A steady climb to the slopes of Mount Umunhum takes you through a beautiful landscape once actively mined for quicksilver. The Ridge Trail follows old mining roads over these hills, where you can imagine New Almaden Mine’s heyday. Historic buildings and interpretive panels tell the story of the community that once occupied these hills. Superb views look out over the Santa Clara Valley and Santa Cruz Mountains. Much of this route is exposed and can be hot in summer; plan accordingly.

(This trail description is excerpted from the 2019 Guidebook. For details on all trails, trailheads, and more, buy the book from Wilderness Press. For more resources to plan your trip, visit the Bay Area Ridge Trail's Trail Tools page.)