Utah
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Supporting Documents
"The Red rocks 'ROCK!'
Wes and Ben were amazing!
I feel confident in my
abilities to lead a long trip
into the desert. Thanks again.
-Kristen W.
More Student Comments
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-Instructor Eli Fierer rappelling in a slot canyon.
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Utah Backpacking and Canyoneering; Leadership and Guide Training Course
(12 & 24 days)
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The Utah Desert is one of the more remote areas in the continental United States. Between Canyonlands National Park and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument there exists a landscape of red rock canyons, high mesas, lush river valleys and sandstone bluffs. This area offers varied terrain for exciting backpacking and technical canyoneering.
Picture friction climbing up a narrow sandstone slot as you navigate a desert canyon from top to bottom or turning a corner and finding a spring surrounded by green ferns, mosses and grasses in this arid land. The desert landscape is ideal for wilderness expeditions into the heart of canyon country.
This comprehensive backpacking and canyoneering course is the perfect setting to achieve your goals whether you are looking to become a professional guide, hone your technical abilities for personal adventures, or expand your leadership skills. It focuses on teaching students to be safe, efficient, knowledgeable and confident outdoor leaders in a winter mountain environment.
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Course Location This course takes place in the canyonlands of southern Utah. We choose from a variety of incredible routes that explore some of the most remote reaches of this region. The course starts and ends in Salt Lake City. Towering sandstone needles, secluded arches, slot canyons, remote pristine canyons, and broad vistas make up the amazing aesthetics that the canyonlands has to offer. The delicate ecosystem and profound geologic history of the southwest make for a great expedition and learning environment.
We will explore some of the most remote terrain in the continental United States. The delicate ecosystem and profound geologic history of Canyonlands National Park and Escalante National Monument make for great expedition and learning environments.
Along with the natural beauty of southern Utah comes rich cultural history, with 3,000 year old rock art revealing former habitants and their lifestyles. Carved out of vast sedimentary rock deposits, this area possesses remarkable natural features that support a fascinating desert ecosystem.
The Instructors and Guides of IWLS are widely recognized as some of the very best in their field and have practical leadership experience from around the globe. They are well trained and have an uncommon enthusiasm for sharing their skill and knowledge, borne out of a passion for outdoor exploration.
The International Wilderness Leadership Schools' educational model nurtures leadership development and creates an awareness of the guiding mentality that is essential for leading safe, fun adventures in the mountains. The combination of technical skills training, experiential education and practical leadership experience make the IWLS curriculum world class.
The IWLS General Curriculum outlines the essential components for effective outdoor leadership. Here are a few points that your course will focus on.
Leadership: Opportunities to lead the group will be abundant and you'll have the time to learn and practice multiple styles of leadership.
Natural and Cultural History: Having a strong understanding of cultural history, flora, and fauna is an integral part of leading people in an outdoor environment. You’ll learn some of the botany, ecology, and geology that apply to these remarkable areas.
Environmental Ethics: As adventurers in some of the most pristine environments on the planet, it is our duty to respect the natural world. All of our courses practice and teach Leave No Trace® principles.
Travel Techniques: Course instruction will help you discover ways to safely maximize your efficiency, whether hiking down a well-beaten path or traversing an exposed ridge.
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Photo: Eli Fierer |
IWLS Backpacking Curriculum prepares students for exploration into remote, backcountry settings. Here are some points we'll cover on your course:
Pre-trip Activities: Learn how to plan and prepare for an extended wilderness expedition. We’ll cover everything from technical camping equipment to group and personal expectations.
Stoves and Campfires: The ability to repair a broken stove, make an emergency fire after being submerged in an icy river, and melt snow efficiently for water are key components for leading a group in the wilderness.
River and Stream Crossings: In river crossings, attention to detail and safety are #1. You'll learn and practice safe techniques for wading across a small stream or doing a Tyrolean traverse across a raging river.
Geology: From plate tectonics to granitic batholiths, you'll learn the history of the land you are exploring and how these forces create and influence the environment around you.
Experience Level: No previous experience is necessary for this course. However, with a desire to learn and an enthusiasm for adventure, you'll develop the skills necessary for a lifetime of wilderness exploration.
Certifications upon completion of the 24-day course participants may qualify for the following certifications:
 Certified Outdoor Leader
Wilderness Education Association
24 Day Guide Training Certificate of Completion
International Wilderness Leadership School
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Click Here for all available certifications.
University credit is available for this and other IWLS courses.
Consider combining three 24-day courses for an IWLS semester!
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