Rockies to Baja Year
A Continental Traverse
Explore the breadth of North America on this yearlong expedition unlike any other. Starting on the Green River of Utah and ending in the blue waters of the Sea of Cortez, on this course you’ll challenge yourself and grow as a person and as a leader.
Jamie O’Donnell
The expedition is divided into a fall and spring semester with a winter break in between, allowing for a deeply immersive wilderness experience. While the specific skills may vary depending on your course date, all courses feature a variety of outdoor skills that will prepare you to be a well-rounded outdoorsperson and leader. As with most NOLS courses, no prior experience is required.
Lauren Bally
The varying landscapes you may encounter include striking red rock canyons in Utah and the teeming waters of Baja California As you learn to live outdoors, rock climb, sail, kayak surf (unique to this course!) and more, you’ll receive hands-on mentorship from dedicated instructors.
Cass Colman
As you travel, you’ll progress through NOLS’ recognized leadership curriculum. Though some topics will be covered in sit-down classes, most of your learning will be from your daily experiences. Navigating rapids in a river will teach teamwork and resilience, while rock climbing will offer chances to grow in communication and navigation skills. Throughout your days, you’ll learn about each area’s wildlife and geology, gain insight into its history, and appreciate the simple living of the outdoors. A foundational course goal is building a strong community with your coursemates. You will earn an industry-recognized Wilderness First Responder certification—a perfect building block to a lifetime of exploring the outdoors.
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Duration
135 days
Age
18+ yrs
Tuition
$35,370
27 College Credits
- 8 Skills Practicum
- 4 Risk Management
- 4 Leadership
- 4 Environmental Studies
- 2 Expedition Planning
- 2 Outdoor Educator
- 3 Wilderness Medicine
Certifications
- Wilderness First Responder
- Leave No Trace Level 1 Educator
Equipment Deposit
$1250
Start/End
Fall: Lander, WY | Spring: Mulege, BCS, Mexico
Fly In/Out
Fall: Riverton, WY (RIW) | Spring: Phoenix, AZ
Course Session Dates
Sep 26, 2026 - Mar 7, 2027
Lander, WY
$35,370 View Session
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)