Monster mania
Meet: USC Village Elevators at 11AM Friday, September 20th
Return: Sunday September 22nd at 5PM
Member: $87 Non member: $109
Participant Driver (1): $46
Participant drivers will also have all gas reimbursed!
Activity: Backpacking, hot springs, lake hopping, polar plunging, Loch Ness monster hunting
Difficulty: (6/10) Distance (mi): 5 Elevation (ft): 1410
Recommended Prior Experience: Previous camping experience recommended, but no backpacking experience required
Location of Trip: Hilton Lakes & Bishop
Native Land: Eastern Mono/Numu
Pre-Trip Meeting: 6:30PM Tuesday, September 17th@ Shack (2647 Orchard Ave)
Join monster hunters Sidney and Ryan as we search for the Loch Ness monster on a thrilling backpacking adventure to Loch Leven! On Friday, we begin our quest with a rejuvenating stop at Keough Hot Spring. Afterwards, we’ll set up camp, and see if we can lure the monster out of hiding with a campfire and smores. On Saturday, we embark on a 2.5-mile hike to Loch Leven, the creature's last known location (he enjoys alpine environments). We’ll check our tools and set up camp lakefront, spending the afternoon monster hunting (swimming in an alpine lake). After our successful hunt, you’ll enjoy a true monster hunter’s dinner (mac & cheese) before retiring to your quarters. The next morning with bellies full and heads held high we’ll hike the remaining 2.5 miles out and return to civilization with many new stories to tell.
Contact the Guides:
Sidney Kalin: skalin@usc.edu
Ryan Long: ryanwlon@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!
2 1 Liter water bottles
Warm/puffer jacket
Warm pants
Beanie/gloves
2 pairs of socks
2 underwears
Long sleeve
Short sleeve
Shorts
Swimsuit
Towel
Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Personal medications
Headlamp
Raincoat
Sturdy shoes (Trail runners or hiking boots highly recommended)
Mess kit (plate or bowl and utensils)
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!!