why you always lionnn
Meet: 6:00am @ USC Village fountain, Sat 3/29
Return: Before 7pm Sun 3/30
Member: $77 Non member: $101
Activity: backpacking, camping
Difficulty: (8/10) Hard Distance: 12.4 mi / 20 kmElevation: 3850 ft / 1173 m
Recommended Prior Experience: prior experience backpacking, there is a lot of elevation gain :)
Location of Trip: Big Sur / Silver Peak Wilderness
Native Land: Salinan
Pre-Trip Meeting: 3/27 7pm @ 2647 Orchard Ave
Join Alex and Martin for a wondrous weekend getaway near Big Sur, where lions graze and salmon fall from the sky. We will embark early Saturday morning northwards to Big Sur, and grab a hearty American brunch (McDonald’s) (not included in trip cost) on the drive before our hike to fuel up. Then, we will begin our ascent on Salmon Creek trail to Lions Den. Salmon fall from the sky here, so don’t be alarmed. We will see colorful wildflowers and waterfalls on the way up, a sight beknownst only by those brave enough to face the Lions.
After we traverse the steep hills, we will have to fight the Lions one-on-one to claim our campground. Assuming we are victorious, we will set up camp, where Alex and Martin will craft an authentic Italian two-course dinner and a sweet treat for dessert. The reward of a thing well done is having done it.
In the morning, we will awake as the sun rises, aligning with our instinctual sleep rhythms. We will warm ourselves up with a unique and intriguing hot breakfast — stay tuned for more details. Hot beverages will also be provided, and we will ensure our thirsts are quenched before descending. As we make our way back down, we have one last chance to gaze upon the ocean, waterfalls full of salmon, conquered lions, and potentially a banana slug or two. We will be back on the road in the afternoon and aim to get back to USC before 7pm on Sunday.
Contact the Guides:
Alex Tang: atang460@usc.edu
Martin Petersen: martinjp@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)
Mess kit
Warm clothes for night/to sleep in (low of 40° F) (this is cold)
Headlamp/flashlight
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 (do you like insect bites? I don’t..)
Sunscreen
Hat, sunglasses, etc
Swim trunks and towel (swimming optional, it’s gonna be so cold)
Mess kit (this just means a plate/bowl/tupperware and fork/spoon)
Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant etc)
Medication
Mess kit (Unironically one of the most important items. Please bring one.)
Price of the trip includes (and we will provide):
Snacks
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided when a trip occurs during meal-times (McDonald’s not included)
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!!