Alaska Backpacking - 18 to 22 Only
Go on an unforgettable adventure in the Alaskan wilderness with a group of new friends age 18 to 22.
Duration
30 days
Age
18-22 Only
Overview
About this course
Backpack Alaska’s tundra and mountains
Dive into an unforgettable adventure in the northern wilderness with a group of new friends age 18 to 22. Backpack through Alaska’s famed mountain ranges and lush green valleys. Work your way up rugged peaks, pausing to admire sweeping views at the summit. Enjoy the long daylight hours of a northern summer as you hike across the tundra and cross braided streams. As you travel, keep your eye out for Dall sheep, moose, caribou, and wolves.
Whether this is your first time backpacking or you’re an experienced outdoorsperson, expect to learn something new each day. Start with the basics, like pitching a tent, cooking on a campstove, and navigating off trail. As you gain confidence, take on more responsibility for route finding and decision making.
Along the way, expand your leadership skills. Practice effective communication and risk management as you work with your team to cross a glacier-fed river. Learn to lead in uncertainty as you encounter new challenges, like navigating a boulder field or finding your way up a steep slope. Return from the Land of the Midnight Sun ready to lead outdoors, in your community, and beyond.
Resources
Resources & downloads
Schedule
Questions? Let's Connect
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Detailed daily objectives and skills progression
Complete packing & equipment checklist
Sample student journal from Unaweep Canyon
Pre-course preparation guide
Speak to an Expeditions Expert
Course Session Dates
No Course Sessions enrolling.
Financial aid & Scholarships
NOLS supports a variety of outside financial aid options:
- AmeriCorps
- 529 College Savings Plans
- Veteran's Benefits (only for courses fully in the state of Wyoming)
Ready
Ready to get certified?
Find a WFR course near you, talk to an admissions advisor, or request a free catalog to learn more about NOLS Wilderness Medicine.

