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HardUnpaved

Cooks Peak Trail

Wofford Heights, California · Kern County · 31E84

Cooks Peak Trail is a hard hiking trail near Wofford Heights in Kern County, California.. The surface is unpaved. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

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35.68692, -118.50709
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at Cooks Peak Trail

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High93°F
Avg Low65°F
Peak Rain Chance0%
Humidity17%
UV (avg)9
Air Quality94 · Moderate
Today
☀️
Clear
86°/67°
🌬 20mph
6:00 AM8:00 PM
Thu
☀️
Clear
87°/69°
🌬 18mph
6:00 AM8:00 PM
Fri
☁️
Overcast
96°/66°
🌬 18mph
6:01 AM7:59 PM
Sat
☁️
Overcast
97°/61°
🌬 13mph
6:02 AM7:58 PM
Sun
☀️
Clear
97°/62°
🌬 16mph
6:03 AM7:57 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Cooks Peak Trail

Cooks Peak Trail is a hard hiking trail near Wofford Heights in Kern County, California.. The surface is unpaved. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

What “Hard” Means

Steep, technical, or long. Requires good fitness and experience.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    UPF sun shirt (long sleeve)
    Cooler than direct sun on bare skin.
  • 🩳
    Light shorts/skirt
    Loose-fit, breathable.
  • 🧢
    Wide-brimmed sun hat
    Plus a buff/bandana you can wet for cooling.
  • 🕶
    Polarized sunglasses
    Critical for glare from sun + sand/water.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection (UV 9)
    SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
  • 🔦
    Headlamp + spare batteries
    Long days can run late — never rely on phone flashlight alone.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in California

Trail conditions in California change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

  • Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
  • Tell someone your plan and expected return time
  • Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
  • Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Cooks Peak Trail?

Cooks Peak Trail is rated Hard. Steep, technical, or long — good fitness and experience recommended.

What is the trail surface on Cooks Peak Trail?

The surface is unpaved. Suitable for strollers and most footwear.

When is the best time to hike Cooks Peak Trail?

California has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.