Trail Overview
Crooked Meadow East offers a scenic and varied drive through a mix of pine and aspen forest with views that open toward the valley below. Beginning from Adobe Ranch Road (FS 1N17), the trail climbs gently through dense trees before transitioning into more open terrain. Midway through, the route provides rewarding views of the distant Sierra peaks and surrounding foothills. The forest is peaceful and quiet, with occasional wildlife sightings and the smell of pine in the air. This trail connects seamlessly with Crooked Meadow West, forming a longer route across one of the most scenic high-country meadows in the region. Pumice and sand base with scattered rock in places. The surface is firm but can get soft after rain or dusty in summer.
Difficulty
The drive is generally easy but includes several sections that require attention. Expect mild washouts and ruts up to a foot deep caused by water runoff, along with a long shelf-road section starting around mile 3. Some loose rock from the slope above can be found on the shelf road, and fallen trees may partially block parts of the route. The track narrows in the final miles with tighter turns, but remains manageable for most high-clearance vehicles.
