Alaska Adult Backpacking – 8 days

Alaska Adult Backpacking – 8 days

Find adventure in Alaska’s mountains

Explore glaciated mountains and lush valleys in the Land of the Midnight Sun. Build community with a small group of adults (23+) as you hike across sweeping expanses of tundra. Summit rugged peaks and cross braided streams fed by glaciers. Along the way, learn about local ecology and keep an eye out for Arctic wildlife like caribou, moose, and wolves.

Designed to fit into your busy schedule, this weeklong expedition starts out with a bush plane flight into the wilderness. As you trace the route back on foot, build your outdoor skills and develop your personal leadership style. You’ll start with the basics of backcountry living: pitching a tent, reading a map, and cooking tasty meals on a campstove. Later, move on to more advanced topics like off-trail navigation, wilderness first aid, and risk management.

Rather than guide every step of the process, your instructors will support you as you build the experience and confidence to lead the group. Practice good communication and teamwork as you navigate a river crossing or steep slope. Learn to take on different leadership roles to best serve your team. Form lasting relationships and return with the skills to lead in your community, in the outdoors, and beyond.

NOLS adult courses are designed for both beginners and experienced individuals. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of skill level!

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Details

Jul 18, 2026 - Jul 25, 2026

Palmer, AK

Duration

8 days

Age

23+ yrs

Skill Options
Certifications

  • Leave No Trace Level 2 Educator

Equipment Deposit

$250

Start/End

Palmer, Alaska

Fly In/Out

Anchorage, Alaska

Financial aid & Scholarships

NOLS supports a variety of outside financial aid options:

  • AmeriCorps
  • 529 College Savings Plans
  • Veteran's Benefits (In Wyoming only)

If you are fluent in American Sign Language or Signed Exact English, you may be eligible to receive a full scholarship to your wilderness medicine course.