Venture into the breathtaking canyons of Southern Utah on a transformative 7-day lightweight backpacking expedition. This course offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning red rock landscapes of the Colorado Plateau with minimal gear, all while learning vital wilderness skills. Traveling light allows you to focus on the raw beauty of the desert canyons, where every step is an adventure and every sunrise a moment of awe. Whether you're navigating narrow slots or enjoying a quiet evening under the stars, this course will equip you with the knowledge to travel efficiently, safely, and with confidence in the backcountry.
Experience the Power of Traveling Light in Southern Utah's Remote Canyons
On this course, you'll experience the thrill of traveling light through one of the most rugged and stunning landscapes in the world. The focus on lightweight backpacking—using minimal gear—will teach you to prioritize efficiency while maintaining safety and comfort in the backcountry. With a pack weight of just 20–30 pounds, you’ll be able to cover more ground, manage your energy better, and truly immerse yourself in the wild. You will learn to make tough decisions on what gear to carry, how to navigate complex terrain, and how to work closely with a team to achieve your shared goals. This course isn’t just about packing light—it’s about gaining confidence in your ability to make smart, informed choices under challenging conditions.
Through your experience in the canyons, you'll learn how to assess risks, make decisions in dynamic environments, and push your limits, all while embracing the power of simplicity. The personal growth you'll gain from the course extends far beyond the trail, making it a true life-changing experience.
Photo credit: Terry Lui
Explore the Rugged Beauty of the Colorado Plateau
The canyons of Southern Utah offer an unforgettable wilderness experience. Over the course of 7 days, you’ll hike through awe-inspiring terrain that includes deeply carved canyons, expansive mesas, and rock slabs that challenge your navigation skills. As you travel, you’ll pass through areas rich in both natural and human history. From ancient rock art to hidden petroglyphs, the landscape is a testament to thousands of years of human culture and environmental change.
Expect to spend your days navigating rocky, steep terrain, scouting safe routes into narrow canyons, and crossing cool desert waters. You may find yourself lowering packs down rock slabs or squeezing through tight spaces between towering cliffs. Along the way, you’ll encounter wildlife such as rattlesnakes, desert cacti, and a range of unique plant species, giving you the chance to learn and appreciate the delicate balance of desert ecosystems.
With an average group size of 8-12 students and two experienced NOLS instructors, you'll work closely with your team to tackle the challenges of this rugged environment, building skills, trust, and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Master Essential Outdoor Skills for Wilderness Adventures
This course will teach you how to travel light, plan efficiently, and lead with confidence. You’ll be immersed in a curriculum designed to equip you with a blend of technical wilderness skills and leadership strategies that will serve you in the backcountry and beyond. Some of the core skills you'll learn include:
Lightweight Backpacking Techniques: Master the art of packing efficiently, using lightweight stoves and gear, and reducing pack weight without sacrificing safety or comfort.
Navigation and Route-Finding: Gain confidence in using topographic maps, compasses, and natural features to navigate complex, off-trail canyon systems.
Leave No Trace Practices: Learn essential principles for minimizing your environmental impact, ensuring that you preserve the beauty of the canyonlands for generations to come.
Leadership and Teamwork: Practice leadership and followership in a backcountry setting, learning how to make decisions as a group, adapt to unforeseen challenges, and communicate effectively.
Risk Management: Develop the judgment to evaluate hazards in dynamic desert environments, including water scarcity, extreme temperatures, and wildlife encounters.
By the end of the course, you'll have the skills and knowledge to plan and execute your own lightweight backpacking trips, wherever your next adventure takes you.
Photo credit: Liz Schultz
Day-by-Day Breakdown of Your 7-Day Lightweight Backpacking Adventure
Day 1: Meet your instructors and fellow participants, review essential gear, and begin your expedition with an orientation to the terrain and weather conditions.
Days 2-4: Begin your hike through the varied landscape, learning the basics of lightweight backpacking, map reading, and route-finding. You'll cover approximately 10-15 miles per day, navigating both canyon bottoms and mesa tops.
Days 5-6: Tackle more technical terrain, including canyon descents and water crossings, while honing your leadership and decision-making skills. You'll also practice your lightweight cooking techniques and explore backcountry safety practices.
Day 7: Conclude your expedition with a final day of reflection and team-based leadership activities, followed by a debrief and celebration at the end of the journey.
Adaptability and Resilience in Southern Utah's Rugged Terrain
The canyons of Southern Utah present a dynamic and ever-changing environment. You’ll need to be prepared for extreme shifts in temperature—from scorching heat to cold, rainy weather. Subfreezing temperatures are common, particularly at night, and storms can develop quickly. Being able to manage cold, wet conditions and adapt to sudden weather changes will be crucial to your success on this course.
The terrain is challenging and requires constant attention to route-finding. Steep cliffs, rocky slopes, and dense cacti may slow your progress at times. You’ll need to be mindful of your surroundings, especially when navigating loose rock or steep descents. The rugged terrain demands patience, teamwork, and a strong sense of situational awareness.
Water is also a critical challenge in the desert. Water sources are scarce and often several miles apart, so you’ll need to be prepared to carry sufficient water for the group as you move from one source to the next.
Photo credit: Anthony Samaripa
For Adventurous Spirits Ready to Learn and Grow
This course is designed for those who are eager to challenge themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally. Whether you're an aspiring outdoor professional, an avid hiker, or someone seeking a transformative wilderness experience, this course will give you the skills to travel light and lead confidently in the backcountry.
No prior backpacking experience is required, but participants should be in good physical condition and ready for the demands of hiking in rugged terrain.
Become Part of a Global Network of Outdoor Leaders
Completing this course means joining the global NOLS alumni network, a community of leaders, outdoor professionals, and adventurers who share a passion for wilderness exploration, environmental stewardship, and leadership. Your time in the canyons will not only provide you with lifelong skills, but it will also open doors to future adventures and career opportunities.
Are you ready to step into the wild, embrace the challenge, and transform your approach to the outdoors? The journey of a lifetime begins here.