A steep but short climb to English Camp, historic home to New Almaden mine's English-speaking population.
3.2 miles out and back; 840 ft climbing; moderate to strenuous
Easily accessible from the Hacienda Entrance parking lot or the road, Deep Gulch Trail starts off deceptively slowly. It passes the Reduction Works, a rusted collection of mining equipment, before ascending steeply past a tailings pile, which marks the entrance to one of over 100 abandoned mine entrances littering the park.
While much of the surrounding area is overgrown with chaparral and live oak, keep an eye out for random hunks of machinery peeking out from beneath the foliage, or unnatural flat spots and fading roads. This was once a bustling business and community.
After about a mile and a half, the Deep Gulch Trail culminates at English Camp, once inhabited by the mine’s English-speaking population. Take some time to stroll around and view the remaining structures, including a mining office, a Methodist church and the old foundation of a schoolhouse. Picnic tables make this a nice spot for a snack.
From here, you can return to the parking lot or depart into the further reaches of the park via the Yellow Kid, Castillero or English Camp Trails. Yellow Kid and Castillero lead up to Spanish Town, the hulking rotary furnace and the hanging tree. Not to be missed.
—Juliette Spirson
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