‘Suicide Bridge’ Is One Of The Most Haunted Places In Southern California
A 'Colorado' bridge is regarded by many to be one of the most notorious haunted locations in the state of California. As early as 1932 it came to be known as The Suicide Bridge.
Many websites, particularly Only In Your State, regard the Colorado Street Bridge as one of the most well-known haunted locations in all of California.
Why Is There a 'Colorado' Bridge In California?
Construction began on a magnificent bridge over the Arroyo Seco River in Pasadena, California in July 1912. According to Only In Your State, for many years the Colorado Street Bridge "... was a point of pride for Southern California residents."
Wikipedia states the bridge carries Colorado Boulevard (previously called "Colorado Street"), the major east–west thoroughfare connecting Pasadena with Eagle Rock and Glendale to the west, and with Monrovia to the east.
Tragedy From The Very Beginning
According to Legends of America, the first tragic death at the Colorado Street Bridge occurred before its construction was complete. The site states a bridge worker fell from the side and fell into the vat of wet concrete. Legends of America adds his body was not recovered from the concrete.
Construction on the Colorado Street Bridge ended in 1913. A few years later in 1919, the bridge's reputation took a turn for the worse when a person fell to their death from the top of the 150-foot tall bridge.
Deaths During The Great Depression
Only In Your State reports the Colorado Street Bridge has been the site of 150 suicides. Roughly 50 of those deaths occurred during the Great Depression.
Why So Many Tragedies At This Location?
Only In Your States shares, "Some say that the restless spirit of a deceased contractor beckons distressed visitors to take the plunge, though that's likely just a rumor."
Sightings At The Colorado Street Bridge
Legends Of America reports several spirits have been known to wander the bridge and the Arroyo Seco River below. Some have heard cries emanating from the canyon. Some have reported sightings of a spectral man wearing wire-rimmed glasses walking the bridge. Others have reported a woman in a long robe standing atop one of the parapets.
Why Does It Look Familiar?
If this bridge looks familiar, it should. You've seen the Colorado Street Bridge in the Charlie Chaplain movie "The Kid" (at the 12-minute mark a woman is seen at the east end of the bridge pining away for her son).
It was featured in the eighth season episode of Full House entitled "Leap of Faith." It was also featured on Fear Factor. Contestants had to hang from a trapeze bar hoisted over the edge of the bridge for as long as they could."
Visiting The Colorado Street Bridge in California
If you would like to visit the Colorado Street Bridge, the website California Through My Lens recommends you park at the cul-de-sac at the corner of Green Street and Grand Avenue. You can follow the concrete path taking you over the bridge. A small pedestrian path can be found on both sides of the bridge.