Almaden Quicksilver County Park is a sprawling 4,147-acre park that encompasses the grounds of former mercury mines just south of San Jose. The sheer size of this place means you and your dog could easily spend an afternoon exploring without feeling crowded—the trails wind through oak woodlands and open grasslands that really show off the Santa Clara Valley landscape.

There are over 34 miles of trails total, with 23 miles open to horses and 10 miles dedicated to bikes, but the good news is that all trails welcome leashed dogs. You’ll have plenty of options whether you want a quick 3-mile loop or something more ambitious. The terrain varies enough to keep things interesting, and the moderate difficulty level of most trails makes them accessible without feeling boring.

Water access is something to plan around since potable water is only available at the Hacienda and Mockingbird Hill entrances. Bring plenty for your dog, especially on warmer days. The park does have horse water troughs scattered throughout, which can work in a pinch, but planning your route around the main entrances is smarter. Picnic tables are distributed along the trails, so you can take a break and eat lunch while your dog rests in the shade.

The mining history is interesting too—you can see evidence of the old operations as you walk, which adds some context to the landscape. The park is genuinely peaceful despite being so close to the urban core of San Jose. The rolling terrain and varied vegetation make it feel much more remote than it actually is.

Remember that dogs need to stay leashed throughout, and pack out what you pack in. There’s enough space here that you could easily make it a regular spot without running the same route twice for several visits.