Important Announcement: The Casa Grande and the Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum were closed for renovation starting in 2009. The Grand Re-Opening ceremony was held on Pioneer Day, November 13, 2010. After delays due to final inspections and fixes, it was finally open on January 14, 2011.  It is now open to the public Fridays from 12 to 4, Sat. 10 to 4, Sun. 10 to 4.

News and special reports:

• Powerpoint presentation (18 MB) created by Ron Horii, showing activities in all the Santa Clara County Parks.
• Almaden Times Weekly article, "Living at the mines, circa 1880-1914: Quicksilver miners worked hard, played hard"
  
• Almaden Times Weekly article, "History Repeats Itself: Two New Almaden Historic Homes Dedicated With Monuments"
  
• Pictures from Mike Boulland's and Art Boudreault's book signing at the Casa Grande on 7/12/06.
• You can vote to save the Casa Grande! See here for details.
• See the pictures from Pioneer Day in Almaden Quicksilver's Spanishtown, Saturday October 14, 2006.
• Self-running slideshows (Windows only):
  • Pioneer Day, Senador Mine Trail dedication, 10/11/03 (19.5 MB)
    
  • Pioneer Day, Casa Grande 150th anniversary and Blacksmith Shop dedication, 10/9/04 (34 MB)
    
  • California Trail Day, north New Almaden Trail, 4/23/05 (14 MB)
  • Wildflower Scavenger Hunt, Senador Mine Trail, 5/5/05 (21 MB)
    
  • Volunteers Recognition Banquet, 4/6/06 (31 MB)
    
  • Wildflower walk, Wood Road Trail, 4/30/06 (31 MB)
    
  • GPS Class, Wood Road Trail to Mine Hill, 4/30/06 (31 MB)
    
• Los Alamitos Creek/Guadalupe River Trail
• Ron Horii's Outdoor Photography Gallery (includes Almaden Quicksilver)
  
• Pictures from the Los Alamitos Creek Watershed Cleanup 5/19/07: Page 1: Preparation, Page 2: Cleanup 1, Page 3: Cleanup 2, Page 4: BBQ Lunch.
• Pictures from New Almaden Coummunity Day 9/8/07: Jump-In Parade on Bertram Road, Jump-In Parade on Almaden Road, Dedication of Pat Tillman Memorial, and the BBQ and Games at the New Almaden Community Center.
• Pictures from Pioneer Day, October 13, 2007, New Almaden Community Center, Santa Isabel Shafthouse Dedication.
• Almaden Times Weekly article on Pioneer Day, 10/13/07
  
• The County Parks' Healthy Trails program includes 2 trail routes in Almaden Quicksilver.
• NAQCPA has adopted 3 trails in Quicksilver Park: The Yellow Kid, the Great Eastern and Day Tunnel, and the Deep Gulch Trail. The trail group meets on the second Wednesday of the month and drives up to the trail for work from 9 am to 11:30 am. We need volunteers to help in the spring and summer. Contact Kitty Monahan to volunteer.
  
• San Jose Mercury News Section, Where We Live, Almaden Valley.
• Pictures of wildflowers and park views, Spring 2008:
• Part 1 Southside: Deep Gulch, Mine Hill, Wood Road Trails
• Part 2 Northside: Senador, Guadalupe, Mine Hill, New Almaden Trails
• Geocaching Class, Wood Road Trail, June 14, 2008
• New Almaden Community Day Sept. 13, 2008: Jump-In Parade, BBQ and Games.
• Pictures from Pioneer Day 10/11/08, Wood Road
• Open Road TV show on Almaden Quicksilver
  
• Ghost Tour, Santa Teresa and Almaden, 10/25/09
  
• Geocaching Class, Wood Road Trail, Jan. 17, 2009
• Almaden Resident: Casa Grande in Quicksilver Park set for $5 million building restoration, March 6, 2009.
• Pictures from the Healthy Trails Hike, Wood Road Trail, Almaden Quicksilver, 3/28/09
• Almaden Times Weekly article on New Almaden Day, 9/12/09
  
• Pioneer Day, English Camp Map House, 10/10/09
• Almaden Times Weekly article on Pioneer Day, 10/10/09
  
• Kiwanis Ghost Tour of Santa Teresa Park and New Almaden, 10/17/09
• Geocaching Class, Wood Road Trail, Jan. 16, 2010
• Almaden Quicksilver HDR Pictures 2/27/10
• New Almaden Jump-In Parade 9/11/10
• Almaden Times Weekly article on the Jump-In Parade, Sept. 12-23 issue
  
• Clean-up of Los Alamitos and Guadalupe Creek Watersheds, New Almaden to Guadalupe Dam 9/25/10
• Pioneer Day: Reopening of the Casa Grande, 11/13/10
• DAR honor renovation of Santa Clara County's Casa Grande and costuming of Feather Tippetts, 7/7/11
• In September, 2011, Ron Horii had a display of park pictures at the Santa Teresa Library.
  
