Where does my trip start?
Your Cataract Canyon course begins in Salt Lake City, Utah. You will meet the rest of your group along with your Moondance leaders at the Salt Lake City International Airport baggage claim before heading to your first destination!
What happens in a typical day?
There really are no typical days on a Moondance adventure! You will be whitewater rafting, canyoneering deep in the slot canyons of Moab or rappelling down the face of ancient red rock in the Moab Desert. Some days you may have the chance to relax by the river after a long day on the rapid or toss a Frisbee by your campsite. Either way, each day will be filled with a new adventurous activity. After a day of rafting, learning how to belay, or doing a day hike in the area, your group will find a beautiful site to set up camp for the evening and enjoy a warm meal with a hot drink. No matter what adventure you choose, each night ends with ‘moonup;’ a chance to debrief the day, talk about upcoming adventures and challenges, and just hang out.
Where is Cataract Canyon?
Cataract Canyon is located along 46 miles of the Colorado River in Utah. The canyon is located within Canyonlands National Park and the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and is world-renowned for its exciting Class III and IV rapids. From your raft, you’ll be able to scout condors flying overhead and Big Horn Sheep navigating their way across the steep and rocky canyon terrain that is when you’re not getting some serious air on the Colorado Rivers big water!
Do I need any special gear for rock climbing? What about experience?
There is no extra gear required for any climbing section on Moondance. It’s great if you have your own climbing shoes–bring them!–but our professional guides will supply us with everything we need including ropes, harnesses, shoes when necessary, and helmets. Absolutely no experience is required to have fun on the rock. Once you try it, you’ll realize that the learning curve is high!
What do I need to bring for the canyoneering section?
Besides a sturdy pair of tennis shoes, a smile and a positive attitude nothing! Our outfitters will provide all the technical gear we need for a fun day on the rocks including helmets, ropes and harnesses should we need them for our exploration. Of course, we’ll be sure to bring water, food and rain gear as any good adventurer would for a day of canyoneering!
What exactly is rappelling?
Rappelling is one of the most thrilling activities we offer on our Moondance adventures. Rappelling allows you to descend from the face of a rock as quickly or as slowly as you please. By trusting your hands, your legs, your harness, your rope and your climbing hardware, you will easily and leisurely be able to view Southwest Utah in a whole different way, taking in the unique scenery from above as you descend at your own pace.
What will our meals be like?
During your Cataract Canyon experience, like all Multisport adventures, you will eat family style with your group, with a rotating cook crew preparing meals each day. While rafting, we will assist our outfitters in meal preparation, using their cooking apparatus to prepare our breakfasts and dinners and perhaps enjoying a delicious treat or mug of hot chocolate at the end of a long day. And don’t worry if you’ve never cooked before – on Moondance you’ll learn enough that you might even prepare a meal for your parents once you’ve returned!
What’s the weather like in Utah?
As with any higher elevation environment, weather can change dramatically throughout the day, and as you gain elevation on your canyoneering and climbing sections, you will be able to feel the change in temperature in the evenings. You can expect to encounter temperatures between 80-95°F during the day and temperatures around 60°F at night. In addition to temperature changes, it is also quite common for storms to roll in during the afternoon. These storms tend to be brief, but nonetheless, don’t forget your rain jacket! Utah’s air is generally dry, but be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen — days will be warm, and with altitude, the sun has a stronger effect on us.
Will we ever go into a town?
Yes! Moab is a great town to host adventurers like ourselves. A haven for bikers, hikers, climbers and trail runners, Moab is one of the Southwest’s most exciting and entertaining cities. We may have an opportunity to check out the local gear shop or enjoy a picnic in the park during one of our rest days!
What will I learn by the end of my trip?
By the end of your Moondance experience, you may learn how to cook a great meal, or how to belay a new friend who is climbing above you. Most of all, you’ll learn that life’s lessons are often camouflaged as a brilliant rainbow that follows a storm, a challenging mountain, or strangers that become family at the end of 13 days. The self-confidence that one gains by exploring the unknown provides a constant foundation for life’s adventures down the road.
