Josh Lyons
Transform Your Leadership and Teaching Skills in One of America's Most Iconic Wilderness Areas
Set out on a transformative 31-day outdoor educator course in the stunning Wind River Range, Wyoming. This immersive experience will elevate your wilderness skills and teach you how to inspire and lead others in the backcountry. Whether aspiring to become a professional guide, an outdoor educator, or simply wanting to enhance your leadership style, this course will equip you with the technical expertise and teaching strategies needed to excel in the field.
Throughout the course, you will learn advanced mountaineering and rock climbing techniques, develop your outdoor teaching abilities, and refine your leadership skills—all while living and working in one of the most pristine and remote wilderness areas in North America. Prepare to push your limits, gain invaluable experience, and join a global community of outdoor professionals.
Photo credit: Jack Stevens
Prepare to Lead and Teach in the Wild: A Comprehensive Experience in the Wind River Range
This isn’t just another outdoor skills course—it’s a gateway to becoming a confident, skilled outdoor educator capable of leading groups safely through the wilderness.
The Wind River Range offers an unparalleled setting for this transformative experience. During the course, you’ll push yourself to new heights, both physically and mentally, and develop essential skills that will benefit you throughout your career and personal life. With expert instruction and a hands-on approach, this course will help you:
Master advanced mountaineering techniques, including glacier travel, peak summits, and alpine navigation.
Hone your rock climbing and belaying skills to lead and teach others.
Build essential leadership qualities, from risk management to group dynamics.
Experience backcountry living, emphasizing Leave No Trace principles and environmental stewardship.
By the end of this course, you’ll not only be capable of leading outdoor groups with confidence but also empowered to teach outdoor skills to others, whether you're guiding clients, teaching students, or simply leading your own adventures.
Photo credit: Adam Swisher
Discover Rugged Peaks, Alpine Glaciers, and Wild Landscapes
The Wind River Range is a land of dramatic contrasts and extreme beauty—an ideal setting for developing your outdoor skills. From towering peaks to glaciers and alpine meadows, every step of your journey will take you deeper into the heart of wilderness leadership.
Mountaineering Challenges: Conquer challenging peaks, navigate glaciers, and gain experience with technical climbing and alpine travel.
Rock Climbing and Belaying: Scale impressive rock formations and learn advanced climbing techniques, including how to safely belay others and manage climbing groups.
Backcountry Living: Experience the full backcountry lifestyle, living in remote locations and learning the principles of Leave No Trace and sustainable wilderness practices.
Wildlife and Wilderness Awareness: Encounter the diverse wildlife and ecosystems of the Wind River Range while gaining a deeper appreciation for the natural world around you.
Gain a Diverse Skill Set That Will Serve You for Years to Come
Throughout this course, you’ll not only refine your technical outdoor skills but also gain invaluable leadership and teaching experience. Whether you want to pursue a career in outdoor education, guiding, or simply enhance your personal capabilities, you’ll leave this course prepared for any challenge.
Key Skills You’ll Develop:
Advanced Mountaineering Techniques: Learn how to safely navigate glaciers, ascend technical peaks, and manage mountaineering risks.
Rock Climbing and Instruction: Master the art of climbing and belaying, and develop the ability to teach climbing techniques to others.
Leadership and Group Management: Hone your decision-making, risk management, and communication skills to confidently lead groups through the wilderness.
Teaching Outdoor Skills: Gain the knowledge and tools to teach others essential outdoor skills, from navigation to campcraft.
Environmental Stewardship: Practice Leave No Trace principles and become an advocate for sustainable wilderness practices.
Photo credit: Kalli Schumacher
Detailed Itinerary of Skills Development and Leadership Growth
Your time in the Wind River Range will be packed with skills training, leadership development, and outdoor challenges. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
Day 1-3: Meet your instructors, receive gear orientation, and prepare for your wilderness adventure.
Day 4-10: Begin mountaineering training, including glacier travel, peak ascents, and navigation in alpine environments.
Day 11-17: Focus on rock climbing and belaying, gaining hands-on experience in leading and teaching climbing activities.
Day 18-25: Delve deeper into leadership and teaching strategies, including how to manage risk and lead group expeditions.
Day 26-30: Capstone experiences, where you will apply all of your skills in real-world outdoor scenarios.
Day 31: Return to base for a final debrief, feedback, and a graduation ceremony to celebrate your transformation.
Push Your Limits, Develop Resilience, and Achieve Personal Growth
This course is designed to challenge you in ways that will enhance your leadership abilities and personal growth:
Physical Endurance: Expect long days of hiking, climbing, and mountaineering, with demanding physical challenges that will test your stamina and resilience.
Unpredictable Weather: The Wind River Range’s weather is known for its rapid changes—learn to adapt and make quick decisions in unpredictable conditions.
Team Dynamics: You’ll work closely with a small group of participants, honing your communication and teamwork skills while learning to lead and follow.
Risk Management: Managing risk in wilderness environments is a key focus. You’ll gain the judgment to navigate challenges while ensuring the safety of your group.
The rewards of overcoming these challenges are immense—confidence, leadership skills, and a deeper connection to the wilderness that will stay with you throughout your career and life.
Photo credit: Will Harrison
Designed for Aspiring Outdoor Educators and Outdoor Enthusiasts Ready to Lead
This course is perfect for individuals who are passionate about outdoor adventures and are ready to take on the responsibility of leading others. Whether you’re pursuing a career in outdoor education, guiding, or looking to enhance your personal skills as a wilderness leader, this course will provide the knowledge and experience you need to succeed.
Prerequisites: Moderate fitness level and prior outdoor experience (such as basic hiking, climbing, or camping).
Ideal for: Aspiring outdoor educators, professional guides, wilderness instructors, and individuals seeking to elevate their leadership abilities.
Transform Your Outdoor Education Career and Make a Global Impact
Graduating from the NOLS Outdoor Educator course means joining a global network of outdoor professionals who are leading the way in education, exploration, and environmental stewardship. The leadership skills you’ll gain will not only transform the way you approach the wilderness but will also serve you in any career you pursue.
Are you ready to take the next step in your outdoor education journey? Enroll today and begin your transformation into a confident, capable outdoor leader ready to inspire others and take on the wild!