Grand Ascents FAQ

Where does my trip start?

Grand Ascents begins in the little ski hamlet of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. You'll meet your leaders and other Moondancers at the airport before embarking on your backpacking section in the Wind River Range.

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 hiking in the Winds, 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.

How is Grand Ascents different from Big Wild?

Unlike the Big Wild, on Grand Ascents you will be making a summit bid of The Grand Teton -- one of the most photographed and popular peaks in North America! It was towering over you during your backpacking section, and now you'll have an opportunity to summit it. This is a technical climb, and with the instruction of Exum Mountain Guides, you will learn the necessary skills to safely ascend the Grand. Grand Ascents is also a 21-day trip, while the Big Wild is a shorter, 18 day adventure.

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.

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 any special gear in order to summit the Grand Teton

You will gain all the experience you need from Exum Mountain Guides days before your summit attempt of the "Grand," during climbing school. You will learn the fundamentals of knot-tying, belaying, and "clipping in," and practice multi-pitch climbs on Cube's Point or Baxter's Pinnacle, weather permitting. You will spend your first day hiking and climbing to base camp at just over 11,000 feet; after a good night's rest and a hearty early morning breakfast, you will ascend to the Grand's summit at 13,770 feet. We'll start climbing in the dark hours of the morning to ensure we are on the summit early!

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. 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 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 mountain goats 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 skills at breakfast and dinner. There will be plenty of streams for fishing along the way and valleys beckoning to be explored. 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 Wyoming?

During the summer, you can expect to see temperatures rising into the upper 70s and even 80s during the day, or you may experience the occasional snow shower! Your clothing and equipment list will have everything you need to stay warm and dry, even when the weather surprises you!

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 Grand Ascents, 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 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.