Mockingbird Hill serves as a welcoming eastern gateway to Almaden Quicksilver County Park, offering easy access to rolling hills, historic mining ruins, and peaceful picnic spots. With free parking and basic amenities, it’s an ideal starting point for relaxed hikes and outdoor meals in the South Bay.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Mockingbird Hill Ln, San Jose, CA 95120 |
| Phone | (408) 355-2201 |
| Hours | 08:00 – 17:00 daily (trails open from sunrise; park closes at sunset) |
| Facilities | Free parking lot at entrance; restrooms at entrance; potable water at entrance only; scattered picnic tables throughout park (some near trails); supports hiking, biking, mountain biking, and equestrian use |
| Notes & Tips | No BBQ grills or shelters; no trash bins—pack out all waste; no group reservations (first-come, first-served); parking and entrance are flat, but trails are hilly and not fully accessible; dogs allowed on leash; bring extra water, food, and offline maps (limited cell signal) |
This entrance to Almaden Quicksilver County Park invites visitors into a landscape rich with California history and natural beauty. Once a bustling 19th-century mercury mining site, the area now features quiet trails winding past old furnaces, mine shafts, and interpretive signs. Scattered picnic tables provide casual spots for breaks, while expansive views of green hills and distant reservoirs reward every outing.
Prepare the night before for a seamless adventure: assemble sandwiches, fresh produce, warm drinks, and any portable barbecue items with charcoal. Pack everything into the practical storage of your Tara Explorer 2+2—its built-in cooler keeps beverages chilled and snacks fresh during the short drive.
The park stays open daily with no entry fee. Winter brings lush green hills after seasonal rains, cooler temperatures, and fewer visitors—perfect for peaceful exploration. Trails remain accessible, though paths can be muddy; sunrise-to-sunset access applies regardless of posted hours.
9:00 AM – Arrival
Drive your Tara Explorer 2+2 straight to the Mockingbird Hill entrance. Park for free and unload gear in the convenient lot right beside the trailhead.
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Historic Mine Exploration
Begin on New Almaden Trail or Mine Hill Trail (easy to moderate). Discover remnants of old mines, furnaces, and informative plaques that bring the mercury mining era to life. Winter’s emerald hills offer wide-open vistas and crisp air.
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Picnic Break
Settle at one of the scattered tables near the entrance or along a trail, or spread a blanket on the grass. Enjoy homemade sandwiches, fruit, hot beverages, and grilled items (bring a portable grill if desired). The quiet winter setting feels wonderfully private.
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM – Loop Hikes and Views
Tackle Mockingbird Loop or English Camp Trail (moderate, 5–8 miles optional). Climb gentle hills for sweeping panoramas of the Santa Clara Valley and Guadalupe Reservoir—ideal for photos and reflection.
4:00 PM onward – Return Home
Head back to the entrance by late afternoon, pack out all trash, and depart before sunset closes the park gates.
Mockingbird Hill Picnic Area blends accessible trails, fascinating history, and serene picnic opportunities into an inviting South Bay escape—perfect for families, history buffs, and anyone craving fresh air and open space.
