweeping views of the city, lots of wildlife, and a little bit of San Jose history. Here is our trail guide for how to complete the five-mile loop trail. […]