Mt.Kobau represents the highest point along a mountain ridge running north-south for nearly forty kilometers between Okanagan Falls and Osoyoos. Mt.Kobau, at 1873m elevation lies within the South Okanagan Grasslands Protected Area at the southernmost end of this land mass. This ridge of land divides the Similkameen and Okanagan valleys. Despite Kobau’s summit being closer geographical to the town of Oliver, the lay of the land requires that one travel to Osoyoos in order to gain Hwy.3 (the Crowsnest Hwy.) and from there, the Mt.Kobau access road. The hot, dry Okanagan climate can result in overexposure to the sun. Visitors should use sun-screen and wear a hat during long periods of outdoor activity. Hikers should bring plenty of water, since there is none available in the park, and schedule activities to avoid the heat of the day. Trails of interest on Kobau are attained by navigating to it’s summit, a 19km jaunt along a wide gravel road. The road surface is in decent condition, with a mild pitch, passable by nearly any highway vehicle. Despite sections of washboard, it’s one of the best gravel roads in the Okanagan, as there once was a plan by the federal government to install an optical observatory atop Mt.Kobau. Politicians dropped the ball on the project, but not until after an engineered road to the summit had been completed. The well-signed, 4km long Testalinden trail is the larger of the two atop Kobau. It departs the main parking lot on it’s south end, circling through a full loop of forest and grasslands, providing stunning vistas over the Similkameen Valley en route. The trail eventually drops hikers onto a forest service road adjacent to Testalinden lake (a small pond). Follow this FSR south for 650m in order to return to the parking area. The other route of interest in the area is the 1km long Mt.Kobau Look-Off trail. This pathway takes the form of an old, abandoned two-track road leading to a lookout point which provides incredible vistas east, south and southwest along the South Okanagan valley. Mount Kobau is also a popular spot for stargazers. A group of local volunteers host an annual Star Party in August. This informal, family-friendly event is open to everyone. Attendees are greeted by amazing views of the planets and constellations, with keen interpreters willing to share their knowledge of the night sky. www.mksp.ca From the intersection of Highway 3 and Hwy.97 in Osoyoos, travel northwest on Hwy.3 for 11.2km. There you’ll find a right-hand turnoff to the Kobau Service Road. Oddly, it’s marked by a Spotted Lake sign, a unique body of water which actually appears on your left, 2.5Km back down Hwy.3 Vertical: 69m | Length: Varies | Water: None | Cell: Spotty