Embark on a Transformative Summer Adventure in the Rocky Mountains

Looking to spend your whole summer outside? Throughout this 68-day semester course, you’ll backpack through one of Wyoming’s iconic mountain ranges, take a Wilderness First Aid course, climb world class rock in the American West, and paddle through Utah’s Desolation and Ladore Canyons. Four sections, four skill sets, and two months of living entirely in the backcountry, while building community and stepping outside your comfort zone.

Photo by: Isabel Adler

You’ll start with 20-24 days of rock climbing—learning movement on rock, building anchors, belaying, and rope systems, while enjoying the additional comforts of base camp living.

Next you’ll spend a few days at the NOLS Three Peaks Ranch learning Wilderness First Aid. This section sets you up well to travel through the backcountry with your group.

Photo by: Alex Dymond

Then you’ll shift to 24 days of backpacking—learning navigation, honing in your Leave No Trace practices, and further developing your leadership, while carrying 45-60 pounds through terrain that ranges from dense forest to exposed alpine ridges. As your skills build, you’ll get the chance to travel independently, potentially leading a multi-day student expedition without instructors.

The final 18 days take you through Utah’s renowned Desolation and Ladore Canyons, navigating Class I-III rapids, scouting whitewater, and camping on sandbars under the desert stars.

Photo by: David Morgan

Whether you’re a seasoned outdoors-person or have never camped before, this semester will be the adventure of a lifetime. You’ll leave with technical skills across four disciplines, the confidence to lead trips on your own, and friendships built through long days and hard work.