East Fork trail to The Bridge-To-No-Where

Hike Name: East Fork trail to The Bridge-To-No-Where Location: southwest CA Length: 14 Submitted by: Kurt Kuntzmann Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more California trail reviews California national parks California state parks
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Description
A wonderful hike just 30 miles east of Los Angeles.

After a drive up the canyon, park your car (don’t forget to purchase your “Adventure Pass” at the entrance of the main canyon) in the parking lot at the Ranger Station. Stand on the high bluff, from the parking lot and look to the north over the valley below, hearing the East Fork river, imagine a town with over a thousand people living down there all with the hopes of hitting the mother lode being lured by the disease called GOLD! If you notice, there are no buildings or signs of any town or people, that’s because the town of Eldoradoville was wiped out in a great flood back in the late 1800’s. This is just one of many interesting stories that trickle down from the San Gabriel Mountains

The hike you are about to take follows the quiet river of the East Fork back into the canyon dotted with history dating both in the 1800’ and the 1930’s. Mine shafts, building foundations, “Hovels” (a miner’s rock home), bits and pieces of an old road beautiful scenery, wildlife, modern day prospectors and of course, “The Bridge to No-Where” are just some of the sights to be taken in.

The hike can be a bit “trying” at times for the first mile or so, you will be forced to cross the river several times. Pending the time of year, the river can get deep (over 2-3 feet) and swift. It can be difficult to cross, if you wish to remain dry. Otherwise skilled “rock hopping” is required. During the hike, always look up and around because the canyon walls are dotted with tell-tale signs of yesteryear and the history of the gold days of the 1800’s and army core of engineers development dating back to the 1930’s.

The hike is long and up hill. The challenge is to make it to the “Bridge to No-Where” There are several books and the internet can provide excellent information regarding this marvel of man’s attempt to tame the sleeping giant of the East Fork river.

You can hike past the Bridge to No-Where through an area called The Narrows. It looks like something from another state, stunning views of a deep narrow canyons (aka: The Narrows) the terrain is not usual to So. Cal. and is quite breathtaking. However please note the trail gets very hard and can be quite dangerous, never do this alone and always pack accordingly.

Remember, there is no drinking water, restroom facilities or food along this hike, just the raw out doors and nature. It’s a must for camera buffs, gold prospectors, wild trout fisherman, bird watchers and wild life lovers but beware, you’re in THEIR BACKYARD, rattlesnakes, bears, mountain and bob-cats could be lurking about so use caution (as you would on any nature hike) and remember. Take only pictures leave only footprints.

Directions to Hike
From Los Angeles, go east on the 10 freeway.
Take the 210 freeway east (toward San Bernardino) exit Azusa Ave go North.
Stop at the main entrance Ranger Station and purchase a one day wilderness pass ($5.00)
Continue North up the canyon for about 30 minutes, you will come to a large bridge that crosses the canyon, turn right and go east across the bridge and continue. You will pass a camp ground and restaurant called Follows Camp (stop hear after your hike for a cold beverage and food) continue on the highway all the way to the end of the road,
DO NOT EXIT SHOEMAKER RD OR GLENDORA MOUNTAINROAD.

You will come to a parking lot with a Ranger Station (on the right) Park in one of the designated parking spots. Load up your gear and walk past the gate and along the fire road, the river will be down in the canyon on your left. Follow this dirt road for about ½ mile, note mine shafts on your right,, it’s NOT advised to enter any of these shafts.

You will come to another gate, this is the beginning of the trail, follow the trail up stream for approx 7 miles to the Bridge to No-where”

Contact Information
San Grabrial Mountain Ranger Station

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