Being from Chicago, most people don’t understand just how FLAT the place is. When I say flat, I mean the closest thing we have for a hill is a man-made hill that trains run under. So many people at SC told me about how hiking is so much fun and that I should really go. At first, I didn’t really get it; it’s just walking right? Well, I still kinda feel that way but it was so much fun to go!
I went on a Saturday morning (yes engineers wake up early 🙂 )to a mining trail called Millard Canyon Falls. It’s in Pasadena so technically not in LA but it was only a 30 min Lyft ride away. Getting there was smooth and once the hike got started, it was a great experience. USC is really in the city, something I couldn’t live without, but sometimes it can be nice to escape. When you’re surrounded by nature, the quiet area is so peaceful and you can hear every little detail. It’s something I’ve never experienced before and just that feeling alone was amazing.
As for actually walking, let’s just say my calfs felt it the next day. The hike was a little over 3 miles (basically a 5K) and it had a decent elevation shift going up and down the mountain so it was a good workout but nothing too intense for a beginner. Going through the path and having to do some climbing up rocks to get over really made it feel like an adventure. At the end of the trail, there was a 30ft tall natural waterfall that looked incredible. I’ve never actually seen a real waterfall before (again, love the midwest but our nature isn’t the greatest) so it was so cool seeing all the natural rock formations, the streams, and the vibes of the environment.
I’d definitely say all the hype was worth it. Sure, at the end of the day it is still just glorified walking, but when you go with a group of friends, the time passes so fast and you can have so much fun exploring nature that’s barely half an hour from campus!
(See all the pictures from the hike!)
