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
Bridge to Nowhere is an almost 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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Bridge to Nowhere via East Fork Trail Reviews
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
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