Tailored for climbers of all experience levels, this trip focuses on skills including climbing techniques, knots, rope handling, belaying, anchors, protection placement, traditional and sport climbing systems, rappelling, and lead climbing theory. You'll develop face and crack climbing skills and gain experience with multi-pitch climbing.
This trip begins in Lander, WY, home of NOLS Rocky Mountain and the site of the first NOLS courses. To kick things off, your group will convene for an evening orientation and gear check before spending the night in NOLS historic Noble hotel.
The next morning, we will drive to nearby Sinks Canyon where sandstone and limestone cliffs pave the way into the Wind River Mountains. Sinks Canyon, as well as the nearby Wild Iris climbing area will be out home for the trip. We will establish a base-camp within walking or short driving distance to the climbing areas. Base camping tends to be a bit more comfortable that a backpacking trip and NOLS takes advantage of this with food and sleeping comfort a step above many of our trips.
Over the next 6 days we will visit a variety of cliffs to work on technical skills, top-roping, sport climbing, trad climbing, and climbing technique. Both participants that come with some climbing experience and those that don't will get the opportunity to challenge themselves on this trip. Instructors will work with participants individually to develop skills in areas of interest.
To conclude the trip, we will return to Lander for a final night at the Noble hotel and a dinner out to celebrate our week together.
This is a great trip for non-grad guests and family.
ActivityRating:
*Base camping can feel luxurious but daily climbing means challenging days and sore muscles.