Blauert on Outdoors: Weather’s perfect to get out and hike

Springlike weather has arrived in the foothills and conditions are perfect for getting outside to enjoy the green hills and wildflowers.

Due to the drought, the hills will not stay green for long, so I recommend making a trip within the next few weeks.

Two weekends ago, I hiked to the summit of the Sierra Foothill Conservancy’s Tivy Mountain Preserve, 25 miles east of Fresno. Tivy Mountain rises above the Kings River and Pine Flat Reservoir. It was the day after our last storm and the clouds were still brooding over the higher reaches of the Sierra. When we reached Tivy’s 2,838-foot summit, we could see snow falling to the east. We could also spot the tower of the Security Bank Building and other landmarks of downtown Fresno, and a beautiful expanse of farmland and orchards stretching in every direction around the city.

Many wildflowers were in bloom along the trail, and there were lots of golden poppies on the summit. Large patches gave the slopes to the north an orange hue.

The hike is challenging, climbing about 2,300 feet in about 31/2 miles. Most of the way, there is no trail – just a steep, rocky and sometimes slippery ascent up the slope without switchbacks to decrease the steepness of the ascent.

Because the hike is challenging, it is only possible twice a year when Sierra Foothill Conservancy docents lead guided hikes. The second hike this year is March 29.

Our group left the parking area at 8 a.m. and was back about 3 p.m. My drive from Merced was less than 11/2 hours. If you like challenges, Tivy Mountain is one I highly recommend. There are few better views of the Central Valley on a clear day following a storm.

Closer to home, the Conservancy offers classes and hikes in the foothills and lower mountains of Mariposa County.

Most are held on easements the Conservancy manages – privately owned land being maintained in a rural condition for perpetuity. Because the Conservancy has established good relationships with the landowners, they are able to conduct classes and hikes on many of the properties. This makes it possible for the public to enjoy beautiful places that are normally off limits. This is a great benefit, because there aren’t that many hiking trails in the foothills and lower mountains.

The guides and instructors are extremely knowledgeable, and joining them for a class or hike is a great way to learn more about the local landscape and its history.

For more information and to see the full calendar (including additional hikes and classes in Madera and Fresno counties), go to http://www.sierrafoothill.org/ or call (209) 742-5556. Hikes are free, and classes are $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers, $20 for member family groups and $30 for nonmember family groups.

This story was originally published March 10, 2015 at 10:51 PM with the headline "Blauert on Outdoors: Weather’s perfect to get out and hike."