Rainbow Weinstock
Explore rugged peaks, cross pristine rivers, and develop key wilderness skills in Wyoming’s untamed backcountry.
Get ready for an unforgettable 30-day backpacking adventure in the breathtaking wilderness of Wyoming. This transformative course is designed for 14-—and 15-year-olds who are eager to challenge themselves, explore the outdoors, and develop leadership skills. Join a group of like-minded adventurers as you trek through the spectacular Bighorn or Wind River Mountains, learning essential survival techniques and gaining lifelong experiences along the way.
Photo credit: Carly Gutermuth
Discover personal growth and leadership skills in Wyoming’s wild landscapes.
This 30-day wilderness course is more than just an outdoor adventure—it’s a journey of personal growth. You’ll explore some of Wyoming's most remote and stunning mountain ranges and develop key skills that will serve you far beyond the backcountry. From mastering outdoor survival techniques to learning how to lead and work as part of a team, this course will empower you to overcome challenges and become a more confident leader.
Through immersive wilderness experiences, you'll build resilience, adaptability, and decision-making skills that will stay with you for a lifetime. Whether navigating through rugged terrain, leading a group to a hidden lake, or setting up camp under a starlit sky, this course is designed to push you out of your comfort zone and help you discover your true potential.
Photo credit: Steph Taylor
Hike, fish, and climb your way through Wyoming's dramatic mountain landscapes.
Wyoming’s wilderness is an adventurer's paradise, offering some of the most scenic and challenging landscapes in the American West. During this 30-day expedition, you’ll explore the striking peaks and valleys of the Bighorn or Wind River Mountains—places few ever see. You’ll hike to remote alpine lakes, ascend challenging peaks, and fish in crystal-clear streams.
Each day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth, whether you’re crossing wild rivers, camping under towering granite cliffs, or learning wilderness survival skills. Wyoming's stunning natural beauty, from its towering peaks to its tranquil meadows, will leave a lasting impression, while the quiet solitude of the wilderness provides the perfect environment for self-reflection and personal development.
Master essential outdoor skills while developing leadership and teamwork abilities.
This course is designed to equip you with the practical wilderness skills and leadership knowledge necessary to thrive in remote environments. Some of the key skills you’ll gain include:
Wilderness Navigation: Learn how to use a map and compass to navigate challenging terrain and plan your route.
Leave No Trace Principles: Understand the importance of environmental stewardship and how to minimize your impact on the land.
Wilderness First Aid: Gain critical first aid skills to handle emergencies and ensure the safety of yourself and your group.
Leadership and Decision-Making: Develop leadership abilities through real-world experiences, learning how to inspire others and make thoughtful decisions in challenging situations.
Group Dynamics and Teamwork: Build essential collaboration skills as you work closely with others to meet goals and overcome obstacles.
These skills will help you succeed in the wilderness and translate to real-world challenges, enhancing your personal and professional life long after the course ends.
Photo credit: Carly Gutermuth
Each day brings new challenges, skills, and adventures.
Day 1: Arrive at the NOLS Wyoming Basecamp, meet your instructors, and review gear, course objectives, and safety protocols.
Days 2-5: Begin your backpacking expedition, learning the basics of wilderness navigation, group leadership, and Leave No Trace principles.
Days 6-14: Continue through rugged mountain terrain, climbing peaks, fishing in remote lakes, and honing wilderness survival and first aid skills. Each day brings new lessons in teamwork and leadership as you navigate the landscape.
Days 15-24: Spend several days in the backcountry, facing more challenging terrain and gaining confidence in your leadership abilities. Practice self-reliance and group coordination as you hike and camp in stunning, remote locations.
Day 25: Begin your journey back to the basecamp, reflecting on your growth, lessons learned, and new skills.
Day 26-30: Return to basecamp for final leadership evaluations, skill assessments, and a graduation ceremony that marks the completion of your adventure.
Conquer physical and mental challenges while developing leadership and resilience.
Throughout the course, you’ll face physical and mental challenges that will push you to your limits, including steep climbs, long days of hiking, and unpredictable weather. But it’s these very challenges that make the rewards so meaningful.
Resilience in Adverse Conditions: Whether navigating through rainstorms, crossing rivers, or pushing through fatigue, you’ll learn to persevere in tough conditions.
Leadership in Action: Lead your peers through difficult situations, making decisions that impact the whole group while developing self-confidence.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Working closely with your teammates will help you develop empathy, trust, and communication—key components of effective leadership and strong relationships.
By the end of this course, you will have a deeper understanding of your capabilities and a strong foundation in leadership, outdoor survival, and teamwork.
Photo credit: Swisher
For teens ready to challenge themselves in the wilderness.
This course is ideal for adventurous 14- and 15-year-olds looking to push themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. No prior backpacking experience is required, but participants should come ready to work hard, take on new challenges, and develop leadership skills in a supportive group environment. Whether aspiring to become an outdoor professional or simply seeking a transformative experience, this Wyoming backpacking course will help you grow in ways you never imagined.
Join a network of leaders, adventurers, and explorers from around the world.
Completing this course means more than just acquiring outdoor skills—it’s about becoming part of a global community of NOLS alumni who are making a difference in the world. From CEOs to conservationists, NOLS graduates are leaders in their fields, applying the lessons they learned in the wilderness to their careers, communities, and personal lives.
Are you ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime? Sign up for the Wyoming Backpacking course today and start your journey toward becoming a confident leader, skilled adventurer, and lifelong explorer.
“I learned how to navigate different kinds of terrain, how to deal with difficult situations, take care of myself and others in the wilderness, and most importantly how my actions affect others in a group environment.... I learned about togetherness and to never judge someone by their background or by where they come from. This time in the wilderness has made me appreciate the simplicities of life and no matter how hard life is there is always some bit of beauty around us even if it is just a sliver of blue sky.”