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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a great trail, one that is evenly graded. The 4 mile trip to Tool Box Spring is one that anyone should be able to make, even though you do gain some good elevation. There is a wonderful transition from desert flora to pine forest on this hike, and since the hike is all north side, it is relatively shady the whole way. 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. You can drive a car to the top of the road, which is sort of a bummer. My GPS said this trail was 13 miles, but the profile/map software said 14.6. The hiking on this trail/road is fairly easy, but the distance makes it moderate to strenuous. Trailhead: From the 10 take the 243 South to Mountain Center - turn left (east) onto the 74, follow it past Lake Hemet to the signs for the Ramona/Tool Box Spring Trailhead - park. From the 215, take the 74 East through Mountain Center past Lake Hemet. Park in the Ramona Trail/Tool Box Spring parking lot. Follow the dirt road to the trail. There are a few dirt roads here, stay on the main one, the trail is only a few hundred yards from the parking area. When you get to the spring (a faucet) and improved campgrounds, stay on the main road and turn right to get to Thomas Mountain. There are lots of roads up here, just stay on the main one, even if it seems like you're going the wrong way for a bit. (Lat:33.6213 Lon:-116.68279) Trail Guides for Ramona Trail to Thomas Mountain: Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney (Olympus Press) San Bernardino Mountain Trails - 100 Hikes in Southern California by John W. Robinson (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Horses, Ranger Contact: San Bernardino NF (760)862-9984 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Allen Riedel, who has posted 123 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Jason C. on 7/10/2010 Hiked this trail in late May 2010, at night. The trail is easy to follow until you get to Tool Box Springs. There is a fork that goes right about 300 yards from the spring, DON'T TAKE IT. When you get to Tool Box Springs you will be in a very open area and the spring comes out of a faucet on a pipe on the right of the trail, the trail continues to go up the mountain on the east side of the clearing, and the actual Tool Box Springs campground is about 1/4 mile past the spring. There are no signs for either. We camped there and continued to the top in the morning, very good hike, was easy on the legs too. The views from on top are awesome.
Reviewed by M on 4/28/2007 Unless you are dirt biking do not park at the base of the mountain (where the dirt road starts). Be aware that the dirt road is poorly maintained and it'll be pretty rough on your car but you can make it up to the top with one. A lot of terrain for dirt biking, motorcyles, and four-wheelers on the way up to the top of the mountain where the campsites are. The campsite sites are cleared areas, have picnic tables, and grills. Toilet facility poorly maintained; note there is no running water. It's pretty quite up there even on a weekend-nearly no one there. It's beautiful up there! If you are going in warm weather do NOT wear strong sented deoderants, hair products, or oily/scented sunscreen the bugs WILL get to you. 
Reviewed by HABERMAN on 11/26/2005 VERY GOOD CAMPING {DRY CAMP} GO ALL THE WAY TO TH TOP AND THEN GO RIGHT TO THE VERY TOP FOUR CAMP SETES GREAT VIEWS FREIND MADE IT UP WITH A HONDA CIVIC DURING SUMMER DONT TRY IT DURING WINTER OR LATE WINTER 4WHELLDR ANY TIME I HAVENT BEEN THERE IN A YEAR TRIP IS WELL WORTH IT Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Riverside County Hiking, Riverside County Trails, Riverside County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
