Wind River Wilderness

We offer several options of the Wind River Wilderness Expedition, including: trips for 16-17 year olds, trips for 18-22 year olds, trips for adults (23+). And this trip for students 16+.

Unleash Your Leadership Potential in the Wind River Wilderness

Embark on a Transformative 30-Day Expedition to Develop Wilderness Leadership Skills

Are you ready to challenge yourself, deepen your connection with nature, and develop essential leadership skills in one of the most rugged and remote wilderness areas in the U.S.? Join NOLS for a 30-day wilderness adventure through the stunning Wind River Mountains. This expedition is more than just a trip—it’s an immersive leadership experience designed to push you beyond your limits while building practical skills that will last a lifetime.

Photo credit: Nicholas Byrne

Why This Wilderness Leadership Course Will Transform You

This course isn’t just about navigating rugged terrain or mastering wilderness survival. It’s about transformation. The Wind River Wilderness Expedition provides a rare opportunity to grow as a leader, gaining the technical wilderness skills and the interpersonal tools needed to succeed in challenging environments. Through hands-on experience, you will learn to navigate complex situations, communicate effectively under pressure, and lead with confidence.

Whether trekking through alpine valleys, summiting towering peaks, or making critical decisions during student-led expeditions, this course will test your physical endurance and mental resilience. You’ll leave with a new set of wilderness skills and a transformed perspective on leadership and self-reliance. You’ll walk away with an enhanced sense of personal responsibility, increased confidence, and lifelong memories of the journey.

Explore the Wind River Mountains: A Wilderness of Beauty and Challenge

The Wind River Mountains are a vast, rugged region in western Wyoming, known for their challenging terrain, glacial valleys, and pristine alpine lakes. Over the course of 30 days, you’ll travel through a landscape that includes everything from dense forests to exposed alpine zones. As you navigate this dynamic terrain, you’ll develop your navigation, decision-making, and survival skills while adapting to unpredictable weather conditions—ranging from snowstorms and high winds to periods of intense sunshine.

You’ll explore some of the most remote and beautiful places in the U.S., with opportunities for wildlife encounters, including black and grizzly bears, elk, and mountain goats. This adventure offers a chance to immerse yourself fully in nature, learning how to coexist with wildlife and thrive in one of the most awe-inspiring wildernesses on Earth.

What You’ll Learn: Leadership, Wilderness Skills, and Self-Reliance

This course is designed to equip you with both technical wilderness skills and vital leadership competencies that will serve you far beyond the backcountry.

Here’s a glimpse at the core skills you’ll gain:

• Backpacking & Wilderness Skills: Master navigation, wilderness medicine, survival techniques, and Leave No Trace principles.

• Leadership Development: Build essential skills in communication, decision-making, and group dynamics, preparing you to lead in high-pressure situations.

• Risk Management: Learn to assess hazards, make safe decisions, and manage risks in unpredictable environments.

• Self-Discovery & Confidence: Push yourself physically and mentally, developing resilience and the ability to handle adversity with composure and clarity.

Photo credit: Henry Stanton

Course Structure: A 30-Day Expedition with Focused Learning and Exploration

• Day 1: Arrival at the NOLS basecamp, meet your instructors, gear check, and course overview.

• Days 2-10: Begin your wilderness journey with skill-building sessions on navigation, cooking, and basic wilderness safety.

• Days 11-18: Engage in team-building activities, practice leadership skills, and learn advanced wilderness techniques, including route finding and risk management.

• Days 19-25: Student-led expeditions allow you to practice independent travel, decision-making, and group leadership in real time.

• Days 26-29: Wrap up your journey with reflections, skills debriefs, and a final leadership evaluation.

• Day 30: Return to basecamp for a celebratory debrief and course graduation.

Overcoming Challenges: What to Expect from the Expedition

This course will challenge you in ways that push both your physical endurance and mental toughness. Here’s a preview of what you’ll face:

• Unpredictable Weather: The Wind River Mountains are known for sudden changes in weather, from snowstorms and rain to high winds. You’ll learn to make quick, informed decisions to keep your team safe.

• Physical Demands: Expect long days of backpacking, ranging from 6-8 hours per day across rugged terrain. You’ll build stamina, resilience, and mental fortitude as you push your body to its limits.

• Group Dynamics: Living and traveling with a small group of peers requires effective communication, patience, and teamwork. You’ll learn the art of leadership and followership while navigating both the terrain and interpersonal challenges.

• Risk Management: The course focuses on learning how to assess and manage risks in a wilderness environment. You’ll also gain confidence in your ability to handle uncertainty and lead others through complex situations.

Photo credit: Manya Gordon

Who Is This Course For?

This course is designed for individuals ready to take on a physically and mentally demanding challenge. Whether you’re an aspiring outdoor professional, an experienced backpacker, or someone looking to push yourself in a new direction, this course will help you develop the leadership skills you need to succeed. No prior leadership experience is necessary, but a basic level of fitness and readiness for outdoor adventure is important.

This course is for you if you want to deepen your connection to nature, expand your problem-solving abilities, and develop lasting leadership skills.

Join a Legacy of NOLS Leaders

By completing this expedition, you’ll become part of the global NOLS alumni network—leaders in outdoor education, conservation, business, and beyond. NOLS alumni use their wilderness experiences to lead boldly, solve complex problems, and make a lasting impact in their careers and communities. As you gain the technical skills and leadership experience from this course, you’ll join a community of individuals who share your drive for self-improvement and adventure.

Are you ready to embrace the adventure of a lifetime? Sign up today and take the first step toward becoming the leader you’ve always wanted to be.