Mountain Adventures

The Colorado Trail trip is an invigorating 18 day exploration into the heart of the southwestern Colorado high country. With the Rocky Mountains as a stunning backdrop, you'll build a strong foundation of outdoor skills, conquer new challenges, and fill your soul with the spirit of the mountains.

Whitewater Rafting -- The Arkansas River

You begin your Moondance adventure by jumping into a raft for an adrenaline-filled run down the Arkansas River, one of America's classic whitewater trips. For much of the run, your active participation will be needed to help negotiate a raft through Class III and IV whitewater, though occasional calm sections will give you the chance to relax and absorb the rugged landscape around you. After bonding together to meet this challenge, your group can confidently set its sights on greater adventures yet to come.

Backpacking -- San Juan National Forest

This is what you came for -- day after glorious day away from the noise and bustle of civilization, immersed in the serenity of nature yet stimulated by the drama of high places. While backpacking in the Colorado Rockies, you are introduced to the basic skills of camping and travel in a wilderness environment. Traversing pristine and remote areas high above tree line with everything you need tucked away in your backpack, you learn the pleasures of self-sufficiency and living simply in the backcountry. Sleep out under star-filled skies, splash your face in an icy mountain stream, share a sunset with your new friends, and, if conditions permit, scramble to a high summit to take in the wild panorama surrounding you.

Rock Climbing -- Gunnison National Forest

Now that you are a competent wilderness traveler, you are ready to add technical climbing skills to your knowledge base. In the mountains surrounding the historic and picturesque mining town of Crested Butte you begin to learn the fundamentals of rock climbing. With the help of professional instructors, you learn the rope systems and safety procedures to confidently spend several days climbing, belaying, and rappelling with your group. Cheered on by your peers, you test your balance and agility on a variety of different climbs for all levels, and your confidence soars as you embrace this new activity.

Sea Kayak -- Blue Mesa Lake

What a great way to spend the day, paddling a sea kayak on the largest body of water in Colorado surrounded by high altitude dessert and mesas etched below the horizon. Our focus on this outing will be to facilitate a positive experience out on the water. You will learn basic padding strokes that will allow you to enjoy the true essence of sea kayak touring.