Ramona Trail – 7.5 miles Round trip with a little over 2000 foot climb from the trail head on highway 74 to Toolbox, Spring on Thomas Mountain Road (6S13). Trailhead sign is about 4 miles south of Lake Hemet on Hwy. 74.

DIRECTIONS:

From San Diego area: Take the I-15 north past Escondido and take the HWY-79 South exit as you are coming down the hill into Temecula. Follow the 79 for 17.5 miles to HWY 371. Turn left onto the HWY 371 and follow for 20.7 miles through the little town of Anza and up into the mountains. You will come to a T-junction with HWY-74. Hang a left here and take HWY-74 4 or so miles to the Ramona trail head.

Summary:

 This is a great trail, One of my favorite!

If I am in Idyllwild camping I always go up the mountain. The 4 mile trip to Tool Box Spring is technical in spots. There is a wonderful transition from desert flora to oak trees then transitions to meadows with pine forest at the top of this ride. The ride is mainly on the north side, it is relatively shady the whole way up. Even in summer, if you left early enough, you could avoid the heat.

The area around Thomas Mountain is wonderful, there are fantastic views of San Jacinto, San Gorgonio, Toro Peak and more. There are also lots of wonderful campgrounds, even on the very top of the mountain.