East Fork Trail
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Overview
Location: San Gabriel Mountains National Monument / Angeles National Forest
Length (one-way): 5 miles
Elevation Gain: ~1,000 feet
Best Time to Visit: November to May
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Background
The East Fork Trail follows the path of an abandoned section of East Fork Road, which was originally planned to connect to Angeles Crest Highway. Not much remains of the abandoned road except for some sections of old pavement and the final destination of the hike, Bridge to Nowhere. The hike involves plenty of creek crossings along the East Fork of the San Gabriel River, a major waterway that drains the majority of the Sheep Mountain Wilderness. There are expansive views of the San Gabriel Mountains, and although the trail vegetation is mostly riparian trees and chaparral, mixed coniferous forest can be seen in the higher elevations of the mountains as you hike along the trail. In summer, the river is a popular swimming area. The trail is very popular year-round.
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Trailhead Directions
Trailhead coordinates: 34.237117, -117.764927
Beginning in the City of Azusa, follow California State Route 39 (San Gabriel Canyon Road) northbound into Angeles National Forest. Drive by Morris Reservoir and San Gabriel Reservoir to your right as the highway winds its way along the San Gabriel River. At around 11 miles north of Azusa along the highway, near the upper terminus of San Gabriel Reservoir, turn right onto East Fork Road. Follow the road for 6 miles until it ends at the East Fork Trailhead. Because the trail is very popular, especially on weekends, the parking lot can easily fill up by morning. If the parking lot is full, you can park along the road, but still be sure to display a valid Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Pass in your car, and avoid parking in areas that are posted.
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HikinG Directions
Follow the wide dirt path on the east side of the river for about 0.5 mile to Heaton Flat. After Heaton Flat, the path will narrow considerably and become much rougher with some minor scrambling involved. Continue by following this path along the riverbed, noting that it some areas it will be less defined. As long as you are following the river upstream, you are heading the correct way. There are several river crossings along the way, and depending on the water levels it may be difficult to cross without getting wet, but usually no more than knee deep. After about 4 miles from the East Fork Trailhead (3.5 miles from Heaton Flat), the trail will head up the side of the hill on the east side and away from the river. Look out for this section of the trail on the right side, as it is easy to miss on the way to the bridge. Once you have found the trail, follow it for about 1 more mile, and you will reach the Bridge to Nowhere! Feel free to just explore the area or try bungee jumping (additional cost). There are also several river pools below the bridge where you can swim or just relax. To return to the East Fork Trailhead, follow the same way back for around 5 miles.
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TRAIL Map
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OTHER RESOURCES
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Author: Nathan Deng
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