Lake County >> The county has released its schedule for this year’s docent-led hikes on Mount Konocti.
The dates are: April 11 and 18; May 9 and 30; June 7 and 14. All will begin at 8 a.m.
Docents under the direction of Tom Nixon, retired state parks ranger and member of the Konocti Trails Team (KRTT), will lead the hikes which will include visits to the historic Downen Cabin and the top of Wright Peak. The docents are knowledgeable about the mountain and its geology, history, flora, fauna and even folklore, according to a release by the public services department. There will also be an optional climb to the top of the CAL FIRE lookout tower for hikers 18 years or older who sign a Release of Liability form.
This is a fairly rigorous hike with an elevation gain off 1,600 feet that lasts approximately fours hours and will cover 6 miles. Hikers are encouraged to wear good and sturdy shoes, bring a lunch and a sufficient amount of water, daypack and binoculars/camera. Minors are welcomed when accompanied by a responsible adult.
Hikers will meet at the main parking lot of the Mount Konocti Park at 8 a.m. It’s right before the locked gate where restrooms and picnic tables are located and can be accessed from Konocti Road in Kelseyville. Hikes will be canceled if inclement weather occurs.
Reservations are required due to limited space and must be made by March 31 for the first scheduled hike. April 10 is the reservation deadline for the remaining hikes, which can be made by calling the Lake County Public Services Department at 262-1618.
In its monumental 2011 acquisition, the county 1,520 acres of land on top of Mount Konocti to create Mount Konocti Park. This land is now placed in public hands for perpetuity. The county-owned land is contiguous with an additional 821 acres of public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). For more information on Mount Konocti Park, or to access a downloadable map, visit www.konoctitrails.com.
Contact the public services staff Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 262-1618 or email kati.galvani@lakcountyca.gov for more information.
