Nicholette Hilbrich
Set out on a transformative 14-day journey through the rugged backcountry of Wyoming, where you’ll learn the ancient art of horsepacking while exploring some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the American West. The Backcountry Horsepacking Adventure combines the thrill of wilderness travel with hands-on horsemanship training, perfect for young adults eager to challenge themselves, develop leadership skills, and deepen their connection with nature.
Photo credit: Matt Hage
This isn't just a horsepacking course—it's a chance to step outside your comfort zone and grow in ways you never imagined. As you trek through remote mountain passes and navigate winding trails on horseback, you’ll develop essential horsemanship skills and valuable leadership and teamwork abilities. By embracing the challenges of living and traveling in the wild, you’ll learn to think critically, make decisions under pressure, and lead with confidence. This course is designed to shape you into a resilient, self-sufficient adventurer who can navigate the wilderness with skill and determination, all while fostering a deep respect for the environment.
The heart of this adventure lies in the wilderness of Wyoming, a land of untamed beauty. From towering mountain peaks to crystal-clear streams, you’ll experience nature at its purest. You’ll ride through meadows filled with wildflowers, traverse alpine lakes, and camp under the endless skies of the high desert. This journey is more than just a scenic escape—it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in a remote, pristine environment where you can truly disconnect from the everyday and connect with something much greater. Throughout the course, you’ll encounter wildlife such as elk, bighorn sheep, and the majestic eagle, all while honing your horsepacking skills in this rugged terrain.
This course is designed to equip you with a comprehensive set of skills that blend technical expertise with interpersonal growth. You’ll gain confidence and knowledge that will last long after your course ends. Key skills include:
Horsemanship and Horsepacking: Learn to saddle, bridle, and ride horses in rugged terrain, gaining essential equestrian skills crucial for backcountry travel.
Leadership and Decision-Making: Gain hands-on experience in the field to develop leadership abilities. Learn to manage a group, make critical decisions in remote environments, and handle complex problems as they arise.
Wilderness Survival Skills: Learn how to navigate wilderness areas, manage backcountry camps, and make safe, informed decisions in the wild.
Environmental Stewardship: Understand the importance of Leave No Trace principles and how to minimize your impact on delicate ecosystems while exploring.
Teamwork and Communication: Strengthen your ability to work as part of a team, fostering trust and cooperation to achieve group goals in a challenging environment.
Photo credit: Matt Hage
Day 1: Meet your instructors and fellow participants at the NOLS Wyoming Basecamp, where you'll receive gear and instruction on horsemanship basics.
Days 2-12: Embark on the backcountry adventure, where you'll ride through remote mountain passes, develop your horsemanship skills, and engage in leadership and group-building activities. Each day will challenge you with new skills and opportunities to grow as a leader.
Day 13: Reflect on your journey, consolidate your skills, and share your experiences with your group as you return to the basecamp.
Day 14: Course graduation ceremony, where you’ll receive your course completion certificate and join the global NOLS community of outdoor leaders.
As with any adventure, the Backcountry Horsepacking Course comes with its challenges. This journey will test your physical endurance and mental toughness, from navigating difficult terrain to handling unexpected weather shifts. But the rewards of overcoming these challenges are immense. You’ll discover inner strength, build resilience, and develop a deep sense of accomplishment. Alongside your fellow participants, you’ll learn how to solve problems as a team, strengthen your leadership abilities, and adapt to ever-changing wilderness conditions. The skills and lessons you gain on this course will serve you long after you’ve returned to civilization.
Photo credit: Matt Hage
This course is designed for young adults eager to explore the outdoors, push their boundaries, and develop skills in horsemanship and leadership. Prior horsepacking experience is optional, but participants should be ready for a physically and mentally demanding adventure. Whether you're looking to start a career in outdoor education or simply want to challenge yourself in the wilderness, this course offers the perfect opportunity for personal growth.
By completing the Backcountry Horsepacking Adventure, you’ll become part of the NOLS global alumni network—a community of leaders, adventurers, and outdoor professionals who have pushed their limits, learned invaluable skills, and gone on to lead fulfilling lives. The confidence, skills, and relationships you build during this course will stay with you forever. Ready to saddle up and take the leap into the wild? Enroll today and start your journey into the backcountry.
