Expeditions

Wind River Wilderness - Adult 50+

Duration

14 days

Age

40+

Hikers walk across the tundra with mountains in the distance.

Overview

About this course

Spend 14 days backpacking 40-60 miles through Wyoming’s Wind River Range — rugged, glacier-carved mountains renowned for sheer granite walls, alpine lakes, and world-class fishing. This course is designed specifically for adults 50 and over looking for an adventure with motivated peers.

Packhorses carry the bulk of your food, keeping your pack weight around 40 pounds so you can move comfortably through elevations from 8,000 to 12,000 feet. Your instructors will start with the fundamentals — camping, cooking, Leave No Trace principles, and grizzly bear protocols. Then you’ll cover more advanced topics like the NOLS leadership curriculum, risk management, and navigation with map and compass.

a man in a hat and sunglasses holds up a fish in one hand and a fishing rod in the other. He's standing in a blue lake and there are mountains in the background

Photo by Jane Regan

The Winds are known for their fishing, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take advantage of it. Layover days give you time to cast a line, attempt a peak on the surrounding granite, or simply read in the sun.

a blue tent sits in a rocky tundra area with mountains in the background

Photo by Vaugh Burnett

Weather in the Rocky Mountains can be unpredictable — cold, snow, and high winds can arrive any month of the year. The community you build throughout the expedition will help you through the challenging moments.

You’ll leave with the outdoor and leadership skills to plan your own wilderness trips, and two weeks spent immersed in one of the most beautiful ranges in the American West.

Resources

Resources & downloads

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

TBA

Tuition varies by location. Financial aid available.

Duration

14 days

Location

Lander, WY

Equipment Deposit

300

Start/End

Lander, WY

Fly In/Out

Riverton, WY (RIW)

Course Session Dates

No Course Sessions enrolling.

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.