Yosemite Classic - FAQ
FAQ Trip Specific Questions
- Where does my trip start?
- What happens in a typical day?
- Why is the Lost Coast “lost?”
- What are the Sierra Nevada Mountains like?
- How many miles do we backpack in a given day?
- What else do we do in our backpacking section?
- Do I need any special gear for rock climbing? What about experience?
- What’s the weather like in California?
- Will my parents be able to meet me in San Francisco at trip’s end?
- How long will we raft the American River?
- What will I learn by the end of my trip?
Where does my trip start?
California’s Lost Coast begins in San Francisco where you’ll meet your leaders and other Moondancers at the airport’s baggage claim before embarking on your beach backpacking section.
What happens in a typical day?
There is no typical day on a Moondance adventure! You may be rock climbing one day, whitewater rafting the next, or backpacking along California’s Lost Coast. Some days you may have the chance to relax by a mountain lake and 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 hiking, 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.
Why is the Lost Coast “lost?”
The Lost Coast stretches 80 miles across Northern California’s coastline. With the Pacific Ocean on its west, and 150 miles of mountain ranges forming its eastern border, this pristine coastline saw few travelers during America’s westward migration. The coastline has remained unspoiled and most parts are protected as public lands.
What are the Sierra Nevada Mountains like?
Approximately 400 miles long, the Sierra Nevada Mountains are a beautifully diverse mountain range. They extend from Mount Whitney, standing at 14,494 feet, all the way to sea level and include Yosemite and Sequoia National Park.
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 Blue Ridge 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 in our backpacking section?
You will be backpacking through the vast Sierra Nevada 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.
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!
What’s the weather like in California?
You can expect to have warm and dry days while in California. In the evenings it may get a bit chilly, so have a layer ready. While we’re backpacking along the Lost Coast, cool, ocean breezes will create moderate and comfortable temperatures along the beach. In the Sierra Nevada’s, sunny days with the occasional afternoon shower will greet us. While rafting the American River, you’ll be glad to be soaked by rapids to cool off from the hot sun! Overall, you should get a full dose of that California sunshine each day!
Will my parents be able to meet me in San Francisco at trip’s end?
Certainly! San Francisco is a fun place to explore! We encourage parents to take advantage of learning about your Moondance trip while visiting the city of trolley cars, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge. If you’d like to arrive in San Francisco a few days before your trip begins, your Moondance leaders will meet you at the Delta baggage claim on the opening day of your trip!
How long will we raft the American River?
We get to spend three exhilarating days and two star-filled nights on the American River, learning to navigate exciting Class III rapids! With professional whitewater rafting guides, we’ll journey through the heart of Tahoe National Forest, camping for two nights on its banks. In the evenings, we’ll prepare fresh, gourmet meals, toss a Frisbee, or perhaps take a late afternoon hike to explore around us!
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 20 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
