Day 1-2 |
Fly into beautiful San Francisco with the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance where you meet your Moondance leaders and the rest of the group! We’ll use these days to get to know one another and learn the basics of packing a backpack before our first adventure on the Lost Coast. |
Day 3-6 |
 The Lost Coast of California will be the stunning backdrop for our first backpacking trip in the wild. As we trek around boulders washed to shore from the powerful Pacific surf and climb high on top of the cliffs which overlook the beach, we’ll come to understand why explorers long ago were never able to penetrate this rugged coastline. We’ll enjoy dinners on the beach prepared by each other, tidal pools swimming with life left behind from the ocean, and the camaraderie that only develops through shared experiences in such dramatic landscapes.
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Day 7 |
We’ve heard the legends, now it’s time to actually see the real thing—the giant Redwoods—trees so magnificent that the oldest can live to be 2000 years old and 300 feet tall! We’ll spend today visiting Redwood National Park and travel toward Klamath River for our whitewater rafting section. |
Day 8-10 |
The Klamath River will host us for three days and two star-filled nights while we learn to navigate its exciting Class III rapids! Professional raft guides will walk us through proper paddling techniques before we take control of our raft, journeying through the heart of the Klamath National Forest. |
Day 11-16 |
After stocking up on fresh fruits and vegetables, we’ll travel toward the Trinity Alps to prepare for our second backpacking section. With over 833 miles of trails from which to choose, our backpacking adventure in the Trinity Alps will surprise us at every bend! As Leader of the Day, or a member of the evening’s cook group, or perhaps as a route-finder, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate the necessary leadership skills and teamwork that is responsible for every successful expedition. You’ve completed your introduction to backcountry living while on the Lost Coast, now it’s time to step it up a notch! |
Day 17-18 |
 After all of the knowledge you have gained from your backpacking excursions, trade in your hiking boots for plastic mountaineering boots. Our new strength gained from the alpine valleys and ridges in the Trinity Alps will come to good use as we head into snow school for Mt. Shasta. Climb to the tip-top of upstate California and discover splendid natural beauty as you traverse terrain full of pristine mountain lakes and green forests that transform themselves as elevation gains. Reach the peak of this 14,162 ft. mountain just as the sun rises on your 18th day together!
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Day 19-20 |
Our time in sunny California draws to a close and once we take care of final details (like exchanging addresses and phone numbers!) we’ll celebrate the end of a successful adventure with our signature banquet dinner. |
