If heights don’t scare you, the Foresthill Bridge might just become your new favorite landmark. Towering above the American River Canyon, this bridge offers stunning views, fascinating history, and plenty of reasons to stop and explore.

Built for a Dam That Never Happened

Here’s a fun twist: the Foresthill Bridge wasn’t even supposed to exist in its current form. In 1973, the Federal Bureau of Reclamation built it for $13 million as part of a plan to create a reservoir for the Auburn Dam. The dam project? Never finished. The bridge? Still standing tall, literally. It’s like that one friend who shows up to a party that gets canceled but decides to stay and have a good time anyway.

Hollywood’s Favorite Daredevil Playground

Movie fans might recognize the Foresthill Bridge from the 2002 action flick xXx starring Vin Diesel. In one of the film’s most adrenaline-pumping scenes, Diesel’s character drives a stolen car off the bridge, jumps out mid-air, and parachutes into the canyon below. It’s cinematic gold and something you should absolutely not try at home (or at this bridge). While you’re welcome to walk or drive across it, leave the stunts to Hollywood.

A Walk With a View—and Some Graffiti

Walking across the Foresthill Bridge is like stepping onto an open-air art gallery with a killer view. The panoramic vistas of the American River Canyon are breathtaking enough to make you forget about your fear of heights (well, almost). But what really adds character are the decades of inscriptions and graffiti left by passersby. Some are heartfelt tributes to loved ones; others are cryptic messages that’ll leave you scratching your head. Either way, they prove that this bridge has been a silent witness to countless stories.

Cantilever What Now?

For engineering nerds or anyone who likes big words, the Foresthill Bridge is an example of cantilever construction. This means it was built with sections that extend out horizontally and are supported only on one end until they meet in the middle. It’s like two people leaning out over a ledge and shaking hands—except replace people with steel beams and add some serious math.

Why You Should Care About Its Height

At 730 feet above ground, this bridge isn’t just tall—it’s vertigo-inducing tall. To put that into perspective, it’s taller than the Washington Monument and the Statue of Liberty (if Lady Liberty had her arm down). Standing on it feels like being on top of the world—or at least on top of Auburn. And if you’re brave enough to look down, you’ll see why this spot is so popular with photographers and Instagrammers alike.

Getting There Without Getting Lost

If you’re coming from Loomis, California, hop onto I-80 East toward Auburn and take the Foresthill Road exit. From there, it’s just a short drive to one of California’s most iconic landmarks. Parking is available near both ends of the bridge, so you won’t have to hike far to soak up those views.

Fun Fact: It Was Once World-Class

When it was completed in 1973, Foresthill Bridge was the second-highest bridge in the world. While other bridges have since surpassed it globally, it still reigns supreme as California’s tallest and remains an engineering marvel worth seeing up close.

Next time you’re near Auburn, take a detour to the Foresthill Bridge—you’ll leave with stories (and photos) worth sharing.

Sources: goldcountrymedia.com, visitplacer.com
Header Image Source: Joel Durkee on Unsplash