LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Public Services Director Caroline Chavez announced the spring 2013 schedule for docent-led hikes on Mt. Konocti.

Hikes are planned for the following dates: Saturday, March 30; Saturday, April 20; Sunday, May 19; and Sunday, June 9.

The meeting spot will take place at the main parking lot of the park and the approximately four hour guided hikes will begin at 8 a.m.

The park is accessed by taking Konocti Road up the mountain from Kelseyville.

The hike is moderately strenuous and will cover approximately six miles roundtrip. Participants are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes appropriate for rugged terrain and to bring a lunch, a supply of water, a daypack, as well as binoculars and/or a camera.

The number of spaces for the docent led hikes is limited, and reservations are required. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Inclement weather cancels the hike.

The hike, which will be led by experienced docents, will include visits to the historic Downen Cabin and the top of Wright Peak, with an optional climb to the top of the Cal Fire lookout tower.

At 4,299 feet in elevation, Wright Peak is the highest point on the mountain, and the tower, which was built in 1976 and used until recently by fire lookout crews, provides stunning 360-degree panoramas.

The climb to the top of the tower requires accompaniment by a guided docent, and it will be accessible only to those 18 years of age and older.

Hikers who wish to climb the tower will be required to sign a release of liability form. Tower access requires a moderately strenuous climb up several flights of exterior stairs, and thus, may not be appropriate for those prone to vertigo or with heart-related and other health conditions.

Tom Nixon, a retired State Parks Ranger and member of the Konocti Regional Trails Team (KRTT), leads the docent tour program.

The docents are knowledgeable about a range of topics including the mountain and its geology, history, flora, fauna, and even folklore.
 
Mount Konocti County Park is primarily an undeveloped park with somewhat rugged terrain and gravel areas. Three waterless vault restrooms have been installed on the mountain, as well as several picnic tables and benches. Smoking is strictly prohibited.

As with other county-owned parks, glass and alcohol are prohibited. Rattlesnakes are present, and care should be taken to avoid disturbing rocks.

In its monumental 2011 acquisition, the county of Lake purchased 1,520 acres of land on top of Mount Konocti, a dormant volcano that is one of Lake County’s most dominant and recognizable natural features. This acquisition created the new Mount Konocti County Park and placed it into 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).

The reservation deadline for the first guided hike is March 15, 2013. All other reservations need to be made by April 1, 2013.

To reserve a space, contact the Lake County Public Services Department at 707-262-1618.

For information on Mount Konocti County Park, including a downloadable map, visit www.konoctitrails.com .