THIS IS THE WAITLIST EVENT - IF YOU ARE REGISTERING FOR THIS EVENT YOU ARE NOT GUARANTEED TO BE INCLUDED IN THE EVENT. WE WILL LET YOU KNOW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
AT THIS TIME, WE HAVE A LIMITED NUMBER OF SLOTS AND HAVE FILLED THOSE SLOTS...THE ONLY WAY WE WILL FILL FROM THIS LIST IS IF PEOPLE CANCEL. NOTIFICATION OF OPEN SLOTS COULD BE AT THE LAST MINUTE.
Join Blue Star Families and the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation for a mindful, guided, and interpretive snowshoeing experience under the moon and stars! All experience levels are welcome although this event may be best for couples or families with older children. Registration will open on 3/14/23.
This activity may not be suitable for all families – please read the event description fully and carefully before making the decision to register.
This Moonlight Tour at Spruces Campground takes advantage of the unique opportunity of being in the canyons at night. A volunteer naturalist will take us on a 1.5-2-hour interpretive guided snowshoe and will talk about winter ecology and the nocturnal adaptations of some of the canyon’s most elusive residents. Spruces Campground features gentle, rolling terrain that makes this tour ideal for any participant, whether you are a beginner or an experienced snowshoer.
What you need to know before you register:
- Snowshoes will be provided.
- Please note that children as young as 5 years old may participate in this activity if they are able to walk well on their own and their shoes are large enough to fit securely into the snowshoes. Children under 5 or those whose shoes will not fit the snowshoes would need to be carried by an adult in order to participate in this event. If you are unsure your children will be able to participate well in this activity you may want to err on the side of caution and not register for this activity.
- For Individuals who have stability issues, a limited number of poles are available to make it easier to participate in this activity.
- No pets are allowed at this campground, even in vehicles. Please leave pets at home.
- All vehicles that travel the canyon must have winter tires and 4x4, or chains on or in the vehicle.
- All families will need to agree to both the Blue Star Families and Cottonwood Canyons Foundation’s Liability and Photo Releases in order to participate. Links to CCF’s waivers will be emailed to confirmed registrants prior to the event to be completed digitally.
What you would need to bring with you:
- Please plan for your participation in this activity accordingly. Plan for cold weather – on average it is at least 20 degrees colder in the canyon than it is in many valley locations. All participants should bring the following items with them:
- Warm/waterproof boots and warm socks
- Ski/snow pants and jacket
- Warm hat and gloves/mittens
- Layers for when the evening cools off (long underwear, sweaters, fleece, etc.)
- Please plan to bring a water source as there is no potable water on-site in the winter
- If you happen to have your own ski poles and would like to bring them for balance, please do.
- A flashlight or headlamp if you'd like, we highly recommend something with a red light setting.
Please Note: due to the heavier snowfall this winter, we are able to offer this activity later in the year than usual. Weather in Big Cottonwood Canyon should be favorable for this activity, however, this tour is weather-dependent and may be canceled due to inclement conditions.