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Sequoia w/ Elisa Warford {Engineering in Society}


  • Sequoia National Park CA, 93262 United States (map)

IMPORTANT UPDATE: In Fall 2023, all non-driver trip participant spots will be selected at random due to high demand. Links will accept sign-ups from 9PM-12AM the night of release.

Signups will go live Sunday after wave release. Before that, the buttons above will redirect you to the homepage.

Looking for a tree-mendous way to spend your Halloween weekend? Then join us for an “in-tents” backpacking trip along the gorgeous Lakes Trail in Sequoia national park. We’ll hike ~6 miles in to our campsite by pear lake where we’ll spend the night before exploring around the alpine lakes, babbling brooks, giant sequoias, and rocky Sierra Terrain. We’ll spend another night at our lakeside campsite and head back Sunday morning, stopping to check out General Sherman and any other park highlights.

As this is a backpacking trip and we will need to carry all of our gear with us, having some hiking and camping experience is highly recommended.

PACKING LIST:

  • Lots o’ layers and a hat — nighttime temps are predicted to drop into the 30s so be prepared for chilly times

  • Solid hiking shoes

  • A sleeping bag (rated to 32ºF or lower)/ pad if you have one

  • Backpacking pack that can fit all of your things (including camping gear) and is comfortable carrying for 12+ miles.

  • Flashlight/headlamp

  • H2O — 2-3 full liters per person! hydration is cool

  • Mess kit (plate/bowl/utensils)

  • Toothbrush & general life items

  • IMPORTANT: This is a backpacking trip so we will be carrying in ALL of the things we need for camping. Because of this, make sure to pack light and just bring things that you definitely need. You will be able to leave things in the car but try your best to just bring the essentials.

WE WILL PROVIDE:

  • Sleeping bags / pads if you don’t have one already!

  • Backpacking packs if you don’t have one

  • Tents

  • Food (but feel free to bring your own snacks! )



PROFESSOR: Elisa Warford

DEPARTMENT: Engineering in Society

Professor Warford teaches courses in the ethics of science and technology and written and oral engineering communication. Her teaching and research interests include engineering ethics and the rhetoric of science and engineering. Not only is she an amazing professor, she is also an avid hiker and backpacker herself! She’s gone on lots of amazing trips that I’m sure she'd be happy to talk about!



PEAK: Sequoia Lakes Trail

DIFFICULTY: 5/5

SCENERY: Giant trees, glassy alpine lakes and

Fun Fact: The General Sherman Tree is estimated to be around 2,200 years old and stands approximately 275 feet (83.8 meters) tall.


TRIP LEAD: Kelly

Contact Kelly: kellyf@usc.edu

Read Kelly’s bio here.