A pretty loop on the park's north side that climbs to a ridge and back down.
3.9 miles; 600 ft climbing; moderate
Hacienda Trail —> Capehorn Pass Trail —> Randol Trail —> Randol Trail cutoff —> Buena Vista —> New Almaden —>Hacienda Trail
Open to cyclists and folks walking their Chihuahuas alike, this trail is accessed via the Mockingbird Hill Entrance and opens up to a rocky, long walk up Hacienda Trail.
While parts of the trail may be washed out and bugs may own the area, the vegetation can become floral and creek beds will sometimes fill up from the nearby reservoir. You’re bound to catch a tan while you take on this basic trail that captures the best of Almaden Quicksilver’s local biology.
It’s a long, tough slog uphill for those of us who are weekend warriors. While not excessively steep, the trail goes up and up and up to beautiful views that you can appreciate even with sore calves and glutes. Thanks to the shrinking and growing size of the trail proper, you can always stop in a manzanita grove to rest or stand aside for bikers as an excuse to catch your breath. Where Hacienda intersects with Capehorn Pass Trail turn right and follow it to Randol Trail. Stay on this hiker- and biker-friendly section of trail for 1 mile, then dart down to the right on Randol Trail (a hikers-only cutoff) to pass the Buena Vista Shaft. Follow short Buena Vista Trail down to New Almaden Trail; turn right and follow until you reach Hacienda Trail and get back to the car via a short jaunt.
In springtime, keep an eye out for the wild Douglas Iris, small and sweet California sorrel and the beautifully colored baby blue eyes and blue eyed grass, which often appear purple. And you can’t forget the California flower itself, the butter-soft and sunshine-colored poppy.
—Juliette Spirson
Back to Almaden Quicksilver County Park
Category:
