Dilly Dally in Little Lakes Valley

Meet: Friday, September 18th, 9 a.m., at Trader Joe’s in the Village

Return: Sunday, September 20th, 7:30 p.m.

Member: $106 Non member: $138

Participant Driver (1): $45

Participant drivers will also have all gas reimbursed!

Activity: hiking, camping, swimming, sightseeing

Difficulty: (5/10) Medium Distance: 7.3 miles / 11.8 km Elevation: 1,100 ft / 335 m

Recommended Prior Experience: some hiking recommended

Location of Trip: Little Lakes Valley, Mammoth Lakes, Crowley Lake Columns, June Lake

Native Land: Northern Paiute

Join us for a trip up one of California’s most scenic highways, Highway 395! We will meet up at Trader Joe’s on Friday, September 18th, at 9 a.m. then embark on the 5.5 hour drive that awaits us. We will be exploring the Eastern Sierras, taking in amazing views at Little Lakes Valley (and perhaps a dip in the alpine lakes that await us at the top?). We will also take a short hike to explore the ancient Crowley Lake columns, naturally-formed towering stone pillars, created by a massive volcanic explosion thousands of years ago. Along Highway 395, we will catch glimpses of (and perhaps photo stops) of the mighty Owens River! Sunday we will explore quaint mountain towns such as Mammoth Lakes, known for its iconic Mammoth Village, where we can explore local cafes and shops, and June Lake, whose stunning turquoise alpine waters will have you awe-struck. We will then make our long trek back to USC (by car! not foot, unless you’re feeling so inclined), arriving in time for sunset and a restful slumber before conquering Monday’s classes.

Contact the Guides:

Damian Sanchez - damiansa@usc.edu

Lilly Wang - lillyw@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!

• Sleeping bag

• Sleeping pad

• Mess kit (utensils and bowl/plate/tupperware)

• 3+ liters of water

• Hat/sunscreen/sunglasses

• Comfortable hiking shoes

• Comfortable hiking clothes

• Toiletries/medications

• Headlamp/flashlight

• Warm clothes for night/sleeping

• Swimsuit/towel

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.