Trail Overview

Rouse Hill Road is for street-legal vehicles only; no green stickers or OHV vehicles. Full-size vehicles are at home here, as the trail is a single track with plenty of room. The beginning of this end of the trail winds through the eastern side of Washburn Ranch which is a large grapefruit grower. The trail winds through a grove, so stay on the appropriate trail so you do not wind up on private property. Continue south over mountainous terrain on hard-packed dirt for approximately 17 miles until it connects to Thomas Mountain Road, which will lead you either up Thomas Mountain to the south, or back out to Highway 74 near the entrance to Lake Hemet Campground. The trail is mostly rocky dirt, with several areas that are rutted out from a heavy rainy season. Toward the Thomas Road junction, the trail becomes sandier and less rutted. Several pull-offs can be campsites but have no amenities. The area boasts beautiful views of Thomas Mountain, Rouse Hill, San Jacinto Valley, and Lake Hemet. Cell service is 5G (T-Mobile) the entire length of the trail.

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Difficulty

Several areas contain deep ruts with soft sand that a heavy vehicle can slide into, which may require recovery. Some fallen rocks from hillsides are easily passable by most vehicles.

Technical Rating

john gelinas

Sep 21, 2025

Open

Victor Beltran

May 20, 2025

Open

Easy trail with great views of multiple canyons. Was driving on 2WD most of the trail with no problems. A few ruts here and there, but manageable with decent clearance.

Jay Littlefield

Jan 04, 2025

Open

Nicholas LeGris

Sep 27, 2024

Open

TJ Froelich

Jul 25, 2024

Open

Trail is closed so we found out. We started on Thomas Mountain Rd and got to the “gate” which was open, but there were faded signs of a closure. If you happen to go in it’s very rutted and lots of dry vegetation. Would not recommend at this time.