Zero bars, infinite stars at Manzana Creek
Meet: Hecuba Statue in the Village, 7:00 AM 3/1
Return: 6:00 PM 3/2
Member: $62 Non member: $81
Participant Driver (1): $38
Participant drivers will also have all gas reimbursed!
Activity: Backpacking
Difficulty: (6/10) Medium Distance (miles): 14 total, 7 each day (kilometers): 22 km total, 11 km per day Elevation (ft): 2000
Recommended Prior Experience: Hiking experience required, backpacking recommended but not required
Location of Trip: Los Padres National Forest
Native Land: Chumash
Pre-Trip Meeting: Friday, February 28th at 6:30 PM, location will be sent out
Your weekend plans just got an upgrade. Forget overpriced lattes and endless doom-scrolling — we’re diving headfirst into the wild for a two-day backpacking adventure in Los Padres National Forest!
Picture this: winding trails, crystal-clear creek crossings, oak-covered canyons, and zero cell service to remind you of that message you “forgot” to answer. After an early morning start to get there, we’re kicking things off at the picturesque Nira Campground. We’ll be trekking 7 glorious miles along Manzana Creek, conquering just enough elevation to make us feel like champions, and setting up camp at Manzana Narrows in the later afternoon: a secluded slice of heaven where we’ll swap stories, feast on whatever your guides say is gourmet trail food, and sleep under a million-star hotel. Then, after waking up to actual nature sounds (or a gentle wake-up call from your guides), it’s time to get some more calories in, before we pack our things and strut back like the wilderness heroes we are. Back at USC Village around 6pm we’ll be like: “can’t believe we’re back already, that was amaaaazing”.
Not a lot of backpacking experience? No problem. Just bring your best attitude, a sense of adventure, and a good bunch of warm clothes for cool nights. Side effects of this trip may include: sore legs, a sudden addiction to fresh air, and an overwhelming desire to do it all over again. So… you coming?
Contact the Guides:
Caroline Dworken: dworken@usc.edu
Anders Johnson: anderspj@usc.edu
Vincent Ensslin: ensslin@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!
Capacity for 2L+ of water
Backpacking pack (50L+) (can borrow from SCO)
Sleeping bag (can borrow from SCO)
Sleeping pad (can borrow from SCO)
Extra warm clothes for night/to sleep in (low of 30° F)
RAIN JACKET
Headlamp/flashlight
Comfortable hiking shoes (comfort is the most important thing, hiking boots are great but running shoes will work too)
Comfortable hiking clothes, ideally synthetic / quick-dry
Socks to wear + extra dry socks
Underwear
Sunscreen
Hat, sunglasses, etc
Swim trunks and towel (swimming optional / dependent on how deep it is)
Mess kit (this just means a plate/bowl/tupperware and fork/spoon)
Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant etc)
Medication
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!!