|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
         
 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 20 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Chris D on 6/30/2009 Error: Reserved Word Found: ;
Reviewed by Walter on 6/22/2009 Hiked on 06/19/09. It was my first hike with a hiking club, even though it was my first hike I was able to make it. it is a beautiful place, I enjoyed crossing the river a few times. It took us about 5 hours to get there because we had an older group and had to wait for them to change shoes. Please make sure that if you go in this hike that you know ahead of time that you will get wet (about knee high) unless you fall and decide to take a swim. I did come across a couple of girls with bikini taking a swim along the river. there about two areas that are a bit challenging but nothing serious. Unfortunately, I fell in the river and ruined my digital camera. it was my fault though, was trying to be a bit adventurous and didn't think about th
Reviewed by RyanM on 6/7/2009 Pros: Rugged mountain scenery Omnipresent river Not physically demanding Cons: Forced to wade through river several times Rough trail Overcrowded Graffiti and trash
Reviewed by Ryan on 6/7/2009 Error: Reserved Word Found: -- 
Reviewed by ronJ on 6/2/2009 Awesome hike! You will get wet! Crystal clear water! Great swimming holes around the bridge. Thanx to the topless hiker great pick me up after long day heading back!
Reviewed by FO on 5/29/2009 Hiked in on 5/26/09. Stay to the right of the river when your forced to go down in to the river bed along the mountain side or you'll lose the trail fairly easy and have to back track or do some bush waking to get back up to the trail which is up on the ridge east of the river. When down on the river bed look for sings of people having walked on the rocks with soaked boots. Even when dry its noticeable they look like dirty rocks compared to the rest of them. Look for the trail when descending in to the river bed and you'll see it leading to a short, easy climb back to the ridge that trail will take you to the bridge. Hike up past the bridge about one or two miles to The Narrows you'll be glad you did its beautiful up there.
Reviewed by wvn on 5/23/2009 Just hiked this yesterday. I count 5 river crossings: 1- near the beginning, cross to the trail on the west wall 2- at the concrete pilings, cross to the east, stay as far to the east as possible. 3- eventually the east trail comes to a rock wall with no path. Wade in the river up stream and get out on the EAST. Continue on the east trail to the Sheep Mountain sign and wooden bridge. 4,5- Parts of the trail on the east wall are missing past Swan Rock, forcing you back to the river. Cross to the sandbar in the middle, cross back to the east. Continue up the path to the bridge.
Reviewed by PA on 4/27/2009 Hiked this 4/26/09. Beautiful. Enough space that the hundreds in the area seem to disappear. We were a little cavalier with our crossings and therefore lost the trail enough times to cause serious setbacks. The round trip took us about 7 hours! The bungee jumping at the bridge was somewhat disappointing. It would be nice to go out there and just have people out there instead of screaming jumpers. But that's a small thing. The trip out and back is serious, fun, and beautiful. You will get wet on this ride. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||