Expeditions

Wilderness Horsepacking - Adult

Explore Wyoming’s mountains on horseback. Join a group of motivated peers ages 23 and up for a unique Western adventure: horsepacking in the rugged mountains of Wyoming.

Duration

14 days

Age

23+

Jared Steinman_WFR-24

Overview

About this course

Explore Wyoming’s mountains on horseback

Join a group of motivated peers ages 23 and up for a unique Western adventure: horsepacking in the rugged mountains of Wyoming. Learn to travel and camp with horses as you explore the glacier-carved Wind River Range or the sweeping plateaus of the Absarokas.

Start out with several days of camping at NOLS Three Peaks Ranch. Build community with your coursemates and work on basic skills like grooming, saddling, and riding horses. Then, pack your panniers and head into the mountains, where you’ll put your new horsepacking skills into practice. Wake up early and enjoy the sunrise as you tend to your equine companions. Learn how to apply Leave No Trace principles when traveling with horses, and how to cook tasty meals on a campstove. Fall asleep in a tent under the stars, ready for the next day’s adventures.

On this expedition, you’ll discover that horsepacking is a great opportunity to grow your leadership skills. Practice effective communication—with both human and equine companions—as you navigate to the next campsite. Challenge yourself to lead in uncertainty, when faced with an unexpected weather event or river crossing. Gain insight into group dynamics and how to support a team in different roles while living in a small community. Return home with the confidence you need in your community, outdoors, and beyond.

NOLS adult courses are designed for both beginners and experienced individuals. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of skill level!

Resources

Resources & downloads

Schedule

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Free course guide

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


Speak to an Expeditions Expert

From

$5,720 - $5,900

Tuition varies by location. Financial aid available.

Duration

14 days

Location types

Boulder, Wyoming

Equipment Deposit

300

Academic Credit

Start/End

Boulder, Wyoming

Fly In/Out

Jackson, Wyoming

Course Session Dates

No Course Sessions enrolling.

What graduates say

Trusted by professionals worldwide

“The most rewarding part of this course was getting out my element, and experiencing nature at its fullest.”

-Spencer O., NOLS Grad

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.