Bridge to Nowhere via East Fork Trail
La Verne, California
Details
Distance
9.65 miles
Elevation Gain
1798 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Ben Lertsakdadet
10-mile round-trip hike with about 900 feet in elevation gain. You’ll have to cross the river a few times. Be careful when stepping on rocks and fording during rainy months. Enjoy the swimming hole and picturesque bridge once you arrive at the end of the trail. Duration: 5-6 hours.
The trail on this 10-mile hike is predominately slow and steady, but can be a little rocky, so be prepared to scramble. When you’re fording the river, the water level can range from knee to chest high, especially in the wet months. A good pair of waterproof hiking boots is helpful, but water shoes can offer value when the water is really high. You will run into river crossings early in the trail, so just remember that you’ve got quite a bit to hike afterward.
Keep in mind that this trail gets popular especially during the summer months. It’s best to arrive early if you’re hoping to park in the lot. If you arrive a little too late, you can park along the road near the trailhead.
To start the hike, head up the dirt road toward Heaton Flats Trail Camp. From here, you’ll continue on the Bridge to Nowhere Trail. The only junction you’ll pass is at the camp. Keep heading up the Bridge to Nowhere Trail and be prepared for a few river crossings as well as a bit of boulder scrambling.
Once you reach the bridge, reward yourself with the swimming hole that’s a steep 0.1 miles downhill once you pass the bridge. Take a dip and relax before your hike back.
Don't forget your wilderness permit / adventure pass.
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Reviews
The crowds can be tough here. For detailed hike directions, check out my post here: https://hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/best-la-hikes/bridge-to-nowhere-hike/
4.0
This is an amazing hike. The only difficult part is staying on the trail, as it can be pretty confusing! There seem to always be people on the trail, so its very hard to get lost. Be prepared to get your feet wet as there are a lot of river crossings. If you're feeling up for it, and the water level isn't too high, I definitely recommend hiking down below the bridge. Beautiful vantage point of the bridge, and fun to explore the river below!
5.0
Or bring a LifeStraw (or similar). The terrain can be pretty difficult, and if you have a late start and it's warm, that'll only up the difficulty. It's an awesome hike there and back, my gripe is that sometimes you can lose sight of any discernible trail, and, well, there IS somewhere when you get nowhere. That somewhere is a bungee jump station.
4.0
This is a fun and unique hike unlike any other in Southern California. The hike it self has a bit of everything ranging from up hill climb and down hill climbs to river crossing and switchbacks. At the halfway turnaround point you will find a literal bridge to nowhere, a bridge that ends in the side of a mountain, complete with multiple swimming holes below to enjoy your afternoon lunch by. Do be warned that this is a long and STRENUOUS and VERY EXPOSED. Bring lots of water and plan on stopping at the bridge to rest and enjoy some lunch.
5.0
Really fun hike pretty rugged! Two ways to get to the bridge you either follow the river all the way or hike along side the mountain other than that I love how it runs right by a river the whole trail! So be sure to bring the lifestraw just in case you run out of water!
4.0
It's on BIG Adventure. First, you navigate the winding road to get here, then it's a 5 mile one way in and out trek along the East Fork Trail, and finished with an epic view from the bridge looking 90 feet below into the gorge. It's unbelievable to see such a beautiful bridge going "No Where" into the side of a mountain. Read the full details about our experience here - http://mrandmrsadventure.com/2013/12/11/bungee-jumping-off-the-bridge-to-nowhere-with-bungee-america/
5.0
The bridge was built in 1936! We are in a drought now, but in 1938 there was a flood that wiped out the 5 miles of road that led to the bridge(Kind of hard to imagine!). It's pretty cool when you are hiking on this trail then all of a sudden you are on asphalt! Keep an eye out for Big Horn Sheep. They are abundant in this range and pretty cool to see. There is a reason why this is a popular trail... Simply put... it's an amazing hike. The last time I did this hike, the water was high. If that is the case for you make sure you take the proper precautions at the water crossings(there are about 5). Water does not need to be deep to knock you over.
5.0
Had a great time on this hike. Tried it for the first time with 3 friends this past weekend. The bridge itself in merely a resting point. Its cool, but the fun is along the way. Best advice I can give is to go early. We started at 6:00 a.m. and finished around 12. Bring lots of water and snacks. Most of our trip was shaded. It got warm about 1/3 of the way back. Enjoy the river crossings. Didn't see much wildlife outside of a snake and group of goats. Have fun guys
4.0
Still can't believe this is tucked away in LA. Terrain can be a little unstable after rains, and the trail can be hard to see/find at some parts. I loved walking through the creek/river, especially as the temperature rose during the afternoon. My dog Gerdy loved it, too!
4.0
Awesome hike for getting a little wet throughout the hike. This is a popular trail and glean get crowded; especially closer to the bungee jumping at the end.
4.0
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