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HardGround

Round Top Summit Trail

Kirkwood, California · Alpine County

Round Top Summit Trail is a hard hiking trail near Kirkwood in Alpine County, California.. The surface is ground. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

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38.66617, -120.00775
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at Round Top Summit Trail

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

Avg High57°F
Avg Low35°F
Peak Rain Chance1%
Humidity45%
UV (avg)9
Air Quality47 · Good
Today
🌫
Fog
46°/28°
💧 1%🌬 10mph
5:37 AM8:17 PM
Sun
☀️
Clear
53°/31°
💧 1%🌬 11mph
5:37 AM8:18 PM
Mon
☁️
Overcast
58°/34°
🌬 12mph
5:37 AM8:18 PM
Tue
🌦
Light Drizzle
66°/41°
🌬 12mph
5:36 AM8:19 PM
Wed
☁️
Overcast
62°/40°
🌬 13mph
5:36 AM8:20 PM

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

About Round Top Summit Trail

Round Top Summit Trail is a hard hiking trail near Kirkwood in Alpine County, California.. The surface is ground. 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

  • 👕
    Long-sleeve shirt
    Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
  • 🧥
    Light shell or windbreaker
    Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 10 mph).
  • 👖
    Hiking pants or convertible
    Layer for variable conditions.
  • 🥾
    Trail runners or low boots
    Comfortable, broken in.

🎒 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 Round Top Summit Trail?

Round Top Summit Trail is rated Hard. Steep, technical, or long — good fitness and experience recommended.

What is the trail surface on Round Top Summit Trail?

The surface is ground. Natural surface — sturdy footwear recommended; can be muddy after rain.

When is the best time to hike Round Top Summit 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.