Pining in Pinnacles and Big Sur Break Ups
Meet: Hecuba Statue, Friday 2/14 3:00 pm
Return: Monday, 7:00 pm
Member: $147 Non member: $192
Participant Drivers (2): $68
Participant drivers will also have all gas reimbursed!
Activity: Backpacking, hiking, exploring caves, birdwatching, sightseeing
Difficulty: 6/10 Medium Distance: 10+ miles / 16+ km (spread over all days) Elevation (ft): 4200ft (spread over all days)
Recommended Prior Experience: Hiking, some backpacking preferred but not necessary!
Location of Trip: Pinnacles National Park, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
Native Land: Chalon and Esselen
Pining for unrequited love on Valentine’s Day? Breaking up to avoid buying gifts? We’ve all been there! Join us for an unforgettable trip to both Pinnacles National Park and Big Sur instead! Get ready to soar with the condors, explore caves, and hike the stunning Central California coast on this 4-day adventure packed with breathtaking views, coastal sunsets, and star-filled nights.
We’ll kick things off Friday around 2 PM, meeting at Hecuba in the USC Village. After loading up, we’ll hit the road and drive to a campsite near Pinnacles National Park, where we’ll settle in for the night with the chocolates and flowers we didn’t buy for our significant others. On Saturday morning, we’ll dive into Pinnacles’ jaw-dropping rock formations, sights of the critically endangered California Condor, and the thrill of exploring Balconies Cave—headlamps at the ready.
By Saturday evening, we’ll drive north towards Big Sur where we’ll set camp in anticipation of the epic coastline expecting us the next day. Sunday will be all about Big Sur’s natural wonders: sink your toes into purple sand beaches, snap pictures of the iconic coastline that will make your ex jealous, and backpack up Timber Top Trail for an overlook of the Pacific Ocean that will leave you speechless. That night, we’ll camp at the summit and watch an open expanse of water and prominent cliffs.
Monday morning, we’ll soak up a little more of California’s magic, exploring hidden gems in Point Lobos and Carmel-by-the-Sea. Then, we’ll head back to USC, having replaced our lost loves with new friends, incredible stories, and a weekend’s worth of memories that feel too SURreal (get it) to be real.
Contact the Guides:
Diego Salazar-Ortiz diegos@usc.edu
Anders Johnson anderspj@usc.edu
Jake Futterman jfutterm@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 4L+ of water
Backpacking pack (50L+) (can borrow from SCO)
Sleeping bag (can borrow from SCO)
Sleeping pad (can borrow from SCO)
Warm clothes for night/to sleep in (low of 30° F)
Headlamp (required for cave in Pinnacles)
Comfortable hiking shoes (comfort is the most important thing, hiking boots are great but running shoes will work too)
Comfortable hiking clothes
Socks
Underwear
Bug spray
Sunscreen
Hat, sunglasses, etc
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!!