Join Professor Kristen Zaleski on one of her 6 peaks challenges as she trains to take on Machu Picchu this spring! Our 7.5 mile hike through the grand Strawberry Peak, just 10 miles from Pasadena, will feature the mountain faces of Mt. Wilson, Josephine Peak, and Mt. Lawlor. Starting from the Red Box Picnic Area, we will embark on a mountain of 6,164 ft tall and an elevation change of 1,510 ft, so be ready for a workout and some amazing views!
PROFESSOR: Kristen Zaleski
DEPARTMENT: Social Work
RATE MY PROFESSOR: "Take her! Although you might be disappointed by the remaining professors throughout your msw career because shes that good.”
Kristen Zaleski is a professor in the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work and is the Director of Forensic Mental Health at the Keck Human Rights Clinic. She is a therapist in the community and her research focuses on sexual violence and human rights. Her hiking adventures include regular trips to Zion and the Grand Canyon, she backpacked to Havasupai in 2019, and she will hike the Trans-Catalina Trail and the Saltanay trail to Machu Picchu this Spring!
PEAK: Strawberry Peak
DIFFICULTY: 4/5
SCENERY: Rolling hills, shaded canyons, open rock faces - oh my!
FUN FACT: Highest summit in the front range of the San Gabriel Mountains and yes! it is called Strawberry Peak because mountaineers thought it looked like an upside down strawberry.
TRIP LEAD: Emily
Emily is a sophomore studying French/Law History and Culture.
Unpopular opinion: Ewan McGregor’s best role was Moulin Rouge
Contact Emily: eaj@usc.edu
Read Emily’s Bio here.
ADDRESS: Forest Rte 2N24, Palmdale, CA 93550