ROCKY MOUNTAIN Jamie O’Donnell 20 www.nols.edu • (800) 710-<strong>NOLS</strong> • admissions@nols.edu
The first <strong>NOLS</strong> c<strong>our</strong>ses ventured in<strong>to</strong> the wilderness here over 45 years ago. Generations of students have been exploring the stunning glacier-carved granite cirques of the famous Wind River Mountains, the sprawling meadows and deep rivers of the Absarokas, and the hidden red canyons of Utah’s slickrock country with <strong>NOLS</strong> Rocky Mountain. The heart of <strong>our</strong> operation is in Lander, Wyoming, the small <strong>to</strong>wn that <strong>NOLS</strong> founder Paul Petzoldt handpicked in 1965 as the base of operations for his innovative outdoor school. We also operate the Three Peaks Ranch in Boulder, Wyoming. Set on the western edge of the Wind Rivers, this working ranch is where we run <strong>our</strong> horsepacking c<strong>our</strong>ses and re-supply other c<strong>our</strong>ses on horseback. Our river base in Vernal, Utah, specializes in whitewater rafting, canoeing, and kayaking. With a wide range of c<strong>our</strong>se offerings and exquisite landscapes, being here—backpacking, climbing, skiing, scrambling, exploring, and paddling—is what <strong>NOLS</strong> is all about. ROCKY MOUNTAIN Josh Beckner Become a leader as you and y<strong>our</strong> c<strong>our</strong>semates learn <strong>to</strong> live in and navigate through Wyoming’s wilderness. Cathedral Cirque, Wyoming WIND RIVER WILDERNESS This is the original <strong>NOLS</strong> c<strong>our</strong>se and the most popular expedition we offer. For 30 days, you’ll explore the Wind River Mountains, a wilderness range renowned for its pristine lakes and rugged mountain beauty. After carrying a pack efficiently loaded with everything you need <strong>to</strong> the <strong>to</strong>p of y<strong>our</strong> first high mountain pass, you’ll descend in<strong>to</strong> a glacial valley and help lead y<strong>our</strong> hiking group <strong>to</strong> camp. You and y<strong>our</strong> peers will take turns baking pizzas over a camp s<strong>to</strong>ve and catching cutthroat trout for dinner. At night, a star-filled sky will shroud y<strong>our</strong> tent as you rest for the next stimulating day of exploration and learning. In addition <strong>to</strong> hiking as many as 120 miles on and off trail, you’ll fly-fish, learn how <strong>to</strong> use a GPS, summit <strong>to</strong>wering granite mountains, and may have an opportunity <strong>to</strong> rock climb. The leadership skills you master here will serve you well in the wilderness and beyond. Above: Step outside the typical classroom and learn in a beautiful setting that makes going <strong>to</strong> class an adventure. Temple Peak, Wind River Range, Wyoming Facing page: Explore the pristine beauty of Wyoming’s mountains. Coon Lake, Wind River Range, Wyoming Matt Sime DETAILS Features <strong>world</strong>-famous Orvis fly-fishing curriculum and gear. Age and Length: 16 & Over • Average age: 19 • Duration: 30 days 16 & 17 Only • Duration: 30 days 23 & Over • Average age: 35 • Duration: 14 days Tuition: $4,035 (16 & Over); $4,400 (16 & 17 Only); $3,310 (23 & Over) Optional College Credit: 2 h<strong>our</strong>s each Environmental Ethics, Leadership Techniques, Skills Practicum (16 & Over; 16 & 17 Only); 2 h<strong>our</strong>s Skills Practicum (23 & Over) Dates: page 105 21