• Pioneer Day: Hacienda Mining Display Outdoor Museum, 10/8/11
• New Almaden and Randol Trails (Facebook Album), 12/28/11
• Hike on the New Almaden, Buena Vista, Randol, Capehorn Pass, and Hacienda Trails 1/27/12

2012 Almaden Quicksilver events:

• Saturday, February 18, 2012, Healthy Trails Hike, Almaden Quicksilver, 9am-1pm. Join a Park Docent on a moderately challenging 4.5-mile hike along the Wood Road, Castillero and Mine Hill Trails. View remnants of the expansive mercury mining operation as you explore nature and history. Meet at the Wood Road parking lot on Hicks Road. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and
sunscreen. Bring water, snacks and a camera. (408) 355-2240.

• Saturday, April 21,Wildflower Scavenger Hunt, Almaden Quicksilver, 10:00am-12:00pm.Join Docents and friends of the New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association on a wildflower scavenger hunt through various stations along the Wood Road Trail. Meet at the Wood Road entrance off Hicks Rd. Register online http://activenet.active.com/SCCOParks/registrationmain.sdi?source=adet.sdi&activity_id=176 or call (408) 355-2240.
• Sunday April 29, Saturday June 16, Sunday July 29, Saturday August 11, History Hike: “History Through A Changed Landscape”, Almaden Quicksilver, 10:00am-2:00pm. Take a 4-mile hike and travel through time with a Park Interpreter. Learn about the mining history that has helped shape the landscape of this historic park. Meet at the Wood Rd. entrance off Hicks Rd. with a bag lunch, water, sun/rain protection, and sturdy hiking shoes. Not recommended for children under 5. (408) 918-7774
• Saturday May 19, July 21, August 4, History Tour By Van, Almaden Quicksilver, 9:00am-1:30pm. Step back in time and experience what life was like back in the mining heyday. Ride by van to various historic sites and bring a brown-bag lunch to enjoy in the park. Children must be over 6 years and 60 lbs. Meet at the Casa Grande/New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum. Bring water, lunch and sun protection. Reservations required. Cost is $5 per person. (408) 918-7773.
• Sunday, May 20, Living History, Casa Grande/New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Come visit Casa Grande, once the magnificent home of New Almaden Mine managers. Costumed Docents will be on hand to guide you through Victorian period rooms and museum exhibits. Children will be able to participate in a craft activity to take home. (408) 918-7775.
• Saturday, June 9, August 18, History Tour By Van/Hike, Almaden Quicksilver, 9:00am-1:30pm. Step back in time and experience what life was like back in the mining heyday. Ride by van to various historic sites and bring a brown-bag lunch to enjoy in the park. Tour includes an easy hike of approximately 3 miles. Children must be over 6 years and 60 lbs. Meet at the Casa Grande/New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum. Bring water, lunch and sun protection. Reservations required. Cost is $5 per person. (408) 918-7773.
• Sunday, June 24, Living History, Casa Grande/New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, 1:00pm-3:00pm. Come visit Casa Grande, once the magnificent home of New Almaden Mine managers. Costumed Docents will be on hand to guide you through Victorian period rooms and museum exhibits. Children will be able to participate in a craft activity to take home. (408) 918-7775.
• Saturday, June 30, Play Like A Miner, Casa Grande/New Almaden Quicksilver Mining Museum, 11:00am-2:00pm. Join museum staff and volunteers for a fun-filled afternoon of kid-friendly activities and adventures that reflect the life and hard work of cinnabar miners and New Almaden’s historic mining community. (408) 918-7773.

2012 Events at Other parks:

• Saturday March 24, 2012, Healthy Trails Hike, Santa Teresa, 9am-11am. A Park Docent will lead you on a moderate 2.5-mile hike along the Fortini Trail to see beautiful views of the Santa Teresa hills, Calero Lake and Almaden Valley. Meet at the Fortini Trailhead parking lot with sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, water and snacks. (408) 355-2240.
• Saturday March 24, 2012, Nature Journaling Hike, Santa Teresa, 1pm-4pm. Come enjoy the spring wildflowers while learning the basics of keeping a nature journal. Journaling is a great way to study and remember the things you see and experience during your outdoor adventures. This is a parent-child participation class geared for families with small children. Meet at the Fortini Trailhead. Bring snacks, sketch book or paper, clipboard and a few pencils. Reservations required. Register online or call (408) 355-2240.
  
