Rouse Ridge via Cottonwood

Total Miles
11.7

Elevation

1,692.65 ft

Duration

2 Hours

Technical Rating

Easy

Best Time

Spring, Fall, Winter

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

Status Reports

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

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.

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.

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