In the middle of the San Gabriel Mountains, in California, lies the Bridge to Nowhere hike, one of those hikes that boost the adrenaline and dopamine levels, especially for the adventurous at heart. While hiking along the San Gabriel River in the beautiful wilderness of the mountains, a vast 120-foot bridge appears. The classic Southern California hike, known by every local, is worth giving it a try. The approximately six-hour hike in the beautiful mountain wilderness is fun and enjoyable, especially on a sunny summer day when the stream crossings and water holes can cool off the heat.

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How Did A Catastrophic Event And A Powerful Decision Lead To The Nowhere Bridge?

Built in 1936, north of Azusa, the Bridge to Nowhere is an arch bridge that stretches along the San Gabriel River's East Fork and has been constructed as a part of a path connecting the San Gabriel Valley with Wrightwood. However, in 1938, cataclysmic flooding in the San Gabriel River ruined the road away, which led the Bridge to Nowhere into existence. Approximately a decade later, in the 1950s, during the tedious Cold War nuclear holocaust paranoia, the government decided to build a highway through the San Gabriel Mountains to help people evacuate from Los Angeles to the Mojave Desert.

The desolate Bridge to Nowhere was, therefore, a new evacuation route. A fun fact is that the road is locally called also the "Convict Road" because, in 1956, work started on the new path done mainly by prison inmates. Out of the 25-mile road, only 5 miles were finished as the work progress was slow, and by 1969, work was wholly abandoned, leaving an unfinished road, which is today the "Highway to Nowhere," never making it to hence to the bridge.

When Is The Optimal Time To Hike The Bridge To Nowhere And What To Expect?

Any time would be a good time for a hike on the bridge. However, a few things should always be taken into consideration. Here are helpful recommendations to optimize the hiking experience.

  • If it is winter in Southern California or there is heavy rain, the San Gabriel River can become flooded. The water can reach the waist and even portions of the trails, which would not create the best experience. On days like these, it is always recommended to postpone the hike.
  • If there's a chance of thunderstorms or heavy rain on the hike day, there can be hazardous flash floods (deaths were recorded due to flash floods in that area).
  • On the contrary, if the hike was organized on a hot summer day, it can be brutal and excessively tiring, which will decrease the fun and enjoyment. It is always advised to leave at sunrise to avoid the heat, crowds, and overflowing parking lot. Also, snacks and water should be brought.
  • If a quick swim is on the menu, it is needless to say that a bathing suit is essential under the clothes with a quick-dry towel.
  • An application that allows sending and receiving SOS text messages where there is no cell phone signal must be downloaded.
  • Hikes can be crowded, especially on the weekends, so it is advised to pick a sunny weekday. Moreover, there is a fair amount of yuca and prickly plants; hence long pants would be a better option than shorts.
  • There are primitive bathrooms in the parking lots and a few minutes down the trail.

For all hikers, whether amateurs or professionals, here is the description of the hiking trail for a better understanding of what to expect:

  • Total Distance: 10.5 miles (16.9 km)
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Hike Time: Over 6 Hours (Total)
  • Total Ascent: 1,870 feet (570 m)
  • Highest Elevation: 2,755 feet (840 m), adding all ups and downs 1900 ft (579.12 m)
  • Fees and Permits: Pass needed, Parking lot
  • Dogs allowed: Leashed
  • Alerts and Closures: San Gabriel Ranger River district
  • Park Telephone Number: (+1) 626-335-1251

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How To Reach The Bridge To Nowhere And What Is The Elevation Profile Of The Hike?

The Bridge To Nowhere can be reached with a thirty minutes drive north of downtown Azuza, CA. The drive to the location is simultaneously entertaining and spectacular as it winds its way on the Side of San Gabriel Canyon with the view of all the rivers and reservoirs below. A pass that can be received from the parking lot is mandatory to access the trailhead. If no parking spots are available, the side road can serve as parking.

Many guides report approximately 800 feet (243.84 m) of elevation change between the hike's start and finish. However, factoring all the ups and downs and undulations amounts, the elevation changes to more than double the initial one and sums it up to 1900 feet (579.12 m).

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