A Month-long Epic Adventure in Wyoming’s Rugged Wilderness

Prepare for an unforgettable 30-day adventure in Wyoming’s Wind River Range. You’ll develop key outdoor skills, connect with new friends, and explore one of the country’s most breathtaking and rugged landscapes. This hands-on NOLS course will boost your mountaineering skills with expert instruction — plus, you can earn high school credit.

The Wind River Range is full of dramatic cliffs and sun-bleached rock formations. You might see Golden Eagles and Cedar Waxwings soaring in the afternoon light, or spot Wyoming elk with their impressive antlers among the thistles. Grizzly bears roam the area, while bobcats sneak silently through the underbrush. Gannett Peak, shaped by ancient glaciers, stands tall as the highest point in the range.

Immersive Mountain Skills Training

You’ll be led by skilled instructors who have lots of experience in the backcountry. They won’t just teach you — they’ll mentor and guide you every step of the way. This challenging but rewarding course will help you connect deeply with the region’s geology, wildlife, and plants.

You’ll travel in a small group, practicing leadership by making decisions and navigating the mountains together. You’ll learn basics like tying knots, handling ropes, and belaying. You might even get to try using an ice axe, step cutting, climbing with crampons, glacier travel, and placing rock protection.

You’ll explore a thriving ecosystem that is always changing and growing. The geology features some of the oldest rocks on Earth, with massive ridges formed billions of years ago. You’ll hike past towering rock formations as tall as skyscrapers and improve your climbing skills on steep slopes.

Grow as a Leader Through True Outdoor Experiences

NOLS helps you develop skills for life — like resilience, teamwork, and confidence — that can boost your college applications and future success. One of the most important goals is building a supportive community with your classmates. Together, you’ll face challenges that require smart decisions and teamwork.

Life on a NOLS course in the Wind River Range can feel simple and peaceful, whether you’re falling asleep to the sound of rushing water or exploring quiet forests. Out here, you can stand tall and steady — just like the bluffs of Gannett Peak.