Expeditions

Backcountry Rock Climbing - 21 Day

Learn the fundamentals of climbing and backcountry living in some of Wyoming’s famous granite walls and towering spires.

Duration

21 days

Age

16+

Overview

About this course

Reach New Heights

Find new challenges rock climbing in the mountains. On this course, you’ll dive into learning leadership and rock climbing in one of the United States’ premier mountain ranges for climbing. You’ll start by backpacking deep into Wyoming’s Wind River mountains, where you’ll set up a base camp and learn the basics of outdoor living.

As you begin the climbing skills progression, you will learn and practice skills like tying knots, belaying, and placing climbing protection. As the course progresses, you may move into more advanced skills, like lead climbing and vertical rescue. On the days when you don’t climb, explore the area’s clear lakes and forests of lodgepole pine, learning about local ecology and human history. Whether you’re new to rock climbing or are excited to take knowledge you already have to the mountains, this course will give you plenty of opportunities to grow.

Leadership skills will be a key part of this course from the beginning. Taking on different leadership roles each day will help you develop skills like self leadership, communication, and decision making. Your experiences on the rock and living with your group in the outdoors will help you discover your unique leadership style. At the end of this course, you’ll walk away with experiences that will prepare you to be a leader, no matter where you find yourself.

Questions

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Free course guide

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  • Detailed daily objectives and skills progression

  • Sample outline from last year's course

  • Pre-course preparation guide


Speak to an Expeditions Expert

TBA

Tuition varies by location. Financial aid available.

Duration

21 days

Location

Lander, Wyoming

Equipment Deposit

400

Skill Options

Academic Credit

4 College Credits

  • 2 Skills Practicum
  • 2 Risk Assessment

1 High School Credits

  • 0.5 Physical Education
  • 0.5 Leadership

Start/End

Lander, Wyoming

Fly In/Out

Riverton, WY (RIW)

Course Session Dates

Oct 13, 2026 - Dec 22, 2026

Boulder, WY

Oct 19, 2026 - Nov 10, 2026

Lander, WY

Jan 30, 2027 - Feb 20, 2027

Lander, WY

testimonial

What our graduates have to say

“The instructors I had were amazing people. They not only taught me essential skills for living out in the wilderness and new rock climbing technics. They really tried their best to get to know each and every one of us, learning about our life and giving us useful advice and encouraging us to pursue are goals. They showed interest in us and made us feel safe and cared for.”

— Claire Hinton H., NOLS Rock Climbing - 21 Day grad

Financial aid & Scholarships

NOLS supports a variety of outside financial aid options:

  • AmeriCorps
  • 529 College Savings Plans
  • Veteran's Benefits (only for courses fully in the state of Wyoming)

Questions?

Still have questions?

Talk to an admissions advisor, or request a free catalog to learn more about which course is right for you.