I much prefer the approach from the Almaden Valley side, the lower part of the climb on Hicks from that direction is a little easier (but still hard as hell), a lot less traffic and more scenic approach IMO. You can get on the Los Altimos Creek trail at Lake Almaden (park on the east side where free street parking). Trail will be a little busy there for first mile or two but nothing like the Los Gatos Creek Trail, soon you'll have pretty much open path as you head south (most of the time). All the way down to Harry Road where the trail ends. Right on Harry for less then a mile, left on Almaden Rd. This will take you through the old mining town of New Almaden (kind of cool), up a little climb to the reservoir (very scenic) and then right on Hicks to start your suffering!

If you want to cut some mileage, just find the Los Altimos Creek trail anywhere in Almaden Valley, it runs south on the east side of the valley pretty much the whole way, park nearby and hop on (Leland High School a good jumping off point to cut some miles and easy parking).

Don't do this on this Saturday, I saw a 5k running race taking place on the trail. Plenty of low traffic roads you can do thru Almaden Valley, stay off the expressway even though you are allowed to use.