Rocky Mountain Rock Climbing

Spend 19 days climbing at two of Wyoming’s most iconic climbing areas— Wild Iris and Vedauwoo. Whether you’re brand new to climbing or looking to push your skills further, this course teaches you the technical foundations and risk management needed to climb outdoors with confidence.

Photo credit: Celia Ripple

You’ll base camp near the crags and drive or hike to climbing areas each day. Your instructors, some of the most experienced educators in the industry, will start with the basics— belaying, knot tying, rope handling, movement technique, and rappelling. As you progress, you’ll learn to place protection, build anchors, clean sport routes, and potentially lead climb if you’re ready. There may also be opportunities for multi-pitch climbs on larger objectives.

Photo credit: Jessica Fuller

Base camping means comforts you wouldn’t get on a backpacking trip—fresh vegetables, extra clothes, camp chairs, time to rest between climbing days. These are popular climbing areas, so expect to share the crags with other climbers. Weather in the Rockies swings fast—sunshine to thunderstorms in minutes.

Photo credit: Matt Hage

You’ll also learn the NOLS leadership curriculum, focus on community building, discuss climbing ethics, and study the natural and human history of the areas you’re climbing in. You’ll leave with the skills and experience to climb independently and confidently for years to come.