Fall Semester in the Rockies
Spend a semester learning a broad range of outdoor skills, from wilderness medicine to rock climbing, as you grow and develop as a leader.
Duration
87 days
Age
17+
Overview
About this course
Explore the outdoors from canyons to mountains
Explore the outdoors from canyons to mountains on the Semester in the Rockies. This course will be your opportunity to learn a variety of outdoor skills across the western United States and earn a Wilderness First Aid certification. Break trail through Wyoming’s snowy mountains, see ancient rock art, and climb high granite crags. The skills on your semester include a combination of canyoneering, canoeing, rock climbing, and a winter section. Each new skill will start with the basics and your instructors will teach everyone at their own level of experience, so you’ll find plenty of support and new challenges whether you’re a beginner or an experienced outdoorsperson.
Leadership will be a primary focus. As you progress through your semester, you’ll build on the leadership skills you’ve learned throughout the course. For example, assessing a rapid is an opportunity to develop decision-making skills, while navigating hard terrain is an opportunity to practice tolerance for adversity. These experiences are real opportunities for you to test what you’re learning and develop your personal leadership style. By the end of this course, you’ll walk away prepared to be a leader in school, at home, and beyond.
Resources
Resources & downloads
Schedule
Questions? Let's Connect
Get the complete 8-day itinerary delivered to your inbox
Enter your email and we'll send you the full day-by-day schedule, packing checklist, and a sample course journal from a past NOLS climbing expedition.
Detailed daily objectives and skills progression
Complete packing & equipment checklist
Sample student journal from Unaweep Canyon
Pre-course preparation guide
Questions? Let's Connect
Course Session Dates
What graduates say
Trusted by professionals worldwide
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.

