3.5 hr
Overview
The Mine Hill Trail was an old mining road. It traverses Quicksilver Park from the McAbee entrance to the Hacienda entrance. <br><br>Quicksilver Park contained some of the world's most productive mercury mines and processing furnaces in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Before, the mercury ore processing furnace was built at Senador Mine at the west end of this trail, the Senador Mine ore was taken to the Hacienda processing furnace at the east end of this trail. One can imagine the ore was transported on this old mining road/trail (although I have not found an explicit reference on this). This trail also connects many historical sites in the eastern area of Quicksilver Park.<br><br>McAbee Quicksilver Park entrance to Randol Trail west end:<br>This 2.0 mile section of Mine Hill Trail begins with a gradual uphill hike for about 1.5 miles. It starts in a heavily wooded area. The trees thin as it climbs, and the vegetation becomes a mix of grass and trees. Views of the San Francisco South Bay Area and East Bay hills emerge. The trail then flattens out for a short stretch before it begins gradually climbing to its junction with the Randol Trail.<br><br>Randol Trail west end to Castillero Trail:<br>This 2.2 mile section basically follows a ridge line. It is a continuous gradual climb with some wooded, but mostly open sections. Depending on what side of the ridge the trail is on, views of the developed South Bay Area and East Bay hills, or views of the undeveloped, rugged Santa Cruz Mountains can be seen. Just before the Castillero Trail, there is a short spur trail to the ruins of Catherine Tunnel, one of the old mining tunnels.<br><br>Castillero Trail to Randol Trail east end:<br>The terrain becomes more heavily wooded after the (first) Castillero Trail junction. This 1.6 mile section gradually descends past several historic mining sites that can be reached by short side trips. A .1 mile spur trail leads to the old tunnel entrance to San Cristobal Mine. The San Cristobal Mine tunnel is the only tunnel in Quick
Trail Stats
11.4 km
403 m
482 m
95 m
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Photos
Almaden Quicksilver County Park is lush with green grass near the Randol and Mine Hill intersection.
Almaden Quicksilver County Park is lush with green grass near the Randol and Mine Hill intersection.
Mine Hill Trail winds through hilly wooded terrain in east Quicksilver Park.
Mine Hill Trail winds through hilly wooded terrain in east Quicksilver Park.
Winter on the Mine Hill Trail near Quicksilver Park's McAbee entrance.
Winter on the Mine Hill Trail near Quicksilver Park's McAbee entrance.
Even though it's winter, the wooded hillside along the Guadalupe Trail stays nice and green.
Even though it's winter, the wooded hillside along the Guadalupe Trail stays nice and green.
The Old San Cristobal Mine Tunnel hides right within the hillside.
The Old San Cristobal Mine Tunnel hides right within the hillside.
Powder House (restored) was where blasting powder (used to make mine tunnels, shafts, etc.) was kept.
Powder House (restored) was where blasting powder (used to make mine tunnels, shafts, etc.) was kept.
The start of April Trail marks a pleasant beginning on any adventure to explore old mining sites.
The start of April Trail marks a pleasant beginning on any adventure to explore old mining sites.
New Year's Day brings sunshine and group-wide smiles to the Great Eastern Trail Connector.
New Year's Day brings sunshine and group-wide smiles to the Great Eastern Trail Connector.
Fawns taking a drink in the stream close to the trailhead.
Fawns taking a drink in the stream close to the trailhead.
Three generations enjoying the great outdoors on the Quicksilver - McAbee Loop.
Three generations enjoying the great outdoors on the Quicksilver - McAbee Loop.
Crisp clear winter day on Mine Hill Trail.
Crisp clear winter day on Mine Hill Trail.
Heading down through the wildflowers at the top of Prospect #3 Trail in April.
Heading down through the wildflowers at the top of Prospect #3 Trail in April.
The Mine Hill Trail offers occasional glimpses of the San Francisco East Bay.
The Mine Hill Trail offers occasional glimpses of the San Francisco East Bay.
The entrance to the Old San Cristobal Mine Tunnel is eerie, yet exciting.
The entrance to the Old San Cristobal Mine Tunnel is eerie, yet exciting.
Orange California poppies, green hills, blue skies and distant hills in April at the Mine Hill/Prospect #3 trail junction.
Orange California poppies, green hills, blue skies and distant hills in April at the Mine Hill/Prospect #3 trail junction.
Mt Umunhum from the Mine Hill Trail, near it junction with Prospect #3 Trail.
Mt Umunhum from the Mine Hill Trail, near it junction with Prospect #3 Trail.
The Hacienda Entrance to Quicksilver Park features the site of the old Hacienda Furnace and Reduction Works. In the lower right, a display of old mining machinery greets visitors to the park.
The Hacienda Entrance to Quicksilver Park features the site of the old Hacienda Furnace and Reduction Works. In the lower right, a display of old mining machinery greets visitors to the park.
A drone captures a beautiful view of the Mine Hill and Guadalupe Trail intersection.
A drone captures a beautiful view of the Mine Hill and Guadalupe Trail intersection.