Entry No. 47 — the San Francisco file — filed under: history

Enriquita Mine

The Enriquita Mine was a historic cinnabar mine established in 1859 as part of the massive New Almaden mercury mining district. Today, the site is preserved within Almaden Quicksilver County Park, where nature has largely reclaimed the hillsides. Visitors hiking the Enriquita Trail can spot rusted remnants of historic mining equipment and sealed tunnel portals.

The move: Hike the scenic Enriquita Trail to enjoy views of the Guadalupe Reservoir and Santa Cruz Mountains, pausing to safely photograph the rusted historic mining machinery along the path.

📍 Before you go While the surrounding Enriquita Trail is a legally open public hiking path within Almaden Quicksilver County Park, the actual underground mine workings and shafts are sealed and strictly off-limits due to safety hazards and legacy mercury contamination.

• 📍 Los Gatos
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Low-key
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Los Gatos, CA 95032, USA

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current access before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: westernmininghistory.com · hikingproject.com

last checked: 2026-07-20