 Where does my trip start?
Colorado Trail begins at the base of the Rocky Mountains in Denver, Colorado. You'll meet your Moondance instructors at baggage claim and be introduced to the rest of the group before heading out to your first campsite!
What happens in a typical day?
There is no typical day on a Moondance trip! You may be climbing one day, sea kayaking in Blue Mesa Reservoir the next, or backpacking along ridgelines in Gunnison National Forest. There are times when you could have a layover day by a mountain lake to throw a line in or to toss a Frisbee, or you could be shooting down some Class IV rapids. 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 Gunnison National Forest? What's it like?
Located on the western slope of the famed Colorado Rocky Mountains, Gunnison National Forest encompasses over a million acres of mountain peaks and valleys, streams, lakes, and waterfalls waiting to be explored.
How can we sea kayak in Colorado?
Blue Mesa Reservoir is Colorado's largest body of water and offers travelers a great opportunity to learn basic paddling skills while being surrounded by the beauty of southwestern Colorado. It's called "sea kayaking" since the boats we use are equipped with rudders -- making steering in open water more manageable.
What if I've never been sea kayaking before?
No experience is required for any of our activities! We use professional guiding services to ensure that you learn from the best. Our guides will teach you everything you need to know to stay safe on the water and have fun as well! From correct entry and exit positions to proper paddling strokes, you'll discover the thrill of gliding silently through 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!
Do I need to break in my boots for the backpacking section?
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. In any case, this may mean that some days you only hike a couple of miles, while on other days if the weather is perfect, and your group feels strong, you may knock out 7-8 miles.
What else do we do during our backpacking section?
You'll be hiking in the homes of marmots and sheep, deer, 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 talent 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 Gunnison?
During the summer, you can expect warm, dry days with the occasional Colorado thunderstorm during the late afternoon. These storms tend to be brief, and are very characteristic of a Rocky Mountain climate. In the evenings, have your fleece hat handy to take the chill off while you sleep! Temperatures will range from the 60s to the 80s during the day, so be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen!
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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