May 26, 2018

It is about time that I post some pictures I made at my favorite park. Almaden Quicksilver County Park is a local treasure with abundant history, trails, vistas, and wonderful trees. After some quick math I concluded that I may have hiked there close to a thousand times in the past fifteen years. And I am still not in the slightest tired of it. Every time I visit the park I meet old friends, I discover something not seen before, and I leave more at peace and refreshed.

I made the first picture on a misty Saturday morning hike in January 2011. This is my favorite tree in all of Northern California. You can find it along English Camp Trail just below English Camp.

The next picture portrays a fabulous oak on a little plateau near the former Spanish Town. From there you can enjoy great vistas of Sierra Azul Open Space with Mt. Umunhum in the back.

The Hanging Tree was the site of a hanging in the 19th century. The nature of the crime is long forgotten. Some say, that descendants of those present during the execution still throw rocks at the tree to express their condemnation of this misdeed.

Hidalgo Cemetery is one of the few remains of Spanish Town and is the most Southern part of the park that is officially accessible. There are no gravestones to see. The only thing left is a white fence. And beautiful old trees like the one below. I was told that it is likely an Irish Yew.

Guadalupe Trail leads through the Western part of the park along a creek towards a reservoir - both with the same name. I like this trail because it seems to be less frequented. And there are some wonderful trees!

Alamitos road leads around the Southern part of the park just along Almaden Reservoir. Sadly there are no hiking trails - at least not to my knowledge. Still, there are beautiful trees visible right from the road.

Old Spanish Town has a lot to offer. The Rotary Furnace, the infamous Hanging Tree, exceptional vistas, and this gathering of trees greeting you on your way towards the Hidalgo Cemetery.

Camp Trail leads from English camp to the Hacienda Entrance. It is a bit steep at places but rewards with splendid views. For example the old Chimney in the distance. It still stands strong after all those years. And hiking this trail is a very quiet undertaking. No artificial noise from the busy life of the Bay Area reaches you.

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