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Have you ever gone on a hike and thought to yourself, "Man, how on Earth do people maintain this trail?" If not, this trip will undoubtedly have you asking that question. Join Peaks and Dr. Bailey as we brave the 4,274 ft. incline that leads to the crest of the tallest peak in the San Gabriel mountains! You will get to hike, listen to Dr. Bailey's amazing life stories, spot wildlife, potentially chill at the lodge, and make wonderful friends as you conquer the first of the Three Saints. It will be a fantastic challenge to mark your fall semester, whether you have gone before or not. We hope to see you there!
The safety of our hikers is paramount; therefore, our chosen route will not include the Devil's Backbone. Of course we will still summit, and you can catch a great view of that treacherous path from your vantage point. Maybe next time, but not while your name is on a Peaks waiver!
PACKING LIST:
Solid Hiking Shoes/Boots
Poles recommended for descent, but not required
Hiking backpack
H2O - 3-4L minimum.
This is a very difficult hike with no reliable source of potable water (besides the Lodge/Restaurant) and very little shade
Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
A hearty lunch meal, snacks, and a trash bag—make sure you eat breakfast!!!
WAIVERS
WE WILL PROVIDE:
Good vibes and ample hiking wisdom
PROFESSOR: JUSTIN BAILEY
DEPARTMENT: Astronautical Bailey
Dr. Justin Bailey is a Professor in Astronautical Engineering (ASTE) at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. The “Exosphere Expert” is a proud Trojan, having earned his ASTE PhD here in 2012 under Dr. Mike Gruntman. He has worked full time at Boeing, Northrop, and SpaceX, and now serves as the Director of the Space Systems Division at Space Environment Technologies in Compton. He teaches a course called “Space Environment Interactions.” In his spare time, Dr. Bailey loves to snowboard, surf (both in one day, if he can), skate, hike, run, and snag victory royales in Fortnite with his beloved children.
Fun fact: He has done Mount Baldy 8 times! Also, his name is a cheat code for the 1986 NES video game, Metroid.
PEAK: MOUNT BALDY
DIFFICULTY: 5/5
SCENERY: At the top of the 10,064-foot summit—sandwiched in the middle of this 14-mile trail loop—you get panoramic views that stretch from the Channel Islands to the southern tip of the Sierra Nevada Mountains!
FUN FACT: During the Prohibition Era, the base around this mountain was the hot spot for wealthy Angelenos to escape to, featuring establishments like a swimming pool, a dance hall, and even an illegal casino.
NO SO FUN FACT: You are not allowed to recreate Prohibition Era activities during a Peaks and Professors hike.
TRIP LEAD: Russell
Fun fact: Recently learned to surf and is actively training for a marathon… he may be overdoing this hike, but that’s for you to find out!
Contact Russell: raburns@usc.edu
Read Russell’s bio here.