wAKE UP ITS THE FIRST OF THE MONTH

Meet: Trader Joe’s in the village at 8AM Saturday, February 1st

Return: 6pm ish

Member: $15 Non member: $20

Participant Driver (2): $6

Participant drivers will also have all gas reimbursed!

Activity: hiking, snacking, cold plunging, starting off the month right

Difficulty: 6/10 Medium/Hard Distance: 8-10 miles / 14.5km Elevation : 1000ft/330m

Recommended Prior Experience: some hiking experience could be good, but none required

Location of Trip: Crystal Cove State Park (Laguna Beach)

Native Land: Tongva and Acjacheme

Take a break from classes and stress with an unforgettable day hike at Crystal Cove State Park, right off the gorgeous coastline of Laguna Beach. This hike offers the perfect combo of breathtaking views, lush greenery, and fresh ocean air, making it the ultimate college getaway.

Wander through coastal sage scrub, rolling hills, and towering ridges with panoramic Pacific Ocean views that will seriously upgrade your Insta feed. Whether you're a hiking pro or just looking for an easy way to escape the dorms, Crystal Cove has trails for every vibe. We will shoot to have a 10 mile hike, but can add or subtract distance based on timing and group vibes!

Along the way, check out hidden canyons and scenic overlooks, take in the wildflowers, coastal chaparral, and soothing sounds of nature, and enjoy a much-needed reset from the daily grind.

We will end the day by hopping in the Pacific ocean for a cold plunge! It’s a great way to end a long day of hiking and keep the good vibes going before heading back to campus.

Contact the Guides:

Wila - wmannell@usc.edu

Kylie - kmclane@usc.edu

What to Bring:

*REMINDER (overnights only) : if you do not have a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpacking pack, or other technical gear (non-clothing), do not panic, SC Outfitters has these items for you! Your guides will send out a gear-request form the week of your trip where you’ll let them know what gear you need!

• hiking shoes (boots or really good sneakers with trend, do not come in Converse)

• lots and lots of water

• any necessary medications

• a towel/swimwear for cold plunge

• hat/sunglasses/sunscreen

• layers in case you get hot or cold on the hike

• mess kit with utensils and bowl to eat with

Price of the trip includes (and we will provide):

• Snacks

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided when a trip occurs during meal-times

• Any technical gear required (ie. kayaks, snowshoes, snorkels, backpacking packs, sleeping bags, fishing rods, etc.)

• All group / shared gear (tents, stoves, bear cans, first aid kit, etc.)

• Any permits or campsite reservations needed

• Cost of gas reimbursed for participant drivers

• Amazing guides who love the outdoors and do this for free!
  

Please Review Our Cancellation and Refund Policy:

All SC Outfitters trips have a no-refund policy unless a substitute participant can be found. In the event your trip requires added reporting measures of participants (plane tickets, external providers, rental services, etc.) dropping the trip close to the date of the trip will not allow for the spot to be re-filled. See the details on trip pages for specific deadlines and reference our complete cancellation/refund policy here.

TRIP DIFFICULTY RATING SYSTEM

• Difficulty rating for trips

  • 1: No physical activity.

  • 2: Leisurely walk.

  • 3: 2-5 miles less than 1000 ft of total elevation gain on well maintained trails. About 2-3 hours continuous activity

  • 4: 4-6 miles, about 1000 ft of elevation gain, well maintained trails. About 3 hours of continuous activity.

  • 5: 6-8 miles, about 1500ft of elevation gain on maintained trials. 4-5 hours continuous activity

  • 6: 8-10 miles, about 2000 ft of elevation gain, well maintained trails. 4-6 hours of continuous activity.

  • 7: 10-14 miles, over 2500 ft of elevation gain, variable trail conditions possible. Full day of continuous activity.

  • 8: At high altitude. 12-16 total miles, over 3000 ft of elevation gain, variable trail conditions possible. Full day of continuous activity.

  • 9: Technical skills may be necessary. At high altitude with physical elevation gain. Scrambling over rocks likely involved.

  • 10: u gunna die

**If you have any questions or concerns about the physical activity, recommended prior experience, or gear needed on any kind of trip please contact the guides as soon as possible!!