Colorado Trail - FAQ
FAQ Trip Specific Questions
- Where does my trip start?
- What happens in a typical day?
- Where is Gunnison National Forest? What's it like?
- Do I need any special gear for rock climbing? What about experience?
- Do I need to break in my boots for the backpacking section?
- How many miles do we backpack in a given day?
- What else do we do during our backpacking section?
- What's the weather like in Gunnison?
- What will I learn by the end of my trip?
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 the Denver airport 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 adventure! You may be climbing one day, fly fishing near Telluride the next, or backpacking along ridgelines in the San Juan National Forest. 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 summitting 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 Gunnison National Forest? What's it like?
Located on the western slope of the picturesque Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Gunnison National Forest encompasses over one million acres of mountain peaks, valleys, streams, lakes, and waterfalls all waiting to be explored.
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 injuries we face in the backcountry are blisters. Even though these may not seem like a big deal, blisters can turn a 6 mile hike into a nightmare if they are not properly attended. The best way to avoid blisters is to buy boots that fit you correctly and to wear them often in order to 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. 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 will be backpacking through the vast San Juan Mountains that is home to sheep, marmot, deer, and moose, so keep your eyes pealed! You will fine-tune your map skills as you navigate through forests and mountain valleys as well as be able to perfect your backcountry culinary talent at breakfast and dinner. There will be plenty of streams for fishing along the way and peaks just beckoning to be summited. Most of all, though, you will experience the simplicity of life that accompanies backpacking: carrying your belongings on your back and laughing harder than you will have in a long time.
What's the weather like in Gunnison?
During the summer, you can expect warm, dry days with the occasional Colorado thunderstorm in the late afternoon. These storms tend to be brief and are very characteristic of a Rocky Mountain climate. Temperatures will range from 60-80˚F during the day and within the 40s at night. Be sure to bring your fleece hat!
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
