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Crystal Cove Backpacking w/ Dan McCurry {Environmental Engineering}


  • Crystal Cove State Park 8471 North Coast Highway Laguna Beach, CA, 92651 United States (map)

IMPORTANT UPDATE: STARTING 11/5/2023 WE WILL BE REVERTING TO FIRST COME FIRST SERVE. Sign ups will open 9PM on Sundays of Wave release (instead of being open 9PM-12AM)

CHECKLIST FOR TRIP PAGE:

Get excited for some backpacking right here in SoCal! We will be heading down to Crystal Cove State Park in OC for a night in nature with some costal views. After a 3 mile hike to the campground, we will explore the scenery of Crystal Cove, including beach views, rolling hills, and some sick native plants. See y’all out on the trails for this (beginner friendly) trip with Prof. Dan McCurry who can tell you anything you might want to know about water!

Note: No backpacking experience necessary!

PACKING LIST:

  • Sleeping bag (down to 40 degrees)

  • Sleeping pad

  • Backpacking pack

  • Durable hiking shoes

  • Hiking pants/shorts

  • Light shirt for hiking

  • Warm jacket for nighttime

  • Sunglasses/hat/beanie

  • Refillable water bottle

  • Mess kit

WE WILL PROVIDE:

  • Snacks, Friday lunch and dinner, Saturday breakfast!

  • Sleeping bags/pads/backpacking pack if you need them

  • Tents

  • Good vibes



PROFESSOR: Dan McCurry

Dr. McCurry is an Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He completed his Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering with a Chemistry minor at Stanford in 2016. Before enrolling at Stanford, he earned an M.S. in Environmental Engineering from Yale, a B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Cincinnati, and even worked in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Research and Development. Professor McCurry’s research focuses on protecting public health by improving the long-term safety of engineered water sources. He applies the tools of organic and analytical chemistry to water quality challenges, particularly related to chemical and ultraviolet disinfection of wastewater and drinking water. (Click here to learn more about his work!)

Besides the cool research stuff, be sure to ask him about his trip to the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone!


PEAK: Crystal Cove State Park

DIFFICULTY: 2/5

SCENERY: Located off the PCH, Crystal Cove is one of the largest open spaces in Orange County! A true California escape with expansive beach views, rolling hills, sunny days, and cool evenings.

FUN FACT: Crystal Cove used to be home to a sheep ranching operation!


TRIP LEAD: Lauren Anderson

Not related to Ciara (or so it seems…)

Contact Lauren: laurena4@usc.edu (hyperlinked!)

Read Lauren's bio here. (hyperlinked!)


TRIP LEAD: Ciara Anderson

Not related to Lauren (?)

Contact Ciara: ciaraand@usc.edu (hyperlinked!)

Read Ciara’s bio here. (hyperlinked!)