Bungee Jumping at Bridge to Nowhere, a Must-Do in Los Angeles

Even though both Dustin and I have bungee jumped a few times before, we always wanted to experience it again. Therefore, Dustin’s birthday provided a perfect excuse for us to join up with Bungee America at the Bridge to Nowhere for another epic adventure, bungee jumping off a 120ft bridge. Bungee Jumping off the Bridge of Nowhere is an awesome bucket list item, and a must-do when you’re in Los Angeles. Not only does it give you such an adrenaline rush, but you’ll also get to hike to the infamous Bridge to Nowhere and meet the most awesome people. And did we mention, it’s super safe?

Stats

Tour Company & Pricing

Bungee America
(310) 322-8892

Single Jump $99
Two Jumps $149
Each Additional Jump $50
Overnight Campout & Night Jumps Package (Minimum of 4 people) $275

For more up to date pricing, please check out their website

Day-of Meeting Place

East Fork Day Use Parking Trailhead
Camp Bonita Rd, La Verne, CA 91750
Coords: 34°14’12.3″N 117°45’55.2″W

Weather

Restroom

There is restroom at the trailhead.

Parking

There is a big paved parking lot.

Distance

The hike is 10 miles R.T.

Elevation Gain

About 1,246 ft

Level

The hike is moderate.

Time

It will take an entire day. At least 4 – 5 hours for the hike itself, and whatever the time that will take you for bungee jumping.

Ideal Weather

Cooler days but not too cold. There aren’t a lot of shades, however, you’ll have to go over 6 creek crossings.

Video

About Bungee America

Bungee America

The Adventure

Signing In

We woke up before the sun was up. Our meeting time was at 7 am at the trailhead, so we rushed to be on the way. The drive was quite uneventful. Since our phone reception was nonexistent, the directions on Bungee America’s website were very helpful. We got to the trailhead a bit after 7 am, our meeting time. Luckily, we weren’t the only ones that ran late. After parking, we ran over to the sign-in table. It was a quick process. Courtney, one of Bungee America’s guides, got us signed in and then got our weights so they can use them for bungee jumping later.

After signing in, Courtney told us that everyone will be meeting in front of the white gate at the other side of the parking lot. Soon enough, Courtney, along with Alex and Dylan joined our group at the gate for a quick overview. There were quite a few of us that day. Most people haven’t done anything like this before. You can see the fear in their eyes. Courtney and Alex humorously went over the protocols and the details of the day. They did an amazing job breaking up the nervous tension of the bungee jumpers.

The Hike to Bridge to Nowhere

Once the guides were done with their speeches, everyone quickly followed the dirt road to begin the epic adventure. This is a 5 miles hike each way, with 6 creek crossings. You will get wet. In fact, the guides at Bungee America kept stressing the fact that you shouldn’t boulder-hop through the creek crossing. It is a lot safer to go in the water than trying to keep your feet dry. They have many stories of people injured themselves, trying to avoid going in the water. It is a long way in or out so it is better that you don’t hurt yourself.

Along the 5 miles, we stopped a few times so everyone can catch up. Alex, Dylan, and Courtney split up throughout the group to make sure the slower bungee jumpers won’t get lost. About 2 hours later, we came up to a big metal sign with info about Bridge to Nowhere. Soon after, we saw the big canopy arched over the concrete bridge. “We’re here!” I screamed excitedly as we ran over to look down over the side. I’m not sure if our multiple canyoneering trips have prepared us for the height, 120ft down didn’t seem as bad anymore.

Briefing Before Bungee Jumping

After everyone made it to the bridge, we had a quick breather before we joined back for a briefing. During the briefing, we met Ron, the owner of Bungee America, and Chris another guide there. They hiked out before us to set up all the equipment. Ron excitedly went over the history of Bungee America as well as its stats. You can tell that he is passionate about what he does. He went over the details with a ton of enthusiasm and a big smile on his face. You would swear that he hadn’t given similar briefings thousands of times in the past. Courtney, Alex, and Chris then took over to explain the process of bungee jumping and how you can do it safely. It’s quite simple really. There are only 3 things that you need to remember, aim for your target (there are red flags on the canyon wall), go big and keep your hands out.

