Public invited to scale iconic Park County peakThe Nature Conservancy will host its annual Heart Mountain community hike on Saturday, June 12. The trek will begin at 9 a.m.Hikers are asked to meet at the Heart Mountain Ranch headquarters before heading to the trailhead. Coffee and doughnuts will be provided at the ranch, but hikers should make plans to pack their own water, lunch, sunscreen and clothing for possible inclement weather. Powell Valley Healthcare will provide extra water and granola bars halfway up the trail. Along for the hike this year will be a variety of experts to answer questions on the various aspects of Park County's unique landmark. Among those scheduled to attend will be experts versed in the mountain's geology, its plant and animal life and the management of the area surrounding Heart Mountain.Hikers should prepare for a full day outdoors and a strenuous round-trip hike of approximately seven miles for those choosing to walk the trail all the way to the summit of Heart Mountain. The walk is open to anyone wanting to enjoy the outdoors and to learn about Heart Mountain. Hikers may walk as much or as little of the trail as they wish during the community event and hikers are free to proceed at whatever pace feels most comfortable to them.No pets should be brought on the hike.To reach the Heart Mountan Ranch headquarters, take Road 19 at Heart Mountain Relocation Camp and travel north for several miles, winding through farm ground before the road turns into Lane 13 1/2. Continue toward Heart Mountain until you hit Road 22. The ranch headquarters is the first building along Road 22. For more information on the 2010 Heart Mountain community hike, contact the ranch office at 307-754-8446.

Public invited to scale iconic Park County peak

The Nature Conservancy will host its annual Heart Mountain community hike on Saturday, June 12. The trek will begin at 9 a.m.

Hikers are asked to meet at the Heart Mountain Ranch headquarters before heading to the trailhead. Coffee and doughnuts will be provided at the ranch, but hikers should make plans to pack their own water, lunch, sunscreen and clothing for possible inclement weather.

Powell Valley Healthcare will provide extra water and granola bars halfway up the trail.

Along for the hike this year will be a variety of experts to answer questions on the various aspects of Park County's unique landmark.

Among those scheduled to attend will be experts versed in the mountain's geology, its plant and animal life and the management of the area surrounding Heart Mountain.

Hikers should prepare for a full day outdoors and a strenuous round-trip hike of approximately seven miles for those choosing to walk the trail all the way to the summit of Heart Mountain. The walk is open to anyone wanting to enjoy the outdoors and to learn about Heart Mountain. Hikers may walk as much or as little of the trail as they wish during the community event and hikers are free to proceed at whatever pace feels most comfortable to them.

No pets should be brought on the hike.

To reach the Heart Mountan Ranch headquarters, take Road 19 at Heart Mountain Relocation Camp and travel north for several miles, winding through farm ground before the road turns into Lane 13 1/2. Continue toward Heart Mountain until you hit Road 22. The ranch headquarters is the first building along Road 22.

For more information on the 2010 Heart Mountain community hike, contact the ranch office at 307-754-8446.