Thomas Mountain

Thomas Mountain from Cahuilla Mountain, photo by Kathy Wing

Thomas Mountain, Santa Rosa on the right, photo by Kathy Wing

Thomas Mountain, taken from the Thomas Mouintain Trail, photo by Valerie Norton

Thomas Mountain from Cahuilla Mountain, Photo by Kathy Wing.

Peak Name

Thomas Mountain

29D

Elevation

6825

feet

Status

active

Region

South Of Hwy 74

Range

San Jacinto Mountains

Nearby peaks

Rouse Hill

Location

33.6197478,-116.6802963

Description

Thomas Mountain and its neighbor Rouse Hill occupy the South Fork San Jacinto Wilderness, a small range south of Idyllwild, separated from the Desert Divide by the South Fork of the San Jacinto River, which drains into Lake Hemet at its feet. The views are marvelous, particularly a view of the full length of the Desert Divide to the east and north.

Route 1 is a drive-up on Thomas Mountain Road from its northern end, turning south once reaching the ridge. One can detour a few miles north to also bag Route Hill. This requires a high clearance vehicle. Thomas Mountain Road continues south from there, another possible approach depending on conditions. It can be hiked on the Ramona Trail, shown on the map. There are several nice campgrounds in the area.

Maps generated from CalTopo.com, reproduced with permission

Downloadable Maps, Files, and Guides

Route 1

Elevation Gain

None

Navigation Difficulty

Distance

None

Estimated time

None

Route Rating

Drive-up

Leader Rating Required

“O”, normal conditions

Driving route

Go south on I-215 to the Ramona Expressway. Turn left (east).
Go east and then southeast on the Ramona Expressway until it ends at SR 74. Turn left (east).
Go east on SR 74 to Mountain Center.
Continue east on SR 74 for 5.2 miles to a dirt road (6S13) on the right just past Lake Hemet. Turn right. Note your odometer and go as follows:
At 4.5 miles, fork with a sign “Thomas Mtn 3, Rouse Hill 7”. This is the turnoff for Rouse Hill. Keep left.
At 7.4 miles, fork at a campground. Turn right.
At 7.8 miles, park by a concrete foundation.

Hiking route

Hike northwest along the ridgeline to the final campsite at the farthest northwest extent of the camp road. The remnants of the benchmark are conspicuously found on the flat rock three feet east of the campsite post. There is usually no register.

Route Notes

Printable Route