Rocky Mountain Way FAQ

Where does my trip start?

The Rocky Mountain Way starts in Denver, Colorado. You will meet the rest of your group along with your Moondance leaders in the Denver airport at baggage claim before heading to your first destination!

What happens in a typical day?

That depends on whether you are backpacking, climbing, rafting, or participating in the ropes course, 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 summiting 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 are the San Juan Mountains?

Encompassing more than 12,000 square miles of southwestern Colorado and New Mexico, the San Juan Mountains are among the most rugged in North America. This mountain chain is roughly the size of Vermont and is located in a fairly remote region of Colorado, thereby protecting its wilderness areas from overuse.

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. Your group may also decide to stop early in order to take advantage of the great fishing along Bear Creek in the San Juans, or you may opt to have a rest day before a summit attempt of Centennial. In any case, this may mean that some days you only hike a couple of 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 during our backpacking section?

You'll be hiking in the homes of deer, marmots, 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 southern Colorado?

As with any mountain environment, weather can change dramatically throughout the day, and as you ascend higher during your backpacking section, you'll feel the change in termperature in the evenings. Storms tend to roll in during the afternoon but are brief and could be gone within an hour. The Colorado air is generally dry, but be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen -- days will be warm, and with altitude, the sun has a stronger effect on us.

Will we ever go into a town?

Yes! Rocky Mountain Way has the opportunity to explore the quaint mountain town of Telluride, a ski haven in the winter and a playground during the summer months for hikers, cyclists, and music lovers. We will spend an afternoon exploring the nooks of Telluride and perhaps use its town park for a game of Ultimate and a cookout!

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 14 days. The self-confidence that you can gain by exploring the unknown will provide a constant foundation for your life adventures down the road.