Photo Credit: Carly Gutermuth

Fall Semester in the Rockies

Fall Semester in the Rockies

Explore the outdoors from canyons to mountains

Explore the outdoors from canyons to mountains on the Semester in the Rockies. This course will be your opportunity to learn a variety of outdoor skills across the western United States and earn a Wilderness First Aid certification. Break trail through Wyoming’s snowy mountains, see ancient rock art, and climb high granite crags. The skills on your semester include a combination of canyoneering, canoeing, rock climbing, and a winter section. Each new skill will start with the basics and your instructors will teach everyone at their own level of experience, so you’ll find plenty of support and new challenges whether you’re a beginner or an experienced outdoorsperson.

Leadership will be a primary focus. As you progress through your semester, you’ll build on the leadership skills you’ve learned throughout the course. For example, assessing a rapid is an opportunity to develop decision-making skills, while navigating hard terrain is an opportunity to practice tolerance for adversity. These experiences are real opportunities for you to test what you’re learning and develop your personal leadership style. By the end of this course, you’ll walk away prepared to be a leader in school, at home, and beyond.

Resources & Downloads
Questions? Let's Connect

Questions? Let's Connect

Details

Oct 1, 2026 - Dec 13, 2026

Boulder, WY

Duration

87 days

Age

17+ yrs

Academic Credit

16 College Credits

  • 3 Risk Assessment
  • 6 Skills Practicum
  • 4 Leadership Techniques
  • 3 Environmental Studies

2 High School Credits

  • 1 Leadership
  • 1 Physical Education

Certifications

  • CPR
  • Leave No Trace Level 1 Educator
  • Wilderness First Aid

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Equipment Deposit

$1000

Start/End

Lander, WY

Fly In/Out

Riverton, WY (RIW)

“Going to NOLS revealed to me that my life was far from irreparable and through hard work and determination I can get to where I want to be in life. I realized if I can travel 100+ miles on foot living off of what's in my backpack, navigate through precarious terrain and endure torrential weather, I'm definitely capable of putting in the work and effort to have a good life.”

— Brent L., NOLS Fall Semester in the Rockies grad

Financial aid & Scholarships

NOLS supports a variety of outside financial aid options:

  • AmeriCorps
  • 529 College Savings Plans
  • Veteran's Benefits (only for courses fully in the state of Wyoming)