All right, Almaden!

Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

From the McAbee Entrance, follow the paved trail into the forest. At the first trail intersection, hikers can pick up a map or use the portable toilets. Continue straight on Senador Mine Trail, a steep uphill route lined with the first smatterings of spring wildflowers, like sunny yellow California buttercups and bright purple vetch flowers.

As two cement towers come into view, history buffs will enjoy the historical placards highlighting the area’s history as a cinnabar mine in the early 1900s. The towers (old dust bins from the mine’s furnace) and other ruins are scenes from a bygone era, before this land was converted to a park in 1975.

At the intersection with Guadalupe Trail, bear right. This open grassland is packed with springtime delights, including California poppies, blue dicks, and tasty miner’s lettuce. The trail follows Guadalupe Creek all the way to the Guadalupe Reservoir, where lucky birders have spotted rare finds like the purple martin and summer tanager.

Turn left onto Mine Hill Road, a dirt trail that winds in and out of the forest. Between the trees, hikers can catch glimpses of San Jose far below, with Lick Observatory on the eastern horizon. At the intersection, turn right to stay on Mine Hill Road, then turn right onto Senador Mine Trail to retrace the route back to the trailhead.

The McAbee trailhead for Almaden Quicksilver County Park is located on McAbee Road in San Jose. Free street parking is available. Map. Almaden Quicksilver County Park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset. Dog-friendly!

Story and photos by Heather Werner, @heath.er.wer.ner