Memorial Weekend: Bridge To Nowhere Hike

WHO SHOULD COME: This is suitable for Intermediate+ hikers, It has many stream crossings in cold water and boulder hopping. Please reconsider signing up if you are uncomfortable hiking on uneven terrain without trails. Inexperienced hikers will find this hike very difficult.

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THE BRIDGE TO NOWHERE:

In the mid 1930's a road was under construction to link the East Fork of the San Gabriel River to the Angeles Crest Highway near present day Wrightwood. It was to traverse the East Fork through the deepest gorge in Southern California known as "The Narrows". A number of bridges were built as the road snaked its way into the canyon. In 1938, a significant rainstorm occurred which washed out the road and damaged some of the bridges. This same rainstorm wreaked havoc in Los Angeles as well and precipitated the cement lining of the LA River as we see it today. The damage was too great to consider rebuilding the roadway. Only one bridge of this washed out roadway still stands and, quite remarkably, it remains in pristine condition some 5 hiking miles up the East Fork. Since it existed on a private property easement (an early mining claim), no attempt was ever made to remove it. All other bridges have been long since disappeared which gives this remaining remote relic an eerie yet historic insight into the past.

THE HIKE: It’s 11 miles of riverbed travel mixed with occasional stretches of trail and road. While there is only 1000 foot of elevation gain, progress up the canyon is slowed by the many stream crossings and route finding. It will take around 3 hours to reach the bridge. The river will be crossed anywhere from 4 to 8 times each way depending on the route chosen. Choose your footwear accordingly as they will get wet. This will be a full day hike and several side adventures are possible. Once we reach the Bridge there will likely be Bungee jumpers as this occurs on most weekends. We can break here or continue hiking up the canyon to lunch by some of the swimming holes as the canyon approaches The Narrows. Hiking through The Narrows becomes much more difficult so we’ll save further travel for another time.

NOTE: This is an in and out trail, not a loop so if you decide you want to leave early, let me know and simply reverse course It’s difficult to get lost if you stay near the stream bed. There is no sweep on this hike. It's always a good idea to hike with a friend.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS: Please use these directions: From 605 northbound go east on the 210 for 3 miles and exit Azusa Blvd. From the 57 northbound go west on the 210 for 5 miles and exit Azusa Blvd. Go north on Azusa (Hwy 39) 12 miles and turn right on East Fork Road. Cross the bridge and continue on eastbound another 5 miles until you reach an abrupt u-turn in the road. Go straight at this point and, as it veers north, continue on another mile until you reach the trail head parking area. It’s hard to miss.

THE TRAIL HEAD: Drivers will need an adventure pass for parking at the trail head which can be picked up at sporting good stores like REI and Sport Chalet. Restrooms (pit toilets) are available at the trail head but not along the route. The trail head has limited parking so I strongly suggest carpooling where possible. Please arrive 15 min. early in case the parking lot is full and you need to park further down the road. This is why I put a 7:30AM start time.

WHAT TO BRING: Adventure Pass, At least two liters of water, Comfortable shoes (you can expect to get them wet), lunch plus some energy bars and swimwear if you plan on jumping into pools. Trekking poles, if you have them, help with balance for the many stream crossings. Bring some extra dry clothing and footwear to change into once you get back to the car.

REMINDERS:

By joining the meetup, you agree to Meetup Terms of Service releases the Organizer and Assistant Organizers from any liability related to incidents that occur at Meetup gatherings > YOU acknowledge THAT WE ARE NOT PROFESSIONALS. > YOU ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR SAFETY Hiking is a rewarding and pleasant activity in nature, but there are certain dangers you should be aware of. Those include, but are not limited to, trip and fall injuries, bee stings, poison oak exposure, ticks, mountain lions, coyotes, snake bites or wildlife. By signing up for this event, you agree to hold harmless the hike organizer, assistant organizers and other participants for any injuries sustained during this hike***