Several miles from the nearest road, a graceful concrete arch bridge was built in the mid 1930's spanning arguably the most impressive gorge in the San Gabriel Mountains.  It was meant to be part of a road connecting the San Gabriel Valley with the eastern desert.  The East Fork Road was still under construction when it was washed out during the great flood of 1938.  The road never reached the arched bridge constructed for it to cross.  The East Fork Road project was abandoned as a result of the flood, leaving the bridge forever stranded in the middle of a wilderness.

 

The hike is approximately 9 miles round trip with about 1000 feet of elevation gain.  Our destination is the "Bridge to Nowhere."   The hike has approximately 18 stream crossings each way and covers some mildly rough terrain.  Because of the trail conditions and the mileage, this hike is classified as moderate.  Participants should have some previous hiking experience, but this is by no means a difficult hike.

 

Bring: Because of the many stream crossings, it is recommended to wear old tennis shoes (with socks) and simply wade through the stream.  A walking stick or ski pole will help you balance.  Hiking boots are not recommended.  Wear a comfortable shirt and shorts, sunglasses, and a hat.  Bring a daypack with three quarts of water as it may be hot! (which makes the cool stream crossings nice). Also bring sunscreen, a lightweight jacket, dry socks, and lunch.  You may want to bring another pair of tennis shoes or sandals.  You may also want a small towel or bandanna for drying your feet before putting on your dry socks and extra shorts to utilize some of the many swimming holes during lunch.

 

Meeting Point Directions OC: We will meet at 7:45 am on Saturday, June 17th, at the Park and Ride Lot in Brea.  The lot is located at the northwest corner of the intersection of the 57 Freeway and Lambert Road.  (Going north on the 57 freeway, halfway between the 91 and 60 freeways, take the Lambert exit and turn left. After driving under the freeway, look on the right for the Park and Ride.) From there we'll form carpools and drive to the trailhead located at the East Fork Ranger Station north of Azuza. 

 

Meeting Point LA: We'll meet at 8:15 AM for carpooling on Riverside Dr at Los Feliz Blvd. next to the Mulholland Fountain.  Mulholland Fountain is near the Los Feliz exit off the 5 Freeway. 

 

Or at the trailhead at 9:15am - Take Hwy 39 (Azusa Ave) north from 210 freeway in Azusa.  Zero your odometer at the freeway.  Azusa Ave turns into SanGabrial Cyn Rd.  At 2.9 miles from freeway is a Ranger Booth to obtain an Adventure Pass ($5).  At 11.9 miles, turn right on East Fork Rd to East Fork Fire/Ranger Station.  At 17.3 miles, stay on East Fork Rd.(Do not take sharp turn up Glendora Mtn Rd.) Road deadends into the trailhead at 18.2 miles.

 

This hike is free, but be prepared to pitch in a few dollars for gas and an Adventure Pass for your driver.  After the hike we will stop somewhere for drinks and snacks and to review the day's events.  We should return to the Park and Ride lot by approximately 6 PM.

No pre-registration is required.  For more information contact the trip leader.
Hike leader: Bob     bobmailacct@sbcglobal.net  (714) 322-8557
 Or           LA: Mark         mc_hike@sbcglobal.net    (310) 832-0918