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 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 16 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by DeaconBlues on 7/17/2008 Where does one begin? Did this hike on 7/12. I was exhausted by the end but it had been worth it for the spectacular views and the satisfaction of making it to the Bridge to Nowhere. It took 3 hours out and 2 1/2 to get back. I did 12 river crossings (roundtrip) plus another three that turned out to be unnecessary. You need to pay close attention to the trail as it it not always well marked. Footprints, drops of water, black arrows on rocks and plain common sense helped as guides. This one time to be glad there are other hikers around because one can easily get off the right trail to the Bridge. 
Reviewed by Tom on 7/5/2008 This is the best hike I have been on in So Cal. I went on the 4th of July and it was a warm one, so it was nice to cool off on the river crossings. River crossings were about shin high, and you are gonna get wet, most spots were too deep to hop scotch across rocks. We made about 10 river crossings. We lost the trail numerous times. Spotted a Big Horn Sheep near the bridge. Great hike!
Reviewed by AC on 6/25/2008 This was one of my favorite hikes to date. I have been on several when I was in the scouts, but this one tops them all. My friend and I went off the trail and decided to just follow the river to the bridge. We made our own trail and found several very nice spots to hang out. I do caution that it is a bit rocky, there is no distinct trail, and takes a bit longer, but it is well worth it.
Reviewed by AC on 6/25/2008 This was one of my favorite hikes to date. I have been on several when I was in the scouts, but this one tops them all. My friend and I went off the trail and decided to just follow the river to the bridge. We made our own trail and found several very nice spots to hang out. I do caution that it is a bit rocky, there is no distinct trail, and takes a bit longer, but it is well worth it.
Reviewed by Mary on 6/2/2008 Very beautiful. The trail was hard to find going in, but easier on the way out. The bridge was so cool! I would expect the trip to take longer than 5 hours your first time hiking it. Water crossings are inevitable, but a hiking stick really helps, and there are plenty up there. Definitely a hike I will do again.
Reviewed by Dan C on 5/29/2008 I have hiked and camped this area since I was around 15 yrs old. I am now 42. Always a great experience. Anyone looking to spend a great day in the wilderness, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, has got to try this. Bring a pack and a sleeping bag and stay the night at the Bridge. Your dog will love it. Bring your fishing pole and catch dinner. Definitely be prepared to get wet. On a hot day, I can't wait for the next water crossing.
Reviewed by GLS Charly on 5/17/2008 I scouted the trail on 5/15/2008. I started at 8AM to avoid most of the mid-day sun & heat. The conditions were windy & hot, the temps at mid-day were above 90f. The trails was easy to follow. There were about 18 stream crossings round-trip. Most were ankle deep but some got up to above the knee (24 inches). I went with the idea that I would get wet and used water mocs with sock liners and heavy socks. I only saw 2 persons along the trail the whole day (it was a Thursday). On the return, the ranger stated that they might be evacuating the area because of the wild fires at Mt. Baldy. It seams the winds had shifted towards this area. BTW there are great pools to cool-off past the bridge about a quarter mile up-stream.
Reviewed by Dale on 5/9/2008 I hiked this on 5-6-08 and only came across 3 other groups of hikers. This is definitely one to avoid on the weekends. Word to the wise: bring extra socks and shoes as you will get wet. Also watch out for the rattlesnakes as I encountered two of them during the six hours I was on this trail. Beatiful views from the bridge! I will definitely do this hike maybe even further to the forks next time. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||