Bridge to Nowhere For Trolls

Saturday, June 8

Bridge to Nowhere For Trolls

This is a fabulous, moderately strenuous 10.5 miles with 1000' elevation gain. Plan on being out at least 8-9 hours.

http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/7/9/a/event_236406042.jpegThis hike features GOLD! The precious metal was discovered in the canyon in 1854 and almost overnight East Fork became a scene of bustling activity. The boom town of Eldoradoville with 3 hotels and 6 saloons soon followed. But the great flood of 1862 washed away the town lock, stock, and barrel. Hiking East Fork today you may see a few miners looking for gold.

The scenery on this hike is monumental. The trail follows the streambed to the Bridge to Nowhere. A road and bridge was completed in 1930, with plans to complete the road into the Wrightwood area. But the great flood of 1938 http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/9/c/0/event_236406592.jpeghad a different plan. Although this area is prone to flooding the bridge was high enough to allow the flood waters to pass beneath, the same cannot be said for the road.

Our return trip is where the fun starts. Instead of following the trail back to East Fork we take the stream under the bridge (hence the name trolls in the title) and back to East Fork. Along the way we will take a short side trip to a 30' waterfall. http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/7/7/8/a/event_236370602.jpegThere will be boulder hopping, rock scrambling, cave exploring, and crossing pools that are 4 to 5 feet deep. There is one pool were the water could be flowing to fast to cross. If that is the case we will take a side trail that will bypass the fast water. This isn't a fast pace hike. We will be taking our time and stopping to enjoy. Keep a sharp eye out for Big Horn Sheep as they have been known to frequent the area.

Note: This is a fun but tiring hike. Cold drinks and snacks left in your car might help restore your energy for the drive home.

Directions: Take the 210 Frhttp://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/a/6/0/event_236406752.jpegeeway and exit in Azusa at the 39 north/San Gabriel Canyon road. Drive 10 miles and turn right at East Fork road. Drive 8 more miles to the East Ford Ranger Station. Continue driving to the parking area at the end of East Fork road. (Beware, before the trailhead the road makes a U-turn. In the middle of the turn your road goes left.) The parking lot fills up fast. There is a good chance you will need to park on the side of the road and walk to the trailhead. Adventure Pass is required. Be sure to park correctly the rangers are prone to ticket cars at this location. Hike starts at 08:00 AM, please plan to be at the trail head at 7:45.

Carpool: Meet at Towsley Canyon park by the gate in the front parking area between 6:30 - 6:45 AM. We can make the final carpool arrangements at that time.

Leader: Davehttp://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/e/c/0/event_149407872.jpeg

Rated: Moderate to Difficult