| Objective: Hike to the Bridge to Nowhere, San Gabriel Mountains, California Distance: 9.6 miles (out and back) Elevation Gain: 1,000′ Difficulty: Moderate |
Why was a bridge that leads to nowhere built in the middle of the mountains? Trek along the East Fork of the San Gabriel River to see for yourself. If you dare, bungee jump off the bridge.
Directions to Trailhead
| From the 210 E in Azusa, take Exit 40, turn left (north) on Azusa Avenue (CA-39). Continue 11.8 miles as the road turns into San Gabriel Canyon Road. Turn right onto E Fork Road. Continue 5.2 miles until the very sharp intersection with Glendora Mountain Road. Before the curve, you will see a two-way road straight ahead of you. Drive straight on the right lane of the road and in under a mile you will reach the parking lot. |
Directions to Bridge
| Trailhead: Walk around the locked gate and head east on the Sunset Ridge Fire Road (2N07). 0.5 miles: From the parking area, pass the locked gate and hike on the East Fork Road. 3.5 miles: The East Fork Road becomes the East Fork Trail. 4.8 miles: You have reached the Bridge to Nowhere. Turn around and head back. |
Trek Highlights
The East Fork Trail follows the East Fork of the San Gabriel River and the path of an abandoned highway. At first, the trail is wooded and blanketed in wildflowers. Then there are about six creek crossings over wobbly stones and slippery logs. Remember to talk to the friendly gold prospectors.
After a disorienting hike through a dry riverbed and spiky yuccas, you climb a high path along the canyon wall. Someone dreamed of connecting the San Gabriel Valley with Wrightwood via the East Fork Road. However, nature won out and floods swept the road away in 1938. All that remains is a mysterious bridge built over the river that seemingly leads to nowhere.
The Bridge to Nowhere has a festival atmosphere with crowds cheering on bungee jumpers. This is the only place in SoCal where you can go bungee jumping ($90/jump). Just beyond the bridge, you can walk down to the river and swim.
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