Getting wet and going in crevices
Meet: USC Village Fountain 9:00 am Saturday (9/20)
Return: 4:00 PM Sunday (9/21)
Member: $68 Non member: $89
Participant Driver (1): $52
Participant drivers will also have all gas reimbursed!
Activity: swimming, hiking, car camping, and dipping into pools
Difficulty: 7/10 Medium/Hard Distance: 10.5 miles / 17 km Elevation: 1550 ft / 473 m
Recommended Prior Experience: hiking experience required and MUST KNOW HOW TO SWIM
Location of Trip: Gaviota State Park and Los Padres National Forest
Native Land: Chumash, Barbareño Chumash, and Ventureño Chumash
Do you like getting wet and going in small holes? Join us for an epic adventure that combines both of these things! From wind caves to punchbowls, this trip has it all. We will explore the Gaviota wind caves on day one and hike to the Santa Paula Punchbowls on day two, camping overnight in Ventura county.
We will leave the USC Village at 9:00 am on Saturday, September 20th and head north to Gaviota State Park, where we will spend the afternoon picnicking and exploring the famed wind caves. After getting deep into those crevices, we will head to our campsite at Foster Red Mountain Park, where we’ll enjoy a decadent meal and camp beneath the trees. The following morning, we’ll head to Los Padres National Forest, where we will trek to the Santa Paula Punchbowls. Expect frequent river crossings and rocky terrain. We will get wet and wild in the punchbowls, rewarding ourselves with an excellent swim and a picnic. After that, we will drive back to USC in time for everyone to enjoy their Sunday evening.
Contact the Guides:
Delaney Carroll drcarrol@usc.edu
Aimee Poole aspoole@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!
Swimsuit
Sunscreen
Hat/sun protection
Water (3L)
Towel
Mess kit (tupperware and utensil works)
Layers for nighttime
Supportive, waterproof shoes
Toiletries
Medications (if applicable)
Good vibes
Sleeping pad
Sleeping bag
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!!
This program is open to all eligible individuals. SC Outfitters operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.
Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to attend this event may contact the guides listed above on the trip page. We request that individuals requiring accommodations or auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify us at least 7 days prior to the event. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.