Rocky Mountain Wildwater - FAQ
FAQ Trip Specific Questions
- Where does my trip start?
- What happens in a typical day?
- Where are the San Juan Mountains?
- 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 southern Colorado?
- Will we ever go into a town?
- What will I learn by the end of my trip?
Where does my trip start?
Your Rocky Mountain Way course begins in Denver, Colorado. You will meet the rest of your group along with your Moondance leaders at the Denver airport baggage claim before heading to your first destination!
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 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 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 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 the great fishing in the San Juan Mountains. 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.
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 southern Colorado?
As with any mountain environment, weather can change dramatically throughout the day, and as you gain elevation on your backpacking section, you will be able to feel the change in temperature in the evenings. You can expect to encounter temperatures between 60-75°F during the day and temperatures around 45°F at night. In addition to temperature changes, it is also quite common for storms to roll in during the afternoon. These storms tend to be brief, but nonetheless, don’t forget your rain jacket! Colorado’s 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 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 14 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
