Bridge to Nowhere via East Fork Trail

Bridge to Nowhere Trail
4.5
11 Reviews
Bridge to Nowhere via East Fork Trail
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Details

Distance
9.65 miles
Elevation Gain
1798 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Picnic Area
River
Bathrooms
Swimming Hole
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About this place

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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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
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Brianna T
6/22/2025
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Cris Hazzard
10/24/2017
Fun Hike At the Right Time
The crowds can be tough here. For detailed hike directions, check out my post here: https://hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/best-la-hikes/bridge-to-nowhere-hike/
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Tori Marsh
1/18/2017
One of my favorite hikes in SoCal
This is an amazing hike. The only difficult part is staying on the trail, as it can be pretty confusing! There seem to always ...
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Charlie Jasper
10/13/2016
Bring lots of water!
Or bring a LifeStraw (or similar). The terrain can be pretty difficult, and if you have a late start and it's warm, that'll only ...
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Spencer Williams
9/19/2016
Unique SoCal Hike
This is a fun and unique hike unlike any other in Southern California. The hike it self has a bit of everything ranging from ...
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Zen Head
7/31/2016
Classic East Fork Trail!
Really fun hike pretty rugged! Two ways to get to the bridge you either follow the river all the way or hike along side ...
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Brittany Rouille
10/23/2015
Go Bungee Jumping Here
It's on BIG Adventure. First, you navigate the winding road to get here, then it's a 5 mile one way in and out trek ...
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Ryan Mckinney
10/7/2015
This is a great hike with lots of history!
The bridge was built in 1936! We are in a drought now, but in 1938 there was a flood that wiped out the 5 ...
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Tristan Gist
9/27/2015
I'll be back!
Had a great time on this hike. Tried it for the first time with 3 friends this past weekend. The bridge itself in merely ...
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Masa Kato
9/23/2015
Sweet Vistas
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 ...
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Sarah Medalen
7/9/2015
Awesome hike for getting a little wet throughout the hike. This is a popular trail and glean get crowded; especially closer to the bungee ...
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