Anthony Samaripa
Unlock Your Climbing Potential in One of the Most Remote Wildernesses in the U.S.
Embark on an epic 21-day backcountry rock climbing adventure in the Wind River Range, Wyoming—a premier destination for climbers seeking to push their limits in a wild, untouched environment. This course is tailored for climbers who want to elevate their skills in advanced climbing techniques, wilderness navigation, and leadership—all while surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Wyoming backcountry. Whether you’re looking to refine your multi-pitch climbing abilities, master protection placement, or develop decision-making skills in remote settings, this immersive experience will take you to new heights—both literally and figuratively.
Photo credit: Prerna Dangiq
Beyond Climbing: Experience Leadership, Resilience, and Personal Growth in the Wild
This isn't just a climbing course—it’s an opportunity for personal transformation. As you face the challenges of climbing in some of the most remote terrain in the U.S., you'll develop technical skills and a deeper sense of resilience, leadership, and teamwork. Whether it's navigating tough climbing routes, making decisions under pressure, or adapting to the unpredictable elements of the backcountry, this course will stretch your abilities and expand your mindset. You'll leave with a new perspective on both climbing and leadership, equipped with the tools to take on the next big adventure in your life or career.
Climb, Hike, and Camp in Wyoming's Untouched Wilderness
The Wind River Range offers a climber’s paradise—majestic granite peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and remote valleys. Over the course of 21 days, you'll venture into this untouched wilderness, hiking to secluded climbing areas and camping beneath the stars. You’ll learn to navigate this rugged environment while gaining confidence in your climbing and wilderness skills. Each day offers new opportunities to challenge yourself, from technical rock climbing to off-trail navigation and camping. Along the way, you’ll witness diverse wildlife, encounter stunning panoramic views, and experience the sheer beauty and remoteness of one of the last wild places in the continental U.S.
Build a Comprehensive Skillset that Extends Beyond the Course
This course will equip you with advanced rock climbing skills and the leadership abilities needed to navigate complex backcountry scenarios. Throughout the course, you’ll focus on technical climbing skills and interpersonal dynamics, learning to manage risk, lead in high-pressure situations, and work cohesively in a small team. Key skills include:
Multi-Pitch Climbing: Master the techniques and strategies of multi-pitch rock climbing, including belaying, communication, and route-finding.
Protection Placement & Anchoring: Learn how to place and evaluate protection in varied rock types to ensure your team's safety.
Backcountry Navigation: Enhance your navigation skills for remote terrain, including map reading, compass use, and route planning.
Team Leadership & Decision-Making: Gain practical experience in leading a climbing team, making decisions under pressure, and managing group dynamics.
Wilderness First Aid & Rescue Skills: Acquire essential skills in backcountry first aid, emergency response, and self-rescue techniques.
Photo credit: Mara Gans
From Basecamp to Summit: Your 21-Day Adventure
The course is structured to build progressively, with each phase designed to reinforce technical skills and leadership abilities. Here’s an overview of what to expect:
Day 1: Meet your instructors, review course objectives, and gear up at the NOLS basecamp in the Wind River Range.
Days 2-7: Head into the backcountry, learning advanced climbing techniques, including multi-pitch routes and protection placement. Each evening will include debriefs and leadership discussions.
Days 8-14: Continue climbing while focusing on rescue skills and team leadership. Spend time developing wilderness navigation skills and exploring different climbing routes.
Days 15-20: Tackle challenging climbs and apply your leadership skills in real-time scenarios. Refine your technical abilities as you encounter diverse terrain and weather conditions.
Day 21: Return to basecamp for a final debrief and reflection on your journey. Celebrate your achievements with your team and instructors.
How Facing Adversity Will Shape Your Leadership and Resilience
In the backcountry, you'll face physical and mental challenges that will test your limits. From technical rock climbing to navigating unpredictable weather, these challenges will stretch your abilities and provide immense rewards. Here’s what you’ll learn to overcome:
Weather and Environmental Adaptability: The Wind River Range is known for its sudden weather shifts. You’ll learn how to adapt your plans and decisions on the fly, a critical skill for any backcountry leader.
Physical Endurance: Carrying gear, climbing technical routes, and hiking long distances each day will push you physically. You'll build strength and stamina, gaining the mental resilience to push through challenging moments.
Team Dynamics: Teamwork is essential in a remote backcountry setting. This course emphasizes the development of group cohesion, communication, and shared decision-making, all of which are fundamental to climbing and leadership.
By the end of this course, you’ll have advanced climbing skills and a deeper understanding of yourself and your capacity to lead in demanding environments.
Photo credit: Prerna Dangiq
Climbers Ready for the Next Level and Seekers of Personal Growth
This course is ideal for climbers with foundational rock climbing skills looking to take their abilities to the next level. Whether you’re an aspiring climbing guide, an outdoor educator, or someone looking to challenge yourself in the wild, this course is designed to help you grow technically and as a leader. While prior climbing experience is recommended, a strong desire to learn and push personal boundaries is the prerequisite.
Become Part of a Global Network of Adventurers and Leaders
When you complete this course, you’ll join the worldwide NOLS alumni community—a network of individuals who have used their NOLS experiences to thrive in careers, leadership roles, and personal ventures. These people have faced challenges, adapted to change, and led confidently. Are you ready to transform your climbing skills and leadership abilities? Sign up for Conquer the Peaks: A Backcountry Rock Climbing Adventure today, and begin your journey into the wild!
