About This Event
Next hike is in the Sheep Mountain Wilderness area of the Angeles National Forest. This hike will take us along the banks of the East Fork of the San Gabriel River, require several river crossings and traverse the rim above the high water line occasionally walking along an old roadbed. This is a great hike on a hot day.
The highlight of the hike is a mysterious bridge built over the east fork in 1936, which has no road leading to it. Actually, in the 1930's a road did lead to it, but was swept away by floods in 1938. There are some small trails that will lead us down to the stream just after we cross the bridge. This is a stunning setting with shear pink tinted granite walls, roaring cascades, and the lovely bridge in the background.
Important Thing #1: There are about 14 river crossings with water levels from ankle deep to knee deep. Wear shoes that you don't mind getting wet and walking in after getting them wet. Don't plan on changing shoes between crossings.
Important Thing #2: Hike is 10 miles with 1,000 net gain. Its going to get hot. Bring lots of water, food and a camera. No beginners.
Important Thing #3: Parking requires an Adventure Pass. They are $5.00 and can be purchased from many sources. See the US Forest Service web site (https://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/ap/welcome.shtml)
Important Thing #4: Plan on being home late afternoon/early eve at the earliest.
Directions to the East Fork Trailhead: From Interstate 10 or the 210 freeway, exit on Azusa and head north 10 miles or so, paralleling the San Gabriel Dam on your right. Turn right on East Fork Road and continue 8 more miles to the East Fork Station, where the road dead ends. Note that if you go around a hairpin 180 degree turn on East Fork Road, you missed the road into the Sheep Mountain Wilderness.
Carpools are forming in the Message Board (https://hiking.meetup.com/276/messages/boards/)