The bungee jumpers are separated by weight class. They use different bungee cords depending on the weight. As it was, the heavier weight class of the day went first. Dustin volunteered as one of the first people to jump. After harnessing up, both Courtney and Dylan checked to make sure everything is in place properly. Redundancy in safety is always Bungee America’s first priority. There are always at least two people checking and keeping an eye on you throughout the whole process of bungee jumping.

Dustin’s Jumps

After the final prepping, Dustin was ready for his first jump. I bought him the 3 jump package. For the first jump, Dustin did the front jump. He went big as expected. The next jump was a back jump, followed by Frankenstein. The front and back jumps are the standard jumps. There are more advanced jumps such as the Frankenstein, the elevator, backflip, lumberjack, and more. You have to do the standard jumps and be epic enough to attempt the more advanced ones, as they require more thought.

It was interesting to watch different people’s reactions to bungee jumping. A few daredevils were having the time of their lives. However, many jumpers began to question their decisions as they stood on the narrow ledge. The team at Bungee America did a great job motivating the nervous jumpers. Everyone around was also amazing at cheering them on. It was such an awesome showcasing of teamwork.

Vy’s experience

Since I was in the smallest weight class, I had to wait for most people to go before my turn. I was a bit antsy waiting for my turn. It’s that feeling when you have too much adrenaline in you, like an inflated balloon, waiting to pop. Finally, it was the lightweights turn. I quickly harnessed up and was ready for my turn.

My first jump was the back jump. It was my least favorite jump from the last bungee jumping. For some reason, it was a lot scarier to jump backward. Your body seems to think that you’re an idiot for doing this. However, this time, I wasn’t as nervous as before. Standing on the narrow metal ledge, I followed Chris’s directions as he counted down. As soon as he yelled “JUMP”, my brain went blank as I exploded backward toward the empty space. It was such an exhilarating feeling that was indescribable.

After my first jump, I was ready for my next one. At first, I was planning to do the front jump, however, after talking to Alex, he agreed for me to do the backflip. The backflip is similar to the back jump, however, I had to remember to arch my back as I jumped out and pull up my knees. This helps turn the backward jump into a backflip. Everything went by so fast that I barely had time to comprehend my action. However, according to Dustin, I did well.

My last jump was the elevator jump. I did this particular jump once the last time I went bungee jumping. It was one of the trickier ones. You’ll stand backward, with your toes all the way to the edge of the already narrow platform. As they say jump, you’ll take a small step back into the thin air, and drop down like an elevator. The tricky thing is that you have to step out far enough so your chin won’t hit the metal platform. If you do it correctly, you might be able to lightly touch the bottom of the historic Bridge to Nowhere. I came quite close but I didn’t touch it this time.

The River

After I finished my jumps, we followed the trail down to the river below to watch the rest of the jumpers. Many people brought their swimsuits as well. We didn’t spend that much time there because we wanted to get back to the car before it got dark. Once you have finished your jump(s), you’re free to go back by yourself. If you’re not comfortable hiking back by yourself, you can always wait for the guides and hike back with them.

Tips for the Hike Back

If you decided to hike back by yourself, it is not really that hard to find your way back, but it can get a bit tricky at some spots. So here are some tips for you to find your way back safely.

Since you’re in the canyon, as long as you follow the river back, you won’t get lost.
The majority of the trail is on the left-hand side. If you crossed the river over to the right, you’ll need to cross it back to the left.
One mile after the Bridge to Nowhere, you’ll come to a fig tree. After the fig tree, you’ll want to go down to the wash below and follow the arrows.
Right before the 3rd creek crossing (4th on the way in), there is a “Big Foot Crossing, Bus Stop” sign. Make sure you go right after the sign to cross over the river. This crossing is the longest one.

We always have an amazing time bungee jumping with Bungee America. We had no idea that they also offer a campout, which includes 3-day jumps and 2-night jumps along with accommodations for the night. It sounds super fun. We can’t wait to check that out soon! If you haven’t already, we recommend conquering your fear and adding bungee jumping at Bridge to Nowhere to your bucket list! It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that you won’t ever forget!

These are the gear that we personally use and find them helpful for this particular adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.