Bridge To Nowhere

USA / California / Wrightwood /
 ruins, bridge
The Bridge to Nowhere is an arch bridge that was built in 1936 north of Azusa, California in the San Gabriel Mountains. It spans the East Fork of the San Gabriel River and was meant to be part of a road connecting the San Gabriel Valley with Wrightwood. The East Fork Road was still under construction when it was washed out during the great flood of March 1-2, 1938. The East Fork Road project was abandoned as a result of the flood, leaving the bridge forever stranded in the middle of what is now the Sheep Mountain Wilderness. The bridge is only accessible via 9 mile round-trip hike or on horseback. As of winter 2006, the trail following the former roadway is faint and washed out in several places. Generally, one follows the river up its course, with several stream crossings before the ascent to the level of the bridge. Bungee jumping is a popular activity at this bridge. The firm "Bungee America" guides customers to the bridge and facilitates the jump experience.
Photos courtsey of www.goldenstatetrout.com
Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridge_to_Nowhere_(San_Gabriel_Mountains)
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   34°16'59"N   117°44'49"W

Comments

  • In June of 2013, the trail following the former roadway was prominent and easy to follow. At about a mile short of the bridge, the trail leaves the river and slowly ascends the eastern bank, following the quite prominent old roadway. Most hikers follow this path, but as of June of 2013 it was still possible, in fact relatively easy, to follow the river bed all the way to the bridge. Following the river would add about 20 minutes to the hike, and there was no way to avoid getting wet - in stretches we had to wade thru water about 30" deep. But cooler, & certainly prettier than the old roadbed.
This article was last modified 17 years ago