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Bridge to Nowhere - East Fork Trail #8W13

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
 4.5 (81)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Southern California
  4. …San Gabriel Mountains
  5. East Fork
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“A great out-and-back to a large solitary bridge. ”

Sameera Kommidi
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Map Key

9.8

Miles

15.8

KM

Out and Back

2,792' 851 m

High

2,016' 614 m

Low

814' 248 m

Up

814' 248 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

18%

Max Grade (10°)

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers

Family Friendly Kid and dog friendly.

Trailhead parking requires an Adventure Pass and a self-issued Wilderness Permit needs to be obtained from the trailhead.

Overview

This trip takes you along the banks of the East Fork of the San Gabriel River. While the river banks are wooded and quite lovely, most of the trail traverses the rim above the high water line as hikers travel through low scrub brush. The highlight of the hike is a mysterious bridge built over the East Fork in 1936, which has no road leading to it. Actually, in the 1930's a road did lead to it, but it was swept away by floods in 1938.

Most of the road is gone now, but the bridge still stands, and is full of bungee jumpers on the weekends. A short trail down from the bridge leads to some top-notch swimming holes, making this a perfect hike on a hot, summer day.

Description

Route finding is a bit challenging with many day-use trails mixed in with the main trail, washed out sections of trail, and over a half dozen stream crossings (bring waterproof shoes even when the water is low). I was also astounded at the number of swimming holes. This place must be a zoo in the heat of the summer!

The trail along the East Fork of the San Gabriel River to the Bridge to Nowhere is not only one of the best trails in Southern California, but it's also one of the most unique hiking experiences you'll ever have.

After you leave the crowded (and overused) trailhead area, you'll increasingly find yourself awed by the rugged canyons deep in the Sheep Mountain Wilderness. Multiple river crossings and shaded glens await you on this trek, with the final destination a 130-foot concrete span bridge leftover from an attempt to build a road north through the canyon.

There are some small trails that lead down to the stream just after you cross the bridge. This is a stunning setting with sheer pink tinted granite walls, roaring cascades, and the lovely bridge in the background.

Flora & Fauna

Wildflowers, cacti.
Lots of lizards, huge grasshoppers, chipmunks, Nelson bighorn sheep!

Contacts

Land Manager: USFS - Angeles National Forest Office

Shared By:

Sameera Kommidi
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 81 votes

#1

in East Fork

#60

Overall
  4.5 from 81 votes
5 Star
60%
4 Star
32%
3 Star
5%
2 Star
2%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in East Fork

#5

in California

#60

Overall
78 Views Last Month
24,435 Since Oct 14, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult
2%
2%
56%
10%
31%
0%
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Photos

Bridge to Nowhere, Angeles National Forest
Jul 30, 2016 near Wrightwood, CA
09•21•2019
Oct 6, 2019 near Mount B…, CA
Bridge to Nowhere from below
Jul 7, 2022 near Mount B…, CA
The John Seales Bridge, the bridge to the Bridge to Nowhere, renewed in 2009.
May 14, 2018 near La Verne, CA
Beginning of the trail.
Oct 5, 2016 near Wrightwood, CA
Yes, these guys even show up sometimes!
Jan 27, 2017 near La Verne, CA

2 Comments

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Weather

Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

May 27, 2023
A V
May 6, 2023
Juliette Beucler
Strong currents crossing streams due to heavy rain and snow season. proceeded with caution. experienced hikers informed us to hang on to the rope c… 9.8mi — 7h 00m
Apr 22, 2023
Manoj Abey
Couldn't finish due high water level 2mi
Jul 29, 2022
Christine Tran
Jul 22, 2022
Alejandro Lalinde
Got somewhat misguided and had to track back for some trails. Hard to judge the main trail - took so long bc we stopped at some pools to cool off
Jul 4, 2022
Duanjie Li
Jun 13, 2022
Su Jin Kim
june 12,2022
May 14, 2022
Rob Luskey

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