Wind River Wilderness - Adult

Find New Challenges While Exploring Wyoming’s Mountains

Join a group of peers ages 23+ to backpack through Wyoming’s Wind River Range, home to the original NOLS course. Designed to fit into your busy schedule, this two-week expedition is an opportunity to take a break from your daily routine to explore a beautiful and remote wilderness environment. While your expedition will be supported by packhorses to cut down on pack weight, expect to challenge yourself each day.

Starting with the basics, learn how to live comfortably in the wilderness, from cooking tasty meals on a campstove to navigating off-trail in the mountains. Hike along high ridges and summit glacier-carved peaks. Hone your navigation skills as you find your way to the next campsite. On layover days, go fly fishing on clear, blue lakes. Fall asleep listening to marmots whistle and wind blowing through lodgepole pines.

This expedition isn’t a guided tour—it’s an opportunity to develop the skills you need to explore the wilderness independently. As you build community with a new team, gain the confidence and experience to lead your family and friends in the outdoors. Put your leadership skills into practice in a new setting, and get ready for your next adventure.

NOLS adult courses are designed for both beginners and experienced individuals. Everyone is welcome to join, regardless of skill level!

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Duration

14 days

Age

23+ yrs

Tuition

$5,460 to $5,560

Skill Options
Academic Credit

2 College Credits

  • 2 Environmental Studies

Equipment Deposit

$300

Start/End

Lander, Wyoming

Fly In/Out

Riverton, WY (RIW)

Course Session Dates

Aug 4, 2025 - Aug 17, 2025Staff Pick

Lander, WY

$5,460 View Session

Aug 3, 2026 - Aug 16, 2026

Lander, WY

$5,560 View Session

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“The nature of the course forces you into the moment, requiring you to be in touch with your surroundings, and focused on the task at hand. Instead of being attached to your phone, you’re focused on the weather patterns, or the snow conditions. This is an awareness that I think is easily lost outside of the wilderness.  There are too many distractions that draw people away from making the most of the present.”

— Winslow Crane M., NOLS Wind River grad

See Photos and Videos from Students and Instructors

Financial aid & Scholarships

NOLS supports a variety of outside financial aid options:

  • AmeriCorps
  • 529 College Savings Plans
  • Veteran's Benefits (In Wyoming only)

If you are fluent in American Sign Language or Signed Exact English, you may be eligible to receive a full scholarship to your wilderness medicine course.