• Saturday, March 31, 2012 Wildflower Hike, Calero’s Rancho San Vicente, 9am-1:30pm. Join a Park Docent on a 3-mile hike to enjoy the spring wildflowers and learn how the rolling serpentine grasslands provide critical habitat for endangered species. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding foothills along the way. Meet at Calero Reservoir, then caravan to a gated site nearby. Bring sturdy hiking shoes, sun protection, snacks, and water. No dogs. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for
  public access; group travels together. Restrooms not available except at reservoir meeting location. Reservations required. Register online or call (408)355-2240
• Saturday, April 7, Introduction to Photography, Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch, 10:00am-1:00pm. Join a Docent for a 3.7-mile photography hike on the spectacular Mummy Mountain Trail. Learn outdoor photography techniques and take pictures of the wildflowers, sunny meadows, shady forests, unusual rock formations, and breathtaking views. Bring a camera, sturdy hiking shoes, snacks, water and sun protection. Meet at the Mendoza parking lot on Roop Rd. Register online http://activenet.active.com/SCCOParks/registrationmain.sdi?source=adet.sdi&activity_id=177 or call (408) 355-2240.
• Saturday, April 7, Healthy Trails Bilingual (Spanish) Challenge Hike, Santa Teresa, 10:00am-12:00pm. Join us on a moderately challenging 2.5-mile hike on the Fortini/Mine/Stile Ranch Trails (loop). See Beautiful Valley Vista views of Santa Teresa Hills, Calero Lake and Almaden Valley. Meet at the Stile Ranch entrance. (408) 355-2294.
• Thursday, April 12, Healthy Trails Stroller Hike and Toddler Trek, Santa Teresa, 4:30pm-6:00pm. Join a Strollerhikes.com Docent on a moderate hike geared towards families with small children. Enjoy many historical sites along the way. Meet at the Fortini Trail Head parking lot. Bring sun protection, water, snacks and sturdy hiking shoes. (408) 355-2240.
• Saturday, April 14, Power To The Petal, Calero/Rancho San Vicente, 11:00am-1:00pm. Hike with a Park Ranger to explore a bounty of wildflowers and discover why this unique environment provides critical habitat for endangered species. Meet at Calero Reservoir, then carpool to the trail nearby. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and sun protection. Bring lunch and water. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area”, not normally open to the public. Restrooms not available except at reservoir. (408) 268-3883.
• Sunday, April 22, Wildflowers Galore!, Santa Teresa, 10:00am-12:00pm. Take a 3-mile hike to explore endangered species of the serpentine habitat and learn why certain soils and rocky mixtures produce the most beautiful and abundant wildflower displays. Meet at the Pueblo group area with hiking shoes, sun protection and water. (408) 225-0225.
• Sunday, May 6, Wildflower Hike, Calero/Rancho San Vicente, 9:00am-1:30pm. Join a Park Docent on a 3-mile hike to enjoy spring wildflowers and learn how the rolling serpentine grasslands provide critical habitat for endangered species. Meet at Calero Reservoir, then carpool to the trail nearby. Bring sun protection, water, camera, sturdy hiking shoes and layered clothing. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access, group travels together. Restrooms not available except at reservoir. Register online http://activenet.active.com/SCCOParks/registrationmain.sdi?source=adet.sdi&activity_id=181 or call (408) 355-2240.
• Saturday, May 12: Park Beautification – Joice Bernal Ranch
• Saturday, May 19: National River Cleanup Day – various parks
• Saturday, May 19, 2012. South Bay Ridge Ramble. Bay Area Ridge Trail all-day event. Family Ramble: 3.5 mile loop through Santa Teresa Park. Family Geocaching Ramble with REI in Santa Teresa Park. Mining Ramble: 9 miles from Hicks Road/Jacques Ridge in Almaden Quicksilver Park with optional 3-mile loop. Extreme Scramble: 21-miles from Lexington Reservoir through Sierra Azul Open Space Preserve through Almaden Quicksilver to Santa Teresa, with optional 3-mile loop to Coyote Peak at the end. Stage at Santa Teresa Park. Hikers and cyclists on the Mining Ramble and Extreme Scramble are shuttled to the starting point and travel back to Santa Teresa. All participants enjoy snacks and drinks at rest stops along the way, and a tasty lunch. Maps, guides, and sweeps are provided so you can travel the trail at your own pace. To volunteer to help with the event, contact volunteer@ridgetrail.org
• Saturday, May 19, Frog and Lizard Night, Santa Teresa’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30pm-10:00pm. Join aquarium experts and herpetologists to learn about local salamanders, frogs, lizards, and how to set up successful pollywog aquariums. First families to make reservations can take home a tadpole with small tank. After the program, stay for popcorn, lemonade and the campy horror movie “Creature from the Black Lagoon.” Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
• Saturday, May 26, Wash Day And Old Time Games – Santa Teresa’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 1:30pm-3:30pm. Come out for a fun-filled afternoon. Experience Granny’s “weekly affliction” and play games from 100 years ago. The historic ranch is located at the corner of Camino Verde and Manila Dr. in San Jose. (408) 226-5453.
• Saturday, June 2: National Trails Day – New Almaden Trail at Almaden Quicksilver.
• Sunday, June 3, Wildflower Hike, Calero/Rancho San Vicente, 9:00am-1:30pm. Join a Park Docent on a 3-mile hike to enjoy spring wildflowers and learn how the rolling serpentine grasslands provide critical habitat for endangered species. Meet at Calero Reservoir, then carpool to the trail nearby. Bring sun protection, water, camera, sturdy hiking shoes and layered clothing. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access, group travels together. Restrooms not available except at reservoir. Register online http://activenet.active.com/SCCOParks/registrationmain.sdi?source=adet.sdi&activity_id=182 or call (408) 355-2240.
• Sunday, June 3, Introduction to Geocaching, Santa Teresa, 1:00pm-4:00pm. Join Docent Sam Drake on a beginner’s geocaching adventure to find 6-7 hidden caches on the Fortini Trail. GPS units will be provided. Meet at the Fortini Trailhead. Bring sun protection, water, snacks and sturdy hiking shoes. Reservations required. Register online http://activenet.active.com/SCCOParks/registrationmain.sdi?source=adet.sdi&activity_id=187 or call (408) 355-2240.
  
