Big Wild - FAQ
FAQ Trip Specific Questions
- Where does my trip start?
- What happens in a typical day?
- Where is the Wind River Range?
- What if I've never been rafting before?
- Do I need any special gear for climbing in the Tetons? What about experience?
- Do I need to break in my boots for backpacking?
- How many miles do we backpack in a given day?
- Is there anytime for fishing?
- What else do we do on our backpacking section?
- What's the weather like in the places we'll travel?
- Do we ever go into a town?
- What will I learn by the end of my trip?
Where does my trip start?
Big Wild begins in the small ski hamlet of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. You'll meet your leaders and other Moondancers at the Jackson Hole airport before embarking on either your backpacking or climbing section!
What happens in a typical day?
There is no typical day on a Moondance adventure! You may be rock climbing one day, backpacking the next, or whitewater rafting along the Salmon River in Idaho. Some days you may have the chance to relax by a mountain lake and fly fish or toss a Frisbee; other days you may be weaving through Class IV rapids. Either way, each day will be filled with a new adventurous activity. After a day of fishing, learning how to belay, or summiting a peak in the area, your group will find a beautiful site to set up camp for the evening and enjoy a warm meal with a hot drink. No matter what adventure you choose, each night ends with 'moonup;' a chance to debrief the day, talk about upcoming adventures and challenges, and just hang out.
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.
What if I've never been rafting before?
No experience required! You and your friends will learn basic paddling strokes together from professional rafting guides as you navigate the mighty Salmon River. To ensure the safest possible experience, everyone is required to wear a Personal Flotation Device (or PFD) at all times while on the water.
Do I need any special gear for climbing in the Tetons? 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 backpacking?
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 in order break them in. Leather boots can take 1-2 months to break in so start early! Once your trip begins, 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?
During your time in the backcountry, you will find that the weather can change both frequently and quickly. Thus, your itineraries could vary, and 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 a great view in the Wind River Range. In any case, this may mean that some days you only hike a couple of miles, while on other days when the weather is ideal and your group feels strong, you knock out 7-8 miles.
Is there anytime for fishing?
Yes! You will often camp near clear, trout-filled streams so bring your rod if you have one! Those who are 16 and older should make sure they purchase a fishing license before casting. Licenses can be purchased in the beginning of your trip. You will also have the opportunity to learn the art of fly fishing before your backpacking section.
What else do we do on our backpacking section?
You will be backpacking through a beautiful part of the country that is filled with wildlife, so keep your eyes pealed! You will fine-tune your route-finding skills as you navigate through forests and mountain valleys, perfect your backcountry culinary talent during breakfast and dinner, and experience the incredible outdoors like you have never done before. There will be plenty of streams for fishing along the way and peaks beckoning to be climbed. You will learn the art of packing a backpack that will soon become second nature as well as appreciate the simplicity of life that comes from carrying your home on your back.
What's the weather like in the places we'll travel?
Weather can change dramatically in the Wind River Range. On most days, you'll have a bright blue sky, mountain breezes, and star-filled nights. When you are at higher elevation, the nights will be cool and a fleece hat is good to have nearby. During the days at higher elevation, don't be surprised if you get snow--it's happened before! Your gear list will have everything necessary to stay warm and dry while on Moondance.
Do we ever go into a town?
Your trip begins 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 Big Wild, 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 a new 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 18 days. The self-confidence that one gains by exploring the unknown provides a constant foundation for life’s adventures down the road.
See also
- Trip Finder
- Program Chart
- Get Your Gear
- Multisport Adventures - Other trips
