Hike to the Abandoned Bridge
Take a Leap into the Wilderness: Bridge to Nowhere Hike
Embark on an exhilarating adventure with the infamous Bridge to Nowhere hike, a must-do trek for good reasons. While the trail can be tough, most beginners can handle it. Follow the East Fork of the San Gabriel River upstream, crossing it six times, delving deeper into the Sheep Mountain Wilderness. Around the fifth mile, you'll round a bend, and there it is - a stunning 120-foot bridge spanning the East Fork Narrows! But remember, safety first!
Navigating the Bridge to Nowhere
Steer clear of treacherous stream crossings. Drowning incidents have occurred in fast and high waters.
Hiking Tips for an Unforgettable Experience
- Escaping weekend crowds? Set your alarm for sunrise on a weekday. Weekday mornings offer a peaceful hike with fewer hikers and more tranquility.*
- Bungee jumping off the bridge is an option provided by Bungee America during weekends. To avoid crowds, avoid hiking then. The bungee company leases the land from Angeles National Forest.*
- Be wary of thunderstorms and snowmelt in the spring, which can make the river a dangerous torrent. Stick to fall hikes for the sweet spot.*
- Though a free permit is technically required, the system isn't enforced. Visit a ranger station if you want to get one, but it isn't necessary.*
- Bring a parking pass for the lot. A National Parks Pass or an Adventure Pass covering Southern California will suffice.*
- Use the restroom before reaching the trailhead or opt for the shaky outhouses along the way.*
Osprey Hikelite 26 - My go-to daypack. Light, tough, and keeps my back dry with the trampoline mesh.
Where Can You Find the Bridge to Nowhere?
Gear Up for Your Journey
Norda 001 - Like a monster truck and a comfy pillow had a featherweight baby, for your feet.
- Opt for vented trail runners and wade through the water. Your feet will dry as you walk, and the cool water feels great. Swapping back and forth with sandals is a waste of time.*
- Skilled hikers can rock-hop across most river crossings with the help of trekking poles.*
- Pack plenty of water, especially during hot summer days, and dress warmly for chilly winter hikes.*
- Wear light shorts despite the vegetation, as river crossings make long pants impractical.*
- Bring a quick-dry towel to dry off if you plan to swim in the pools by the bridge.*
- Pack some snacks to maintain energy levels, as the hike covers 10 miles.*
| My Top Picks for Essential Gear ||------------------|| *Osprey Hikelite 26 - Tough, light, and keeps my back dry.|| Norda 001 - A comfy and nimble hiking shoe.|| Garmin inReach Mini 2 - Reliable SOS coverage in remote areas.|| AllTrails Plus - Offline maps, off-trail alerts, and more at 30% off!|| Garmin Fenix 8* - Ideal for maps, tracking, and routing.|
Garmin inReach Mini 2 - When I need 100% reliable SOS coverage, this is what I take in the backountry.
For more info on my gear and choices, visit my Top Gear Picks page (last updated June 2025).
Bridge to Nowhere Trail Maps
AllTrails Plus - 30% off! Up-to-date trip reports. AllTrails+ adds offline maps, off-trail alerts, and Garmin sync.
Divide the hike into three manageable sections:
- Trailhead to the first river crossing: 1 mile
- Walk along the river: 3 miles
- Ridge to the bridge: 1 mile
Garmin Fenix 8 - Took a few updates to get right, but now it's rock solid for me. I use it for maps, tracking, and routing.
This breakdown helps you keep track of your progress and distance. Once you reach the bridge, simply retrace your steps back.
The hike doesn't feature significant climbs, with the majority of elevation change coming from small ups and downs along the way.
*View Hike on CalTopo\nDownload the GPX File*
Bridge to Nowhere Hike Directions
Heaton lived and worked at this site from 1891 until the 1920s. Today, some folks still hunt for gold along the river. Watch the excellent documentary "LA Miner" on Vimeo, available for free.
In 1929, construction of the East Fork Road was initiated with the intention of connecting San Gabriel Valley and Wrightwood to the north. This road project included the bridge as part of the route to provide better access to the high desert north of Los Angeles[5]. The bridge was completed in 1936. However, disaster struck just two years later, when catastrophic flooding in the San Gabriel River washed away much of the East Fork Road, leaving the bridge isolated—thus earning it the distinguishable name Bridge to Nowhere[5].
Embark on an unforgettable outdoor-living adventure with the infamous Bridge to Nowhere hike. Navigate the wilderness trail, delving deeper into the Sheep Mountain Wilderness, following the East Fork of the San Gabriel River upstream. Opt for vented trail runners and wade through the water, packing light shorts despite the vegetation and carrying a quick-dry towel if planning to swim. Invest in essential gear such as the Osprey Hikelite 26, Norda 001, Garmin inReach Mini 2, AllTrails Plus, and Garmin Fenix 8 for a safer and more enjoyable hike. Hiking tips include avoiding treacherous stream crossings, swapping back and forth with sandals, packing plenty of water, and staying aware of thunderstorms and snowmelt. Check out Bridge to Nowhere trail maps on AllTrails Plus for offline maps and off-trail alerts. Divide the hike into three manageable sections for easier tracking of progress and distance, with the majority of elevation change coming from small ups and downs along the way. This leisurely trekking journey offers an immersive lifestyle experience that extends beyond home-and-garden boundaries, allowing you to connect with nature and embrace the unique forest, mountains, and national parks landscapes.
