Mount Kobau

Mount Kobau rises west of Osoyoos inside the South Okanagan Grasslands Protected Area, and its summit road is the one road in the protected area open to motor vehicles. From the top, the short Lookout Trail leads to the site of the former fire lookout, where BC Parks describes a panorama of the Okanagan Valley, Osoyoos Lake and the Similkameen Valley; the 3 km Chopaka Lookout Trail runs through forest and grassland to views over the Similkameen. The protected area is managed for hiking, wildlife viewing, cycling and horseback riding through dry grasslands and open forests that BC Parks describes as one of the four most endangered ecosystems in Canada. The summit road is gravel and maintained infrequently, and parking at the trailheads is limited. Camping and campfires are not permitted, there is no water, mine adits are closed, and dogs must be leashed. The summit is also considered one of the best places in Canada for astronomy and hosts an annual star party.