Thursday, January 10, 2019

FEB 16 Bridge To Nowhere

Hike Organizer: Julio Contreras
Location: Azusa, CA
Hike Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, 6/10
Distance: 10 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
Time: 5-6 hours

The scenery along this trail is monumental, on a scale seen nowhere else in the San Gabriel Mountains. The gorge of the East Fork cuts deep into the eastern high country, separating such giants of the range as Mount Baden-Powell and Old Baldy. This is nature in it's grandest portions, at least in Southern California!

The trail follows along the banks of the East Fork of the San Gabriel River, fording its shallow but rushing waters several times along the way. We will pass under Swan Rock, a towering wall west of the river with the outline of a giant swan etched in grey, before reaching the famous "Bridge to Nowhere," the most imposing remnant of the East Fork Road of yesteryear. The mysterious bridge was built in 1936 but the road leading to it was swept away by flooding in 1938.

The hike itself is moderate but be prepared to get your feet wet if necessary as there are several boulder-hopping river crossings along the way. That doesn't mean wearing sandals or flip-flops but a good pair of hiking boots or running shoes with good tread. Bring at least 2 liters of water, sunblock, and lunch to eat when we reach the bridge. Also, there is bungee jumping off the bridge if you feel so inclined!

DIRECTIONS: From the 210 freeway exit at Azusa Avenue (Highway 39) and head north for 10 miles or so. Azusa Avenue becomes San Gabriel Canyon Road and parallels the San Gabriel Dam on the right. Turn right on East Fork Road and continue for another 8 miles until the road dead ends at the East Fork Ranger Station. Park in the lot or beside the road below the ranger station.

GO TO END OF THE ROAD, THE START OF THE HIKING TRAIL WE'LL MEET THERE NOT THE SMALL TOWN.

http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/bridge-to-nowhere-hike-los-angeles/

ADVENTURE PASS REQUIRED - 1 PER VEHICLE. Costs $5; Available at REI and the National Park Office or you can buy the year pass. You can also buy it at big5 or Sports Authority stores.

WAIVER OF LIABILITY: This Meetup group, it's organizers and members take no responsibility for any injuries nor accidents that may occur during events. By joining this event you take full responsibility for your own safety. Please ensure that you are in good health before participating and understand that there is risk involved in your participation. This Meetup group does not certify the qualifications of any of it's organizers or trip leaders, and they are not responsible in any way for your safety. We are all just participants, nothing more.

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