|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 Reporter |
Summary: 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 and most of your travel is through scrub brush. The highlight of the hike 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 was swept away by floods in 1938. There are some small trails that lead down to the stream just after you cross the bridge. This is a stunning setting with shear pink tinted granite walls, roaring cascades, and the lovely bridge in the background. Route finding was 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 boots 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! Trailhead: From Interstate 10 or the 210 freeway, exit on Azusa and head north 10 miles or so, paralleling the San Gabriel Dam on your right. Turn right on East Fork Road and continue 8 more miles to the East Fork Station, where the road dead ends. Note that if you go around a hairpin 180 degree turn on East Fork Road, you missed the road into the Sheep Mountain Wilderness. The trail head is short distance down an obvious service road. (Lat:34.2372 Lon:-117.76546) Trail Guides for San Gabriel River - East Fork: Day Hikers Guide to Southern California by John McKinney (Olympus Press) 101 Hikes in Southern California by Jerry Schad (Wilderness Press) Best Seasons: Fall, Winter, Spring User Groups: Hikers, Dogs Ranger Contact: Angeles National Forest (626) 335-1251 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Jim Zuber, who has posted 104 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 24 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by ManamiY on 7/23/2010 Did this hike on 6/19/10. First river crossing was up to my thighs (I'm 5'4"). Wore my trail shoes until the first river crossing and then changed into my Teva water sandals. Hiked the rest of the trail in them and I was fine. Great views and relatively flat terrain. 10 miles R/T, but not strenuous.
Reviewed by MY on 7/12/2010 Error: Reserved Word Found: --
Reviewed by PeterK on 6/22/2010 Went up on this trail with 2 friends this past weekend (6/19-6/20). Camped beyond the bridge at a lovely spot down by the river - almost walked right into a very surprised rattler beyond the bridge when the trail gets very steep, keep your eyes peeled around those blind corners. Trail can be easy to miss but it makes your travel time a lot faster if you can stay on the canyon walls. 
Reviewed by JeanC on 6/17/2010 We've done this hike twice in 3 weeks. We went on 5/31/10 (Memorial Weekend) - it was packed with campers that we had to park a long way away then walk to the trail. There were loads of wildflowers and the water level was quite high. I'm 5'5" and it was to the top of my thighs at the first crossing (which is the deepest). On the way up we must have missed the trail a couple of times because we crossed the river about 9 times up and maybe only 5 times back. We lunched below the Bridge to Nowhere to watch the bungee jumpers do their thing, let the kids play in the river there and then headed back. It's a fun day. On the second trip 6/13/10, we noticed the wildflowers were already dying off for the season. Still fun though!
Reviewed by Jenny on 6/11/2010 I did this hike on 5/19/2010 which was a wednesday. So cool. Bring water proof shoes! They will absolutely get soaked. You have to cross the river a few times in what was thigh high water on me and the river is really strong and fast but its exhilarating. Some of the trail is washed away which makes it hard to follow, but as long as you go up river you will make it to the magnificent bridge. Bring sunscreen! And a bathing suit. The river is so fresh, slightly cold but so worth it. I would definitely do this hike again.
Reviewed by Edye on 5/30/2010 A wonderful place to hike and spend the day. We went yesterday (5/29)and IT WAS PACKED....lots of weekend campers, but once we headed up the path further and further and crossed the river twice, it thinned out. Also, there was a large group with 4-5 dogs and some of the dogs crossed the river on their own and others had to be carried...so if you plan to bring your four legged baby-make sure they aren't afraid. I am 5'4" and the level in spots was hip high on me! Later we found out a couple lost their Tea cup sized dog in the water and were frantically looking for her....so beware little dogs should be carried as the water does move fast!
Reviewed by sos on 5/24/2010 good hike, try to stay on the right side of the river as much as possible. You will have to cross a few times and as of May 2010 the river is rushing rapidly and up to your thighs. Can be difficult, bring a stick and ziplock all your supplies in your backpack in case you fall in.
Reviewed by anthony on 5/22/2010 Great hike and it's still just like Keith C. said on 5-2-10. Lots of folks out today heading to Bungee Jump. Must have been over 100 jumpers today (Sat) Weather was perfect, water was cold and just a bit breezy. Took tons of photos, check them out before you go to see what you're getting yourself into at http://tinyurl.com/2euztrg. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Los Angeles County Hiking, Los Angeles County Trails, Los Angeles County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||