Expeditions

Wind River Wilderness - Adult

Find new challenges while exploring Wyoming’s mountains. Join a group of peers ages 23+ to backpack through Wyoming’s Wind River Range, home to the original NOLS course.

Duration

14 days

Age

23+

Overview

About this course

Find New Challenges While Exploring Wyoming’s Mountains

Join a group of peers ages 23+ to backpack through Wyoming’s Wind River Range, home to the original NOLS course. Designed to fit into your busy schedule, this two-week expedition is an opportunity to take a break from your daily routine to explore a beautiful and remote wilderness environment. While your expedition will be supported by packhorses to cut down on pack weight, expect to challenge yourself each day.

Starting with the basics, learn how to live comfortably in the wilderness, from cooking tasty meals on a campstove to navigating off-trail in the mountains. Hike along high ridges and summit glacier-carved peaks. Hone your navigation skills as you find your way to the next campsite. On layover days, go fly fishing on clear, blue lakes. Fall asleep listening to marmots whistle and wind blowing through lodgepole pines.

This expedition isn’t a guided tour—it’s an opportunity to develop the skills you need to explore the wilderness independently. As you build community with a new team, gain the confidence and experience to lead your family and friends in the outdoors. Put your leadership skills into practice in a new setting, and get ready for your next adventure.

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

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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

$5,460 - $5,560

Tuition varies by location. Financial aid available.

Duration

14 days

Location types

Lander, Wyoming

Equipment Deposit

300

Academic Credit

Start/End

Lander, Wyoming

Fly In/Out

Riverton, WY (RIW)

Course Session Dates

No Course Sessions enrolling.

What graduates say

Trusted by professionals worldwide

“The nature of the course forces you into the moment, requiring you to be in touch with your surroundings, and focused on the task at hand. Instead of being attached to your phone, you’re focused on the weather patterns, or the snow conditions. This is an awareness that I think is easily lost outside of the wilderness.  There are too many distractions that draw people away from making the most of the present.”

— Winslow Crane M., NOLS Wind River 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.