Trail Overview

Rouse Ridge via Cottonwood is a trail that scales Rouse Ridge/Thomas Mountain using Cottonwood (6S18) and Thomas Mountain Rd (6S13). This trail offers stunning views in all directions as you ascend and descend the mountain. While it is possible to complete this trail in either direction, the southern face of Rouse Ridge has greater elevation gain with a more technical road. In winter months, as shown in the pictures, there may be snow on the northern side of the ridge. Some drivers may prefer to start on the southern side depending on skill level and vehicle. In addition, coming down the northern face allows unobstructed views of the San Jacinto Mountain Range.

Photos of Rouse Ridge via Cottonwood

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Difficulty

This trail is not particularly challenging and can be completed in stock high-clearance 4x4 vehicles. Larger vehicles may face problems with tight turns or some of the small scattered obstacles.

Technical Rating

samuelle Garcia

May 17, 2026

Open

Was easy couple rutted out spots the rest was fine took me little under 2 hours to finish the whole trail

Miles Fenwick

Mar 27, 2026

Open

Some ruts, very easy to navigate. Great views, a few tree covered stretches.

Damien Lagpacan

Mar 21, 2026

Open

Petty Simple trail. Very scenic. Was in 2WD the whole time. Air down for smoother ride or driver slower if not. I was in a stock full sized pickup. Went up Rouse Ridge from Hwy74 then made a left onto Thomas Mountain ending back on Hwy 74 a few miles away from the entrance. Took about 3 hours driving slow with a few stops.

Derek Rader

Jan 11, 2026

Open

Most of the trail was a little damp, so it kept the dust down nicely and only a few small places with 2-4” pools of muddy water. 2WD was fine but there were some ruts developing and a few decent rocks that you need to slow down for. Great drive and perfect weather

Rafael Anguiano

Jan 03, 2026

Open

Plated motorcycles only. No green sticker allowed.

Kevin P

Aug 30, 2025

Open

Fun trail. Rutted and rocky with a few sandy spots. Saw several other vehicles on the trail but there are several areas that allow for passing. Great views!

Mila' de la Roca

Jul 27, 2025

Open

Passed by 1 bike. And a Bronco and that was it.

James P

Jul 04, 2025

Open

Wide trail, perfect for full size trucks - no need for extra clearance on this trail unless there are rock falls. I ran the entire thing in 2wd in a 2500HD unlike Rouse Hill where you need 4WD for a few sandy spots on uphill areas. Nice easy drive if you're looking for great scenery and a relaxing drive.

Anthony H

Apr 11, 2025

Open

I started from the northern entrance of Rouse Hill and ended by heading south on this one. There's a few ruts but nothing too challenging.

Armando Guerra

Mar 23, 2025

Open

Keep an eye out for an open drainage pipe midway on trail that is partially caved in causing a hole in the trail.

Martin S

Jan 14, 2025

Open

Started this trail at the southern end at Tripp Flat Rd/Bautista Rd and ran it north to the 74 hwy near Lake Hemet. As people have previously mentioned the southern section of this trail has a good amount of deep ruts and washouts. Compared to the Santa Rosa Truck Trail down the road which is a 2 rating; this trail is a solid 3 on the southern half.

Hawkeye Brimbuela

Sep 02, 2024

Open

mason godat

Aug 03, 2024

Open

Well maintained, few ruts if any that couldn’t be driven around. Most spots already had people camping in them by 7:30

William Sumption

May 25, 2024

Open

Some off-camber ruts near water runoff areas on the south half made this a 3. Ran from north to south and was a great time. Just some dirt bikes on the trail today.

Bruno B

May 23, 2024

Open

Quiet trail on a Thursday. Ruts and washes at lower elevations. Most challenging was the southern part of the trail which was narrow with deep ruts, and no turnouts for the first mile or so — would have been very difficult to have to back out if there was an on-coming vehicle. Lots of great views throughout the trail. No issues with branches or brush in the trail so no pinstriping concerns. Saw one campsite at the top. Good trail for the family. Took it slow and spent about 2 hours on the trail.