• Saturday, June 23, Festival in the Park, Hellyer, 11:00am-4:00pm. Join us for this 6th annual health, wellness and safety fair! This year’s exhibits and activities will include those aimed at helping communities and families become better prepared for emergencies and natural disasters. Food available for purchase. FREE admission, information, health and recreation opportunities, entertainment and FUN! (408) 355-2240.
  
• Saturday, June 30: Trail Day – Rocky Ridge Trail at Santa Teresa.
• Saturday, July 14, Wildlife Hike, Calero/Rancho San Vicente, 4:00pm -7:30pm. Join a Park Docent for a moderate 3- mile out-and-back hike to enjoy wildlife and discover how the rolling serpentine grasslands provide critical habitat for endangered species. Meet at Calero Reservoir, then carpool to the trail nearby. Bring sun protection, water, camera, sturdy hiking shoes and layered clothing. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access, group travels together. Restrooms not available except at reservoir. Register online at http://activenet.active.com/SCCOParks/registrationmain.sdi?source=adet.sdi&activity_id=183 or call (408) 355-2240.
• Saturday, July 21, August 11, Wash Day And Old Time Games, Santa Teresa’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 1:30pm-3:30pm. Come out for a fun-filled afternoon. Experience Granny’s “weekly affliction” and play games from 100 years ago. The historic ranch is located at the corner of Camino Verde and Manila Dr. in San Jose. (408) 226-5453.
  
• Saturday, July 28, Family Fandango, Santa Teresa’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 5:00pm-8:00pm. Come celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribe of the San Francisco Bay, early Spanish-speaking colonists, and English-speaking ranch families who all settled in this area over time. The evening’s focus is family fun through demonstrations and activities that highlight 1770-1870 California. The Ranch is located at the corner of Camino Verde and Manila Dr. in San Jose. (408) 846-5632.
• Saturday, August 11, Micro-Zoology Night, Santa Teresa’s Historic Bernal Ranch, 7:30pm-10:00pm
  Join experts for a show and tell about microscopic creatures. Look at life under a drop of water. Afterwards, munch on popcorn while watching the microbe gone mad movie “The Blob.” Reservations required. (408) 226-5453.
• Saturday, August 25, Wildlife Hike, Calero/Rancho San Vicente, 4:00pm-7:30pm
  Join a Park Docent on a 3-mile hike to enjoy panoramic views and discover how these rolling serpentine grasslands provide critical habitat for endangered species. Meet at Calero Reservoir, then carpool to the trail nearby. Bring sun protection, water, camera, sturdy hiking shoes and layered clothing. Note: This is a guided hike in a “closed area” not yet open for public access, group travels together. Restrooms not available except at reservoir. Register online http://activenet.active.com/SCCOParks/registrationmain.sdi?source=adet.sdi&activity_id=186 or call (408) 355-2240.
  

See here for past events at Almaden Quicksilver and other parks.

Copyright © New Almaden Quicksilver County Park Association 

For more information, contact us. Updated 3/29/12