Devil's gulch Falls, San Gabriel River, along Bridge to Nowhere Trail {PART 1}

The only reason I will rise before dawn...
for a great hike!
This was the moody sky as we drove up the mountain.

In part one of this 2 part post, I will review the trail as usual. In Part 2 I will share tips and markers to find this gorgeous hidden and little known waterfall! So be sure to check back, because you don't want to miss part two-I guarantee it!

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

• Adventure Pass required for parking. Pay attention to signs and postings.
• Lot gets packed, plan accordingly.
• Vault toilet at lot, down at trail head and along the road before the lot. Often out of TP, bring your own.
• Canyon can be cool and shady (depending on season) or extremely hot in full sun. Dress in layers and check expected weather.
• Trail can be rocky, dusty, dry and have gravel.
• Be aware of sudden rock slides.
• Hike/trail is unmarked and about 8 miles round trip.

Nature's bridge! Try to keep your balance for
dry shoes and feet.

This hike follows along the Bridge to Nowhere trail, past Sheep Mountain bridge until you hit the river. We hit the trail fairly early, around 8 or 8:30am. GPS started tweaking and took us up the backside of the mountain that we had never driven before. It was a chilly start to the day and I was almost under dressed but warmed up soon enough. 

This time of year, during California winter, temps may be low and today was no different. Water levels will vary depending on rain and weather conditions.

The first half of the trail, as stated, follows along the Bridge to Nowhere trail until you get back down to the river. From the river, you do NOT go back up to the mountain ridge to the bridge. You stay along the river. Stay tuned for part two which will have more detailed directions and information.

Winter in California.

Follow the woody path to adventure.

 Water didn't appear too much higher than in times past and definitely not as high as this same time last year. Last season we had a very wet winter, which our drought stricken state poorly needed. So far, weather conditions have returned to "normal" with very little rain.

We were able to make most of the river crossing with dry feet except maybe a toe splash here an there.

This hike, however, will eventually require you to step into the water to access the hidden falls. No getting around it. Also, the nature of the trek requires many river crossings. No point in wasting time trying to find a spot with enough rocks to stay dry when you can just as easily step pin on most sure footing. Much of the river was very shallow but there are parts that require care and caution as it's moving and deeper. Trekking poles or a stick would be helpful.

Southern California mountains boast native plants acclimated to our dry conditions, succulents and drought tolerant foliage. Trails tend to look like what you might expect to see during a traditional autumn day. Warm hues of red and orange line the dusty brown trails with pops of green through out.

This time, on our way back, we saw actually caught sight of a Big Horn Sheep. This was a first. The animal was at the top of a cliff digging for something and causing a rainfall and rockslide of small boulders, and rocks! It was fascinating to witness but we were so glad that we happen to be on the opposite side of the river as they pounded down into the water and ground.

Careful with those yuccas--those spikes hurt!

The waterfall is hidden within a small grotto and can be tricky to locate. The main point is to stay along the river and and to the left. Although, in order to really find the entrance, you have to be on the right or walking in the river to see the tributary pouring in from the left. If you stay to the right of the river the entire time, you may miss it if you are not watching to the left.

Isn't she a beauty?
The pic doesn't do her justice and I couldn't fit
the full falls in the frame.

The water falls in two streams along a deep, green, moss covered rock face. It's absolutely gorgeous. When I hiked to this fall last summer, there was very noticeable poison oak. I bathed myself down with Tecnu Wash when I got home and immediately washed my clothing to be on the safe side. It can also be used as a preventive if you wipe down with it before contact. Since it was so noticeable we were able to easily avoid it. This time, I did not see any and there's a risk I may have come in contact with it unknowingly. Always pay attention and know what it looks like.

Gold 'miner' camp.

The San Gabriel River is home to many gold panners. Some have been searching for gold for years and some are weekend warriors hoping to suddenly strike it rich. I have never had an negative interaction with either but always be aware of surroundings and be safe, as with any hiking excursion.

Clear Blue skies ahead of us as we end our hike. 

Since this trail requires hiking further up the river into lesser known and unmarked area, you will see active panners and their camps, tools, gear and remnants of camps. Technically, it is illegal to dig around the area and along the river but that does not stop them from doing so.

We came across a few camps and the atmosphere can feel a little sketchy. Use wisdom and caution. We let the panners have their space, kept our distance and kept on moving.

In my next post, I will have {scrappy} video clips and pix of what to look for as you attempt to find this hidden gem.

See you out on the trails!