Mount Konocti bus tours to resume; first trip set for end of July
- Lake County News reports
- Posted On
LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The county of Lake and Lake Transit Authority are resuming a project to provide access to the top of towering Mount Konocti via several docent-led bus tours on six Saturdays during the summer and fall.
The project, a partnership between the county of Lake and Lake Transit Authority, offers a limited number of guided trips to the top of the ancient volcano in an effort to provide access to residents who may not otherwise be able to enjoy the park and its spectacular views, all while minimizing individual vehicle usage on the road up the mountain.
Transportation up the mountain will be provided by Lake Transit Authority.
The dates for the tours are July 27, Aug. 24, Sept. 7, Sept. 21, Oct. 5 and Oct. 19.
One tour, from 9 a.m. to noon, will be offered on July 27, Aug. 24 and Sept. 7.
Two tours will be offered on Sept. 21, Oct. 5 and Oct. 19 – a morning trip from 9 a.m. to noon and an afternoon trip from 1 to 4 p.m.
Tickets are $20 per seat. The buses can accommodate wheelchairs, but wheelchair users should be advised that the paths on the mountain are not accessible.
Stops on the bus tours will include the top of Wright Peak and the historic Downen Cabin; several points along the bus tour also will provide for scenic views from the coach itself.
The tours will be led by trained docents who are knowledgeable about the mountain and its geology, history, flora, fauna, and even folklore.
The County of Lake has an agreement with Cal Fire to allow guided access to the fire tower that sits atop Wright Peak.
At 4,299 feet in elevation, Wright Peak is the highest point on the mountain, and the optional climb to the top of the tower, which was built in 1976, provides stunning 360-degree panoramas.
Tower access may be available as a part of the tour to those participants who are 18 years of age and over and accompanied by an official docent.
Tower access requires a moderately strenuous climb of several flights of exterior stairs, and thus, may not be appropriate for those prone to vertigo or with heart-related and other health conditions.
In its monumental 2011 acquisition, the County of Lake purchased 1,520 acres of land on top of Mount Konocti, thereby creating the new Mount Konocti County Park and placing it into public hands for perpetuity.
The county-owned land is contiguous with an existing 821 acres of public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management.
In September 2012, the county and Lake Transit initially launched a pilot bus tour program to the top of the mountain, but they were sued the following month by Mike Fowler and his wife, Emily Ford, who sold the county the park property. The Fowlers argued that the bus tours violated the terms of use for an easement that they granted through their remaining property.
The tours were halted following the filing of the lawsuit.
However, the way was cleared for the tours to come back when, in the spring of 2015, Judge Andrew Blum issued a ruling in the county’s favor.
Mount Konocti County Park is an undeveloped park with somewhat rugged terrain and gravel areas. Smoking is strictly prohibited.
As with other county-owned parks, no glass and no alcohol are allowed. Three waterless vault restrooms have been installed on the mountain, as well as several picnic tables and benches.
Participants are encouraged to wear shoes and clothes appropriate for hiking and walking on rugged terrain. Participants are advised to wear hats, sunscreen, and bring a supply of water to stay hydrated. Other recommendations include binoculars and insect spray. Rattlesnakes are present and care should be taken to avoid disturbing rocks.
Tickets must be purchased in advance directly from Lake Transit Authority, and will be available beginning July 18 the main office, located at 9240 Highway 53 in Lower Lake. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
To reserve tickets, call 707-994-3334. Reserved tickets must be picked up at least one week before your scheduled trip, and all participants will be required to sign a waiver.
For information on Mount Konocti County Park, including a downloadable map, visit www.konoctitrails.com or contact the Lake County Public Services Department at 707-262-1618.