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, climb world class rock in the American West, and paddle whitewater canoes down Utah’s Green River. Three sections, three skill sets, and two months of living entirely in the backcountry, while building community and stepping outside your comfort zone.

Photo credit: Alex Dymond

You’ll start with 24 days of backpacking—learning navigation, wilderness first aid, Leave No Trace practices, and 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.

Photo credit: Isabel Adler

Then you’ll shift to 20-24 days of rock climbing—learning movement on rock, anchors, belaying, and rope systems, while enjoying the additional comforts of base camp living.

The final 18 days take you down the Green River in expedition canoes, navigating Class I-III rapids, scouting whitewater, and camping on sandbars under the desert stars.

Photo credit: Austin Danicic

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 three disciplines, the confidence to lead trips on your own, and friendships built through long days and hard work.