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BIG BOULDERS AND LITTLE BALLS

BIG Boulders and Little Balls

Meet: 9:00am 2/23 @ village elevators

Return: 5:00pm

Member: $13 Non member: $17

Activity: Hiking, admiring rocks

Difficulty: 3/10 Distance: 3.3mi/5.3km Elevation (ft): 472ft

Recommended Prior Experience: none

Location of Trip: Vasquez Rocks Natural Area, Agua Dulce, CA

Native Land: Fernandeño Tataviam

Come explore with Erin and Oliver on BIG BOULDERS AND LITTLE BALLS!!! Who knew we had both of these close to home!!!!

We’ll leave at 9 AM from the USC Village and drive about an hour to Vasquez Rocks, a stunning natural area known for its iconic rock formations and rich history. We’ll be hiking the Vasquez Rocks Trail, a 3.3-mile loop that winds through unique, towering BIG BOULDERS —a landscape so striking it’s been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials. The area is very exposed and sunny, so bring plenty of water and wear sun protection!

After a morning of exploring, we’ll head back to LA with a pit stop at Porto’s Bakery, one of the city’s most beloved food spots. Grab a late lunch and don’t miss their famous LITTLE potato BALLS.

We’ll be back on campus around 5 PM.

NOTE: We’ll provide ample snacks for the hike, but bring money for Porto’s and please eat breakfast beforehand!!!

Contact the Guides:

Erin : coulon@usc.edu

Oliver : osimon@usc.edu

What to Bring:

  • Comfortable hiking clothes

  • Comfortable hiking shoes/boots

  • 2L water

  • Hat

  • Sunscreen

  • Sunglasses

  • Money for Porto’s!

  • Camera (optional, if you’re into that kinda thing)

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!!

Earlier Event: February 22
Pinefully Enlightened at Los Pinetos
Later Event: February 23
MarioKarting in Mugu Meadows