Bridge to Nowhere - East Fork Trail #8W13

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers

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 runners travel through low scrub brush. The highlight of the run 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 run on a hot, summer day.

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 running 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.

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