Sign ups are first come first serve! Links will open at 9PM sharp on Sunday.
Venture into the vast and beautiful Los Padres for a night under the stars. Joined by Astronomy professor, Kris Pardo, and two young, fresh-faced trip leads, experience the lesser travelled, but wildly underrated Sespe Wilderness. With only 700 feet of elevation gain over an 8.8 miles out and back trail, this calm overnighter will provide a fun, backpacking experience without a super treacherous trail. Join for chances to meander through lush forests, rock scramble over ancient rock formations, take a cold plunge in Bear Creek, or a warm dip in the hot springs. With all the adventuring we’ll be doing, you won’t even notice that we were only in the wilderness for one night!
PACKING LIST:
Good shoes that can get wet
Mess kit (plate/bowl/utensils)
Layers for 75º days and 52º nights
Swimsuit/towel (if you would like to swim)
Toiletries
Sleeping bag/pad if you have one
Sunscreen/hat
Snack for hike on Saturday (eat lunch before)
H2O
WAIVERS
WE WILL PROVIDE:
Dinner (Saturday)
Breakfast (Sunday)
Lunch (Sunday)
Gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, etc.)
PROFESSOR: Kris Pardo
DEPARTMENT: Physics and Astronomy
Meet Kris Pardo, our cosmic explorer! With a PhD in Astrophysical Sciences from Princeton University, Kris now roams the halls of USC, researching gravitational waves and dark matter. When he's not busy unraveling the mysteries of the universe, you can catch him on a hiking trail, admiring the natural wonders of our own planet. Come join Kris and for an exciting trek through the great outdoors (on earth)!
PEAK: Piedra Blanca to Bear Creek
DIFFICULTY: 3/5
SCENERY: famous white rock formations, meandering creek, surrounding valleys and mountains of los padres, lush forested areas, and dry, chaparral sections
FUN FACT: You might get the chance to take a dip in some hot springs!
TRIP LEADS: Owen Ninneman and Nitya Sharma
Join freshman leads Owen and Nitya on their first peaks trip! equipped with knowledge, experience, and a whole lotta fun, this trip is bound to be epic!
Contact NAME: nasharma@usc.edu ninneman@usc.edu