If you are visiting San Jose and wish to explore the outdoors and take advantage of the excellent year-round weather and breathtaking views of the city, check out the New Almaden Trail. The scenic trail offers stunning views of the Santa Cruz Mountains. It is perfect for a casual stroll or hike.
In this guide, you’ll find information about the New Almaden trail, including the best things to do there and some of the finest attractions nearby.
About the New Almaden Trail
The New Almaden Trail is one of the most popular attractions in San Jose, California. It is the longest route in the Almaden Quicksilver County Park, a site that was formerly home to more than 1,800 miners and their families and has seen over 135 years of mining activity.
The park boasts an enchanting mixture of oak woodlands, open meadows, beautiful wildflower displays, and traces of the 19th-century mercury mining operations, making it the ideal San Jose location for locals and tourists seeking outdoor adventure. You can find it at 21785 Almaden Road in San Jose, California 95120.
The New Almaden Trail features a 14.2-mile (22.9km) unpaved loop starting at Webb Cannon, connecting to the New Almaden and Mine Hill loops, and returning to Webb Cannon. The unpaved trail reaches into ravines heavily shadowed by a dense canopy of bay laurels before emerging into open fields with picturesque views of rolling green hills and the suburbs. It also passes through a few open groves of blue oaks with grassy lawns.
Although other trails in the Almaden Quicksilver Park allow bike rides, the New Almaden Trail permits only foot travel.
No charge is required to use the trail. It is open daily from 8 p.m. until sunset, so you’re free to visit anytime.
Things To Know Before You Hit The New Almaden Trail
Before heading to the trail, be sure to observe the following:
- The Almaden Quicksilver County Park is open year-round from 8:00 a.m. until sunset, but the trails are subject to closure due to poor climate conditions, typically after heavy rains. It is advisable to check the weather forecast before you go.
Have a GPS or map handy because the trail may be challenging to navigate. You can pick up the trail maps from the park’s notice board at the entrance.
Carefully observe the trail usage signs and use only appropriate trails.
Some oak woodlands along the trails could be poisonous, so wear long pants and cover up nicely to protect yourself.
Pack your hiking essentials, lots of snacks, and water. - If you don’t have all your hiking essentials and need a place to shop for them, head to any of the following sporting goods shops within a short commute from the park:
- Bass Pro Shop
Big 5 Sporting Goods
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Almaden Plaza
Things To Do On The New Almaden Trail
The Almaden Quicksilver Park offers seating amid ample green areas, scenic trails, and picturesque views of San Jose, especially during the springtime when flowers are in full bloom.
It is a beautiful location to enjoy a little break, have a picnic, appreciate nature, take a stroll, jog, sprint, or hike. You can also explore the rich history of the mining operations in Almaden during the mining era as you move along the trail.
How Long Does It Take to Hike the New Almaden Trail?
Although the New Almaden trail looks roughly level on the elevation profile, it has a lot of ups and downs. With a 638-meter elevation gain, it is considered a challenging route that takes an average of 6 hours and 15 minutes to complete.
Things to Do Near the New Almaden Trail
After exploring the New Almaden Trail, you can head to the New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum if you’re interested in discovering more about the mining operations in San Jose, or you can swim at Almaden Lake Park.
If you’d love to discover more trails, there are diverse trails to explore in Almaden Quicksilver Park. You can check out any of the following:
- Senador Mine to Mine Hill Loop
Hacienda Trail
Virl O Norton Memorial Trail
Mount Umunhum Trail
Guadalupe Dam Loop
Church Hill Trail Loop
Mine Hill Trail and
Randol Trail Loop.
After a day of fun exploration, you may stop by a smoothie bar or one of the many farm-to-table restaurants within a 10-minute drive of the New Almaden Quicksilver Park to refuel.
Here are some top food spots we recommend:
- New Hoa Dang
Loving Hut
Craft Roots
Vegetarian House
Elements Restaurant
Urban Remedy
Green Lotus
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