Quicksilver Park

Description

There are a lot of trails in Quicksilver Park. Quicksilver Running Club host an event there in May which features runs of 25k, 50k and 50 miles. The 25k is a loop and only covers some of the trails. There are 35 miles of trail here.

We started at the Mockingbird Hill Lane Entrance to the park. We chose to climb the steep Hacienda Trail, along Capehorn Pass and up Mine Hill Trail to the ridge at the top. After a rest, we ran effortlessly down to the dam overlook - where Striders host the aid station on event day. The return rolls quite pleasantly eastward along Randoll Trail and we cut down on Prospect to join the single-file New Almaden Trail to return us to the parking lot at Mockingbird Hill Lane. A little more than 9 miles.

Unfortunately, I forgot to recharge the Garman before running this trail. So the watch decided to go to sleep about 2 miles from the end! Not a problem, by that time you're on New Almaden Trail and there's no possibility of getting lost on the final part of the run.

The park is operated by Santa Clara County. A parking charge ($6 on 12/12/07) is made, however your pass for Stevens Creek County Park should give you free use of the facilities. There is no water available on the trail - don't attempt this without your water bottle!

Location

This park is at the South West corner of San Jose. I usually go down 87 to Blossom Hill. West on Blossom to Almaden Expy. 4 miles South on Almaden Expy to (Old) Almaden Road (easy to miss). Mockingbird Hill Lane is poorly sign posted on the right as you go down Almaden Road.

It's quite a long way from downtown San Jose (14 miles). If you haven't been here before, I recommend getting and printing Google's Driving Instructions.

Maps, Photos and More Information

Updated: December 12, 2007

Trail Data Sheets

Here are a series of great trails which we've run around the area:
(In alphabetical order!)

Alum Rock Park
Coyote Peak Trail
Guadalupe Park Trail
Los Gatos Creek Trail
Nibbs Knob Trail
Quicksilver Park