Bridge to Nowhere

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No "+1's" allowed. Everyone that attends this event must sign up with Lazy Ass Hiking or the other two meetup groups we will be joining.

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This hike is cross-posted on the following groups:

One The Move Inland Empire:

https://www.meetup.com/On-the-Move-Inland-Empire/

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How to find us: We’ll gather at the North (top) of the parking lot.

$5.00 adventure pass required (Purchase ahead of time if you can).

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Highlights: Clear, cool river. Possibly deer, Big Horn sheep and of course, the Bridge to Nowhere

Near: Azusa, CA Distance: 10 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 800-1000 feet

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Hiking time: 6-8 hours (1 hour lunch at the bridge)

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Difficulty: Advanced Beginner/Intermediate (Rated for distance + hot weather).

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Trail Condition: Good with a couple of rough spots.

We will be starting the hike at 8 a.m. sharp so please give yourself enough time to get there and find parking.

We’ll keep a steady pace throughout as it’s a distance hike. If at any time you feel that you need to turn around, do so. Being the middle of July it’ll be warm if not downright hot. There’s not a lot of elevation gained but it is a long hike. Know your limits before your limits get to know you. Just let someone know that you’re turning back.

The parking lot is small and fills up fast. If the parking lot is full you can park on the sides of the road leading to the lot. Normally there are two to three large groups of people hiking the trail to bungee jump from the bridge, so there could very well be more than 300 people on the trail. Carpooling is encouraged.

We’ll spend maybe an hour at the bridge for lunch and then head back. The hike out of the canyon will be hot. There are numerous places to drop in the river. If so inclined, peel off from the group and cool off. We’ll let everyone know when it's time to leave the bridge. Otherwise you can stay longer if you wish and then make your way out. There’s only one way in and out. You can’t get lost.

You’re gonna get wet. No choice. In July the river runs at least a foot deep. There will be at least 6 river crossings, maybe more as the trail is not marked and is easy to lose. But it’s summer, so who cares how many times we cross…

What to bring: Plenty of water . At least 2-3 Liters. Water. I can’t stress this enough. The river is inviting but you’ll want to do no more than swim in it.

Lunch, running shoes, boots or water shoes, sun screen, sun glasses, hat (remember pack out what you pack in). Flip flops/water shoes are ok for the crossings, but not to hike in.

About the Bridge: The Bridge to Nowhere is an arch bridge that was built in 1936 north of Azusa, California in the San Gabriel Mountains. It spans the East Fork of the San Gabriel River and was meant to be part of a road connecting the San Gabriel Valley with Wrightwood.

The East Fork Road was still under construction when it was washed out during the great flood of March 1–2, 1938. The East Fork Road project was abandoned as a result of the flood, leaving the bridge forever stranded in the middle of what is now the Sheep Mountain Wilderness. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Trailhead Directions: From Interstate 10 or the 210 freeway, exit on Azusa and head north 10 miles or so, paralleling the San Gabriel Dam on your right. Turn right on East Fork Road and continue 8 more miles to the East Fork Station, where the road dead ends. Note that if you go around a hairpin 180 degree turn on East Fork Road, you missed the road into the Sheep Mountain Wilderness. That is Glendora Mountain Road. You don’t want that. The trail head is short distance down an obvious service road. (Lat:34.2372 Lon:-117.76546).

Waiver of liability: Please read carefully before signing up for this event. By participating in this event you agree to not hold this assistant organizer or Meetup liable for any harm to you or your property. This assistant organizer is not a professional hiker or leader, and is not trained to provide medical assistance. Hiking/walking involves inherent dangers, including but not limited to, the potential for falls, and fractures. You are responsible for your own safety and making sure you are appropriately equipped and have the physical ability to participate in this event. Always use your own common sense, let the hike organizer know if you are leaving the group, walk with a partner and stay on the trail.