Nan Pugh
Embark on a life-changing wilderness expedition through the remote Absaroka Range, a stunning, untamed part of the Rocky Mountains. This immersive adventure will push you to your physical and mental limits while equipping you with essential wilderness and leadership skills. Whether navigating glacier-carved valleys, forging turbulent rivers, or trekking across alpine meadows, you’ll develop lifelong skills that extend far beyond the backcountry. Along the way, you’ll build deep connections with nature and fellow participants, making this journey a test of endurance and a transformative experience in leadership, resilience, and self-discovery.
Photo credit: Matt Hage
Discover the True Meaning of Leadership and Wilderness Adventure
The Absaroka Wilderness Odyssey is more than just a backcountry adventure—it’s a journey that will challenge you to grow as an individual and a leader. Trekking through the rugged landscapes of the Absaroka Range, you'll encounter various challenges that demand resourcefulness, adaptability, and decision-making under pressure. This course offers you the opportunity to not only master advanced wilderness skills like navigation, wilderness first aid, and risk management but also to develop your leadership and interpersonal skills in real-world, unpredictable environments.
By embracing challenges such as navigating rugged terrain, leading your team through complex decisions, and surviving in some of the most remote areas of the Rockies, you'll leave this course not just with new technical skills but with enhanced self-confidence, resilience, and a deeper understanding of what it means to lead under pressure.
Trek Through the Majestic Absaroka Mountains and Beyond
The Absaroka Range offers one of North America's most pristine and untouched wildernesses. Throughout this 30-day adventure, you'll traverse alpine meadows, dense forests, rugged ridges, and glacier-carved valleys. You’ll cross rushing rivers, hike high mountain passes, and camp beneath the stars in secluded wilderness areas.
Each day presents new opportunities to push your limits—whether it's navigating tough terrain, setting up camp, or leading a group through a challenging situation. Along the way, you’ll experience the region's natural beauty, from towering peaks to pristine lakes, and gain firsthand insight into the local ecology, wildlife, and geology. As you journey deeper into the heart of the Absaroka, you’ll develop a profound appreciation for the fragility and resilience of the wilderness.
Photo credit: Prasad Gadgil
From Backcountry Navigation to Leading in Challenging Environments
This course is designed to equip you with a wide range of technical and interpersonal skills that will serve you long after the adventure ends. Key areas of focus include:
Backpacking Techniques: Learn advanced wilderness navigation, campsite selection, meal preparation, and the essentials of Leave No Trace (LNT) ethics.
Risk Management and Wilderness First Aid: Develop the judgment to assess and manage risks in dynamic, remote environments. Gain practical first-aid training that can be applied in both wilderness and urban settings.
Leadership Development: Build your leadership capacity in challenging and unfamiliar environments. Practice decision-making, problem-solving, and group dynamics to enhance your ability to lead in any setting confidently.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Develop deep interpersonal skills as you work closely with a small group in high-pressure situations, learning to lead, support, and collaborate with others in a cohesive team.
What to Expect During Your Wilderness Expedition
This 30-day expedition is structured to build your skills progressively while ensuring ample time for reflection and personal growth. Here’s an outline of what to expect:
Day 1-3: Meet your instructors and fellow participants at the NOLS Absaroka Base Camp. Review gear, go over the course objectives, and begin basic training in wilderness skills like navigation and cooking.
Day 4-25: Embark on your journey into the Absaroka Wilderness. Your group will spend each day hiking, navigating, and learning advanced wilderness skills. You’ll face daily challenges that test your physical and mental endurance while developing leadership and decision-making skills.
Day 26-28: Final leadership exercises and scenario-based challenges will give you the opportunity to lead your group in complex decision-making situations. You'll also complete a solo reflection period, where you’ll have the time to reflect on your personal journey and growth.
Day 29-30: Return to base camp for a debrief, celebration, and graduation ceremony. Reflect on the lessons learned, share your experiences, and become part of the NOLS alumni community.
Photo credit: Matt Hage
Build Resilience, Leadership, and Confidence
Throughout your time in the Absaroka Range, you’ll face physical and mental challenges that will test your limits. The unpredictable weather, rugged terrain, and the demands of group living will push you to stay calm under pressure, adapt quickly, and make clear decisions.
Weather and Terrain: From steep climbs to swift river crossings, the terrain and conditions in the Absaroka are constantly changing. You’ll learn to assess and adapt to these challenges confidently, developing leadership skills along the way.
Physical and Mental Endurance: Expect long days of hiking, navigating, and teamwork. Carrying a heavy pack across rugged terrain will require mental toughness and physical stamina. The reward is a deep sense of achievement and personal growth.
Leadership and Group Dynamics: Traveling with a small group in challenging conditions requires collaboration, patience, and flexibility. Through real-world leadership practice, you’ll refine your ability to lead, follow, and make critical decisions in a supportive team environment.
This course is perfect for individuals seeking a transformative wilderness experience and those interested in developing leadership and survival skills. Whether you're looking to enhance your outdoor knowledge, pursue a career in outdoor education, or simply challenge yourself, the Absaroka Wilderness Odyssey will provide the skills, experiences, and insights to take your leadership and wilderness abilities to the next level. No previous wilderness experience is required, but participants should be in good physical condition and prepared for an intense, immersive outdoor experience.
Photo credit: Leah Adelman
Upon completing this course, you'll join a global network of NOLS alumni—leaders who are making an impact in fields ranging from business and education to conservation and adventure. This community provides ongoing support, professional opportunities, and lifelong connections.
Are you ready to unlock your potential, conquer the Absaroka, and transform how you lead and live? Enroll today and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.
“I made fourteen lifelong friends, learned everything I need to know to be able to take my own backpacking trips, and improved both my work ethic and mental grit, as well as my physical fitness.”