Bridge to Nowhere via East Fork Trail

Trail Splits

At about 1.4 miles, just after the second crossing, the trail splits into several use trails, each marked with cairns. All lead to the same place, so take whichever one looks the least overgrown and continue along the river.

River Crossings

Cross the river twice, to another long sand/debris bar stretching northeast. Continue in this direction, and note the old, severely eroded road grade on the southeast side of the canyon. That's where you would have gotten stuck if you took that use trail.

Heaton Flats Trail Junction

At the small campground and picnic area, ignore the trail heading toward Heaton Flats and continue heading north. Depending on the water levels, just beyond the camp may be the first time you'll get your feet wet on this hike. Get used to it - there are plenty of crossings left to go. If the water is low or moderate, you may be able to hug the eastern bank of the river and boulder hop to continue on the trail.

Take the Low Road

Ignore the thin use-trail worn into the rock wall and stay on the lower route. It will eventually make a short ascent in a safer area.

Stay Near the Water

Ignore any use-trails you see here that ascend the ridge to your right and instead stay along the river as it curves northeast from Swan Rock.

Swan Rock

Look toward the western canyon wall. A prominent, twisted vein of quartz gives this formation its name -- Swan Rock. This formation is best viewed in the indirect sunlight of the morning or late afternoon.

Allison Gulch

Cross the river as it bends north at Allison Gulch. Depending on water levels, there may be a shallow bar in the middle of the river. If you're up for a big challenge, you can bushwhack up Allison Gulch to the old Allison Gulch Mine. The 1.4 mile trail is unmaintained and very overgrown, and may even be impassable depending on your level of expertise. There is an alternate route to the mine that requires climbing, mountaineering, and pathfinding skills. Needless to say, either of these routes should only be attempted by experts who can proceed with extreme caution. There are open mine shafts in the area, as well as exposed equipment.

Trailhead

Park at Coyote Flat at the end of East Fork Road and display your Adventure Pass. This parking area is small and tends to fill up quickly - especially on hot days. Be sure to get there early, or you'll end up having to park further down the road and add some distance to the hike. Look for the gate on the northeast side of the lot. Walk through the pedestrian area and continue along the dirt road.

Onto the Old Road

Cross the river again to the eastern bank. Scan this ridge for a prominent use trail that leads to the old road grade. This route may be marked by a large arrow made of stones.

Sheep Mountain Wilderness Boundary

At 2.68 miles, the trail enters the Sheep Mountain Wilderness area at the intersection with Laurel Canyon. The East Fork trail continues north.

Stay Near the Water Again

At 3.52 miles, the river continues north around a small bend. Ignore the use trail leaving the riverbed and climbing up onto this ridge -- this trail will leave you stranded above the actual route on the old road grade with no safe way down. Instead, continue near the river's edge on the eastern bank.

Private Property

Pass the sign marking your entrance on Private Property. This is an old gold claim that is still being worked, although it's better known as the home of the Bridge to Nowhere bungee jumpers. Continue on trail.

Stay on the East Bank

At about 1.5 miles the flood plain becomes scattered with lots of logs and other debris. Stay as close to the eastern canyon wall as possible for the trails of least resistance.

Bridge to nowhere

Down to the River

If the bridge is open for crossing, at 5.02 miles, look for a few use-trails on your right that scramble down to the river. There are several excellent swimming holes, and many perches to watch bungee jumpers leap off the bridge. When you're done experiencing this unique area, ascend back to the main trail and return the way you came in. If you'd like, you can also continue about 360 feet further along the trail to the ruins of a very small tunnel. This was supposed to connect to the Bridge, but was abandoned when the rest of the road was washed out. You can also continue .25 miles farther along the trail as it crosses the river again and travels into The Narrows -- Southern California's deepest gorge. There is an unimproved Trail Camp here that's popular with anglers and adventurers alike. Do not try to camp near the Bridge -- it is private property.

Shoemaker Canyon

At 1.67 miles, the canyon makes a sharp turn toward the northeast as it intersects with Shoemaker Canyon to the northwest of this point. If you look up at the western canyon wall, you can find evidence of the failed Shoemaker Canyon Road, which blasted a few tunnels into the mountains as far as this area. Here, the East Fork trail also shows signs of its former status as a paved road. Look down for areas of asphalt and pavement on the trail, heavily overgrown and worn down by 50-plus years of California sun and wind.

Poison Oak Alert!

For the next .6 miles, the trail follows the river east through a narrow section of canyon. This area is very shaded and generally cooler than the rest of the trail. The route hugs the southern walls of the canyon, and the shade and moisture here make it a prime growing area for poison oak. Watch out for Leaves of Three!