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Where does my trip start?
California’s Lost Coast begins in San Francisco where you will meet your leaders and other Moondancers in the airport before embarking on your beach backpacking 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 you 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 Trinity Alps, 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.
Why is the Lost Coast “lost?”
The Lost Coast stretches 65 miles across Northern California’s coastline. With the Pacific Ocean on its west, and 150 miles of mountain ranges forming its eastern border, this pristine coastline saw few travelers during America’s westward migration. The coastline remained unspoiled and parts are protected as public lands.
How difficult is Mt. Shasta?
First of all, there is no experience necessary to climb Mt. Shasta. Mt. Shasta has one of the most popular and climbed routes in the U.S. It is the perfect mountain for beginning climbers, yet world-class mountaineers still tackle the snow-capped peak every day. You will learn all you need to know about mountaineering such as ice ax self arrest, use of crampons and working and communicating on a rope team during snow school. You will be amazed at how comfortable you feel on the mountain.
What are the Trinity Alps like?
The Trinity Alps encompass three national forests in Northern California. Located just 50 miles Northwest of Redding, the Trinity Alps offer over 833 miles of trails for the adventurer. With granite peaks towering above glaciated valleys, your backpacking adventure will leave you in awe of the beauty around you. Climbing high on a nearby peak will give you expansive views of Mt. Shasta in the distance, and alpine lakes that dot the landscape below.
How many miles do we backpack in a given day?
Itineraries while in the backcountry can change often since welcomed afternoon showers can arrive on any given day. Therefore, your instructors and leaders of the day may decide that it is more convenient 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 some great side trails that lead to a nearby peak. In any case, this may mean that some days you only hike a few miles, while on other days when the weather is perfect, and your group feels strong, you knock out 7-8 miles.
What else do we do in our backpacking section?
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. You'll have the opportunity to lead your friends through the challenges and successes of a wilderness expedition as "leader of the day" and you'll realize the magnitude of what a former student said as you ascend one of the peaks in the area: "The toughness of the climb makes the view even better."
What’s the weather like in California?
 Expect warm and dry days while in California. In the evenings it may get a bit chilly, so have a layer ready. While we’re backpacking along the Lost Coast, cool, ocean breezes will create moderate and comfortable temperatures along the beach. In the Trinity Alps, sunny days with the occasional afternoon shower will greet us. While rafting the Klamath, you’ll be glad to be soaked by rapids to cool off from the hot sun! Overall, you should get a full dose of that California sunshine each day!
Will my parents be able to meet me in San Francisco at trip’s end?
Certainly! San Francisco is a fun place to explore! We encourage parents to take advantage of learning about your Moondance trip while visiting the city of trolley cars, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge. If you’d like to arrive in San Francisco a few days before your trip begins, your Moondance leaders will meet you at Delta Baggage Claim on the day of your trip!
Will we see redwood trees even though we’re not in Redwood National Park?
Redwood trees are characteristic of Northern California; though we may be exploring Redwood National Park during one of our days, we will have many opportunities to stand in awe under these giants of the forest while we backpack in the Trinity Alps.
How long will we raft the Klamath?
We get to spend three exhilarating days and two star-filled nights on the Klamath River, learning to navigate exciting Class III rapids! With professional whitewater rafting guides, we’ll journey through the heart of the Klamath National Forest, camping for two nights on its banks. In the evenings, we’ll prepare fresh, gourmet meals, toss a Frisbee, or perhaps take a late afternoon hike to explore around us!
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 21 days. The self-confidence that you can gain by exploring the unknown will provide a constant foundation for your life adventures down the road.
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