Tucked deep within the Sheep Mountain Wilderness of the San Gabriel Mountains lies one of Southern California’s most remarkable civil engineering anomalies: the 1936 Bridge to Nowhere. This 10-mile roundtrip trek requires six river crossings through the East Fork of the San Gabriel River to reach a magnificent Art Deco concrete arch isolated in a rugged mountain canyon.

The 1938 Flood & Abandoned Mountain Highway

In the early 1930s, Los Angeles County began construction on an ambitious highway designed to connect the San Gabriel Valley directly to Wrightwood. But on March 2, 1938, a catastrophic 50-year deluge tore through the canyon, washing away miles of roadbeds and retaining walls. The towering concrete arch bridge survived completely intact—leaving a magnificent span crossing a sheer gorge with no road on either side.

Trail Logistics & Field Tips

• Distance & Elevation: 10 miles out-and-back with approximately 900 feet of gradual elevation gain.
• River Crossings: Expect at least 6 thigh-deep crossings through the East Fork; wear quick-draining trail runners with wool socks.
• Permits: A valid US Forest Service Adventure Pass is required for parking at the East Fork Trailhead.
• Water & Sun: The canyon is fully exposed; carry a minimum of 3 liters of water and a water filtration system.