Trail Overview
Thin Meadow (FS 5S015Y) is less of a road and more of a "suggestion" through the forest. This narrow two-track trail serves as a litmus test for your vehicle's width and your willingness to embrace "nature's pinstripes." The route winds tightly through a dense stand of timber, forcing drivers to perform a slow-motion slalom between large boulders and encroaching tree logs that line the path. The bushes here are overgrown and eager to high-five your mirrors, so if you cherish your clear coat, you might want to sit this one out. While the surface is primarily natural dirt, the frequent rock obstacles and tight squeezes keep the driving technical and engaging. It’s a beautiful, intimate tour of the woods, but it definitely favors the short-wheelbase crowd who can pivot around the tight corners without making a three-point turn.
Difficulty
This trail earns a Rating 3 primarily due to the tight tolerances and the need for precision driving. The obstacles aren't necessarily massive ledges, but rather a combination of large boulders and trees that create narrow "gates" you must weave through. A standard SUV might fit, but a longer wheelbase vehicle will struggle with the tight corners and risk body damage. The overgrown brush adds a layer of psychological difficulty (the fear of scratching paint), while the rocky surface demands good tire placement to avoid sidewall damage or getting hung up on a diff.
