San Gabriel Mountains Bridge To Nowhere

View Vincent Gulch to Bridge To Nowhere in Google Map

Built in 1936, the Bridge to Nowhere is an arch bridge crossing the San Gabriel River. It was part of the East Fork Road designed to connect the San Gabriel Valley with Wrightwood. However, financial issues stopped the road from being further constructed. Parts of the East Fork Road leading to the bridge were wiped out by a flood in 1938 and were never restored. So the bridge is left isolated and goes nowhere. Since the bridge does not serve its original purpose, people today use the bridge for swimming underneath and bungee jumping from the side of bridge.

This day hike is 5 miles one way and has only 900 feet elevation gain. The many stream crossings and rocks to climb make this hike very exhilarating and fun. This is a popular activity for troop families and friends to come along. The scouts usually have lunch beneath the bridge, and have a swim in the river before heading home.

Time

May / June

*** Day Hike ****

Day Hike Activities

Map reading and Compass orientation will take place at the beginning before the hike starts. 10-mile 1 day hike. [2nd Class Req. 5-mile hiking], [Hiking Merit Badge] [Miles Hike]

Day Hike Maps

Day Hike Equipment

Shoes: Wear an old pair of sneakers or something suitable for hiking through water. Don't wear heavy boots. Things like the Teva sports sandal are also a good choice as long as it's closed toed. Don't wear new boots. This is not the time to be breaking in a new pair.
Walking stick could be helpful.
Windbreaker or jacket — can be cold and windy, check the weather forecast.
Bathing suit: Best to hike in your swimming trunk. Towel is not really necessary. We typically dry ourselves just from being out of the water. The swimming trunk might be damp for a bit, but it will get dried quickly during the hike back.
Sun protection would be a good idea.
Bring your own sack lunch. Be sure to put it in zip lock bags so it doesn't get wet from creek crossing.
Bring water for the hike.
Ten essentials
- Pocket knife
- First aid kit
- Extra clothing
- Rain gear
- Water bottle (1 liter)
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Trail food
- Matches or fire starter
- Sun protection
- Map and compass

Day Hike Weather

Day Hike Bridge to Nowhere, National Weather Service Check weekend predictions. Could be warm but we have also had cool/breezy spring conditions.

*** Backpacking ****

Backpacking Maps

Backpacking Equipment

- General hiking gears information: Backpacking Equipment List

- Personal

Regular backpack equipment (backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, hiking boots). Pack light, no more than 25 pounds.
10 essentials
- Pocket knife
- First aid kit
- Extra clothing
- Rain gear
- Water bottle
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Trail food
- Matches or fire starter
- Sun protection
- Map and compass
Windbreaker or jacket — can be cold and windy on the peak and overnight campsite.
- Cup and lightweight spork (or spoon and fork)
- Toilet paper (distribute within buddy system)

- Troop

- Food will be distributed for meals.
- Water bags and trash bags
- Lightweight stoves and fuels
- Water filters
- Walkie-talkie

Tent

Backpacking Reference

Down the East Fork - San Diego Reader

Backpacking Weather

Backpacking Bridge to Nowhere, National Weather Service Check weekend predictions. Could be cold rain/snow spring conditions.

Forms

Permission/Medical Release forms are required from every Scout.

Permit

Adventure Pass for Parking from Ranger or Sports Chalet.
Wilderness permit is required for crossing Sheep Mountain Wilderness. It can be self-registered at the trail head kiosk, from the East Fork Ranger Station, or other ranger stations in the Angeles National Forest.

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