Rouse Hill

Total Miles 16.1
Technical Rating
2 Easy
Best Time Spring, Summer, Fall
Trail Type Full-Width Road
Accessible By
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Rouse Hill trail photo

Trail Overview

Rouse Hill is a ridgeline trail with tremendous west and east views. This trail is predominately hard-packed dirt with a loose top layer. It can be a bit sandy in some sections but that will typically only be an issue for 2-wheel vehicles. The trail is only single vehicle wide in some places and some sections have some erosion from past storms. There are a few rocky sections but they are typically short and easily navigated. There are multiple turnouts to take in the views or stop for a picnic.

Photos of Rouse Hill

Difficulty

The inclines and declines are mild. Depending on recent storms, some parts of the trail may be challenging due to erosion.

Technical Rating

2

Status Reports

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Chris Dixon
Dec 13, 2025
Open
Some deep ruts in places. No problem with lifted jeep
Ed J
Nov 11, 2025
Open
Started at the Rouse road through orange farms. Long easy trail. At the three way split, turned left and exited to Hemet lake. About 22 miles and saw zero soul throughout. Easy relaxing scenic trail!
Josiah Capley
Oct 26, 2025
Open
A long easy and scenic drive with moderate wash boards and only a few spots that would be considered a challenge only to someone who's never left the pavement. Any kind of high clearance 4x4 can handle the trail. There are also plenty of clear spots along the road that would be great camping spots if you dont mind the wind.
Buddy Terry
Aug 30, 2025
Open
You're going to definitely need a good amount of ground clearance. Some of the ruts are pretty gnarly.
Toxic Off-road
Jul 05, 2025
Open
James P
Jul 04, 2025
Open
Couple of wash out points on sheer cliffs on the northern end of the trail closer to the fire/ranger station (wider vehicles take note). 2500HD 3" lift and level on 37s no problem at all, vegetation is starting to grow on the trail so expect some pin striping up to Rouse Hill Ridge, anything SE of that is on a wider trail, so maybe use the Lake Hemet trail head instead if you're in a full size 3/4 or 1 ton, trail is much wider on the connecting trails south of Rouse Hill (marker 5167ft).
Anthony H
Apr 11, 2025
Open
I started on the north end at the Cranston Forest Service Station. There is an orchard to navigate through at the beginning that is easy to get lost in so be sure to have your map open when navigating this part. Cell coverage was limited so I recommend downloading the offline map. The trail was pretty easy with a few deep ruts but nothing very challenging and lots of great views along the way.
Craig McVey
Mar 21, 2025
Open
David Di palermo
Jan 18, 2025
Open
Jay Littlefield
Jan 04, 2025
Open
Jim Ahearn
Dec 29, 2024
Open
Anthony H
Sep 28, 2024
Open
Joseph Matye
Sep 21, 2024
Open
Bruno B
May 23, 2024
Open
Tried to enter the trail from Rouse Ridge trail and sign was posted that the trail was closed.
Kyle Dowden
May 14, 2024
Open
rangers said it was closed unfortunately I figured that out after I rode the trail I think it is closed due to the wildfire that happened last year

Rouse Hill Trail can be accessed by the following ride types:

  • Single Track
  • High Clearance
  • Full Width

Rouse Hill Map

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