Almaden Quicksilver - Guadalupe Dam Loop
I wanted a quick hike to warm my legs up for some hikes I have planned for this weekend, so I headed to Almaden Quicksilver.
I found the park to be warm, but beautiful, with more hikers than I expected for a working day. The trails are nice and wide at this park though, so traffic wasn’t an issue. The hike to Guadalupe Dam was uneventful, except for about 7 different hikers passing me—usually, I’m the one who passes.
After loitering around the dam for a few minutes, I started on the return half of the hike and had a pleasant walk back to the trailhead.
What I Learned:
Although I maintained a moving speed of 2.7 mph, I got passed by the majority of the people on the trail. I gotta step my game up in the Almaden neighborhood.
I really have to get better about properly dressing for the right weather. The temperature was around 70 degrees and although I was wearing just a shirt and regular shorts, I still overheated. I should wear my running shorts if the temperature is above 60 degrees.
I wore my running socks and I’m never wearing these socks for hiking again. They’re thin and offer no cushioning, and my feet (after the hike) feel worse than after my Yosemite hike.
I saw so many animals on this trail: deer, ducks, vultures (top image), quail (above right), and other birds that I couldn’t identify.
5.6 miles, 2 hrs 5 mins, 711 ft of ascent
Hike Review:
As usual with Almaden Quicksilver, the trails are well maintained and is a joy to hike.
There was almost no shade until the New Almaden Trail on the return leg. I was glad I had brought my wide brim hat.
There aren’t any super steep parts. The elevation gain is rather gradual.