Hike to Bridge to Nowhere

Saturday, October 29-Bridge to Nowhere was built in the mid-1930s, and was meant to connect the San Gabriel Valley http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/6/d/4/event_61658612.jpegwith Wrightwood. In 1938, Azusa got 14” of rain in 1 hour, which all drained into the East Fork of the San Gabriel River. A 100 Foot wall of water was the result, which washed out the road to the bridge, and ended the road project forever, leaving the bridge (which hangs high at 125 feet above the river) truly, to lead nowhere. Now the bridge is used as a bungee jumping outpost. So, we may get to see some jumpers when we are there. A note about the trail: The trail in some places may be non-existent. There may be times that we are bouldering, climbing up rocks and cliffsides, wading through knee high to waist high water (depending upon the rain prior to our hike), or walking on bits and pieces of the old road. There are areas where the trail is single track and overgrown, and areas where it is as wide as a dirt road. http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/a/d/a/event_61659642.jpegCarrying a dose of good humor and a sense of adventure with you is imperative. The trail has changed every time I’ve been there. Wear: shorts, or pants that will dry fast. You WILL GET WET. Wear water shoes. You will have at least 14 river crossings, and you will not have time to continually change your shoes. Wear warm clothing on top if it is cold. Put sandals or flip flops in your pack to wear when you get to the bridge to allow your feet to dry out while we eat lunch. Bring: POLES!!!! ….A change of clothes, shoes, socks to change into when you get back to the car. Bring a throw to put over you if it is cold. Bring a towel to dry yourself off. Bring lunch, snacks, electrolytes/energy gu or candy, plenty of water (at least 2 liters, up to 4 liters). Band-aids (sand from the river can get into your http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/d/f/a/event_61660442.jpegshoes and irritate your skin). Wear a hat. Bring sunscreen if it is warm. Meet at Ed Davis Towsley Canyon Park outside the Gate at 6:45 for a 7:00 AM carpool departure , or meet at the trail head at approximately 8:00AM. Directions: Take The 210 freeway East to Hwy 39. Exit Azusa Canyon Road. Turn left. Follow this road into the canyon. Turn right over the East Fork bridge and proceed to the end of the road. There is a small parking area so get an early start, otherwise you will be forced to park along the road (making your hike back to the car that much longer). If you are driving, you MUST have a Forest Adventure Pass. Day passes are $5 (Sporting Goods stores or Ranger Stations have them). You WILL get a ticket if you don’t have one. We will meet at the GATE on the right side of the parking lot.