Bridge to Nowhere or East Fork Trail
Overview
This is a moderately difficult out and back trail in Sheep Mountain Wilderness leading to the legendary Bridge to Nowhere. The difficulty of this trail is accentuated by extreme heat in summer, multple river crossings, and the vagueness of the trail and potential for getting lost. At 10 miles it's longer than most casual hikers can do, and, if you get lost, that's gets harder. The unique nature of the endpoint, the Bridge to Nowhere makes it very popular. In spring there are times when the river crossings are hazardous also. Once you get to the Bridge, the trail beyond is usually traversed only down to the creek and is very steep so caution is recommended.
The trail starts at the parking lot for the East Fork Trail which fills up early. Starting early is recommended due to the heat. I last did this in August, and we left the parking lot at 6 am, and it was still hot when we returned 12:45. The trail is a fire road for the first quarter mile before reaching a campsite and the junction with the Heaton Flat and Iron Mountain trails (and another pit toilet!)
The trail then winds up the right side of the creek until about 1.5 miles when it reaches the first crossing followed 1/4 mile later by the second crossing. 1/2 mile later the trail crosses again to the other side followed by a second cross back within a few hundred yards. The trail stays on the right side until the river rounds a tall ridge on the right side at about 3 miles in where you have the choice of crossing, hiking high on the right, or just climbing over the ridge. (The river crossing is easier.) After that the trail enters a broad valley where the remnants of the original roadway still stand on high on the right. There are a couple places to make the short but steep climb up, and, after that, the going is easy as you walk down the old, overgrown dirt road bed for the last mile or so.
Keep your eyes peeled for fluffy mountain sheep on the mountainside to the west as it's a popular spot for them.
At 5 miles you'll enter the private property of the current bridge owners who run bungee jumping operations off the tall arched span. You have to make arrangements in advance if you want to do this (I believe). Cross the bridge in the provided walkway, and then make your way down the steep hillside to the creek to enjoy your well-earned lunch and watch the crazy bungee jumpers.
When you are finished, reverse your route back to the car.
The trail continues beyond the bridge many more miles before coming out at Vincent Gap, the start of the hike to Mt. Baden-Powell. But that's another trip best done as a backpack trip.
Getting Started
Exit the 210 Fwy at Azusa Avenue and go north
Azusa Avenue turns into Highway 39 (San Gabriel Canyon Road)
Turn right on East Fork Road and continue to the parking lot at the end of the road. It fills up early, so one often has to park alongside the road.
If you reach the Rincon Ranger Station on Highway 39, you've missed East Fork Road
Taking Children
At 10 miles, this is a longish trip for younger hikers. The water and bridge might be just the attraction necessary.
Sights to See
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