to our world. - NOLS

The first NOLS courses ventured into 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 NOLS Rocky Mountain. The
heart of our operation is in Lander, Wyoming, the small town that NOLS 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 our horsepacking courses and re-supply
other courses on horseback. Our river base in Vernal, Utah, specializes in whitewater rafting, canoeing, and kayaking.
With a wide range of course offerings and exquisite landscapes, being here—backpacking, climbing, skiing, scrambling,
exploring, and paddling—is what NOLS is all about.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN
Josh Beckner
Become a leader as you and your coursemates learn to live in and navigate through Wyoming’s wilderness. Cathedral Cirque, Wyoming
WIND RIVER WILDERNESS
This is the original NOLS course 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 to the top of your first high mountain pass, you’ll
descend into a glacial valley and help lead your hiking group to
camp. You and your peers will take turns baking pizzas over a
camp stove and catching cutthroat trout for dinner. At night, a
star-filled sky will shroud your tent as you rest for the next stimulating
day of exploration and learning. In addition to hiking as
many as 120 miles on and off trail, you’ll fly-fish, learn how to use
a GPS, summit towering granite mountains, and may have an opportunity
to 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 to 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 world-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 hours each Environmental Ethics, Leadership Techniques,
Skills Practicum (16 & Over; 16 & 17 Only); 2 hours Skills Practicum (23 & Over)
Dates: page 105
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