Almaden Quicksilver County Park

Where
21785 Almaden Road, San Jose , CA
Call
408 2683883
Tags
Parks, Parks & Open Spaces
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Cross wood bridges and navigate narrow turns as you venture into a different world. Mostly undeveloped, the park boasts many beautiful valleys and big views of the citty. For more than 100 years, the place was a mercury mine, and there are still some artifacts hidden away on the property, if you’re up for a little adventure.
By Kristine Bautista (May 13, 2010)

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The park includes over 34.2 miles of hiking trails, including 23 miles of equestrian trails and 10 miles of bike trails. All trails in the park are also open to pet owners to walk their dogs on leash. A number of picnic tables are scattered throughout the park adjacent to the trails and horse water troughs are available in a few locations. No potable water is available within the park except at the Hacienda and Mockingbird Hill entrances. There are also remnants of mining structures throughout the park. All mines and adits have been sealed. However, the San Cristobal mine may be viewed from behind a locked gate. For your safety, please do not climb on any structures. Ranger guided nature and history walks are available upon request. Call 268-3883 for more information.

CATCH AND RELEASE... PLEASE DON'T EAT THE FISH

Mercury has been found to accumulate in Guadalupe and Almaden Reservoirs at levels that make the fish from those reservoirs unsafe to eat. Almaden Quicksilver County Park was once the site of extensive quicksilver (mercury) mining. Sediments that contain mercury have been deposited in some of the local reservoirs and streams. Over time, the mercury in the sediment may have been converted to methyl mercury by naturally occurring bacteria. Methyl mercury is absorbed by aquatic plants and fish, and subsequently by humans who may eat the contaminated fish.


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