On a NOLS whitewater courses, your skills and confidence will soar as you explore the wild Green River in kayaks, oar rigs and paddle rafts. Green River, Utah Photo: Brad Christensen

NOLS Rocky Mountain Facts Year Founded: 1965 Operating Season: Year round Location: Lander WY, Vernal UT, Three Peaks Ranch in Boulder WY In-town Staff: 45 (30 Lander, 4-5 Vernal, 10 Three Peaks) Skills offered: Horsepacking, Backpacking, Rock Climbing, Mountaineering, Rafting, Canoeing, Kayaking, Canyon Travel, Backcountry Skiing, Fly Fishing

The first NOLS courses ventured into the wilderness here over 45 years ago. Generations of students have been exploring the stunning glacier-carved granite cirques of the famous Wind River Mountains, the sprawling meadows and deep rivers of the Absarokas, and the hidden red canyons of Utah’s slickrock country with NOLS Rocky Mountain.

The heart of our operation is in Lander, Wyo., the small town that NOLS founder Paul Petzoldt handpicked in 1965 as the base of operations for his innovative outdoor school. We also operate the Three Peaks Ranch in Boulder, Wyo. Set on the western edge of the Wind Rivers, this working ranch is where we run our horsepacking courses and re-supply other courses on horseback.

Our river base in Vernal, Utah, specializes in whitewater rafting, canoeing, and kayaking.

With a wide range of course offerings and exquisite landscapes, being here—backpacking, climbing, skiing, scrambling, exploring, and paddling—is what NOLS is all about.