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Wood Road Trail
2.6 miles; Easy
Accessible by the Hicks/Wood Road Entrance

Wood or Woods Road Trail is a vein straight to the heart of the Almaden Quicksilver Park. Overlooking Jacques Gulch, the Sierra Azuls, and connected to the Bay Area Ridge Trail's snaking miles, Wood Road Trail is an ideal first pick for amateurs and those whose feet may blister easily. Intersecting trails such as Mine Hill and Castillero Trails can take you on a choose your own hike journey, but the Wood Trail itself is moderate enough for the whole family.

As one of the more interconnected trails, Wood Road Trail loops you right toward the MIne Hill Rotary Furnace, one of the primary historical relics left over from the mining days. Expect about a mile and a half walk before reaching anything, through grassland and bushes. It's not as visual of a hike but it's a great place to get started, and the historical tour makes it all worth it. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the sealed-off San Cristobal Mine entrance!

Another aspect of Wood Road Trail that makes it ideal for beginners is its extensive information to guide you on your way. Signage efficiently explains and illustrated everything from maps and nature guides to historical information and wilderness safety tips. Brochures offer tips about what you're seeing and help shed light on some odd crumbling remains.
One more attraction that you'll pass on Wood Road Trail is a historic hanging tree, innocuous enough to pass by but ripe with wronged figured in history. This hike can get a tad creepy in evenings or toward Halloween, so make sure you aren't afraid of no ghosts before heading up into the hills.

Overlooking your hike, like so many other angles of Almaden, are Mt. Umunhum, and an old Air Force base radar tower that has been since decommissioned. The surrounding hills are reserved for future hiking areas, so stay tuned for an expanded experience of these stunning surroundings in the years to come.