Big Wild FAQ

Where does my trip start?

Big Wild begins in the little ski hamlet of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. You'll meet your leaders and other Moondancers at the airport before embarking on either your backpacking or climbing section!

What happens in a typical day?

That depends on whether you are backpacking, climbing, or rafting, but you can expect to laugh, see a beautiful part of the country, and learn a couple of things about each activity. Each morning, one cook group will prepare a feast for everyone to enjoy and then your group will start a day of climbing, or pack packs and start hiking to the next destination! After a morning and afternoon of telling stories, learning how to belay, or summitting a peak in the area, your group will pick a great campsite, and, after setting up camp for the evening, enjoy a warm meal and a hot drink. Each night ends with 'moonup;' a chance to debrief the day, talk about upcoming adventures and challenges, and just hang out.

Where is the Wind River Range?

The Wind River Range is found deep in the heart of west central Wyoming and boasts some of the most spectacular views found within the Rocky Mountains. Excellent granite walls for rock climbing combined with sweeping valleys and subalpine forests make the Winds an ideal location for every adventurer.

What if I've never been rafting before?

No experience required! You and your friends will learn basic paddling strokes together from professional rafting guides as you navigate the mighty Salmon River. To ensure the safest possible experience, everyone is required to wear a Personal Flotation Device--a PFD--at all times while on the water.

Do I need any special gear for climbing in the Tetons? 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!

Do I need to break in my boots for backpacking?

Absolutely. The most common medical injury we face in the backcountry is blisters. Though that may not seem like a big deal, blisters can turn a 6 mile hike into a nightmare if not properly attended. The best way to avoid blisters is to buy boots that fit you properly and to wear them often to break them in. Leather boots can take 1-2 months to break in so start early! Once your trip starts, your leaders will show you how to care for your feet to avoid any unwanted blisters!

How many miles do we backpack in a given day?

Itineraries while in the backcountry can change often since poor weather is possible at any given time. Therefore, your instructors may decide that it is safer to set up camp early rather than continue hiking. Your group will begin to read weather patterns and will start to make these kinds of decisions too, with your instructor's help. Your group may also decide to stop early in order to take advantage of the great fishing in the Winds! In any case, this may mean that some days you only hike a couple of miles, while on other days the weather is perfect, your group feels strong, and you knock out 7-8 miles.

Is there anytime for fishing?

Yes! Often you'll camp near clear, trout-filled streams so bring your rod if you have one! Those who are 16 and older should make sure they purchase a fishing license before casting! Licenses can be purchased in the beginning of your trip.

What else do we do on our backpacking section?

You'll be hiking in the homes of mountain goats and sheep, deer, moose, and the occasional bear, so keep your eyes pealed! You'll hone your route-finding skills as you navigate through forests and mountain valleys and perfect your backcountry culinary skills at breakfast and dinner. There will be plenty of streams for fishing along the way and peaks beckoning to be summitted. Most of all, you'll laugh harder than you have in a long time, the art of packing a backpack will be second nature, and the simplicity of life while carrying your home on your back will never be forgotten.

What's the weather like in the places we'll travel?

Weather can change dramatically in the Wind River Range. On most days, you'll have a bright blue sky, mountain breezes, and star-filled nights. When you are at higher elevation, the nights will be cool and a fleece hat is good to have nearby. During the days at higher elevation, don't be surprised if you get snow--it's happened before! Your gear list will have everything necessary to stay warm and dry while on Moondance.

Do we ever go into a town?

You begin your trip in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and during your prep days, you'll be in or near a town so you can stock up on fresh vegetables, take a shower, and possibly do laundry if there is an opportunity. Every Moondance trip ends with a final banquet at a local restaurant. For the Big Wild, you'll be able to taste what Jackson Hole has to offer!

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, how to find your way using topographical maps and a compass, or how to belay your 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 and a heavy pack, or strangers that become family at the end of 18 days. The self-confidence that you can gain by exploring the unknown will provide a constant foundation for your life adventures down the road.