Backpacking

IWLS backpacking courses are held in some of the wildest and most scenic areas on earth. From the remote alpine tundra of the Yukon Territory to the red rock canyons of Utah. These backpacking courses teach participants to be safe, knowledgeable and confident leaders in a backcountry setting.

Imagine route finding across a vast expanse of tundra in Canada’s Yukon Territory or working with fellow participants to cross a swift creek rushing out from glacially fed valleys. Enjoy a gourmet backpack meal while nestled in between beautiful red rock canyon walls in Utah's Canyonlands. Our backpacking courses explore a variety of terrain and locations, while teaching you skills at the highest standard of the outdoor industry.

  • Crossing over the Chilkoot Pass in late June Crossing over the Chilkoot Pass in late June
  • Group crossing a creek on the Cottonwood Trail, Kluane National Park, Yukon Territory Group crossing a creek on the Cottonwood Trail, Kluane National Park, Yukon Territory
  • Following in the footsteps of stampeders on the Chilkoot trail looking for gold and gorgeous scenery Following in the footsteps of stampeders on the Chilkoot trail looking for gold and gorgeous scenery
  • Setting out on a 5-day backpacking trail in Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monument Setting out on a 5-day backpacking trail in Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monument
  • Setting out on a 12 day hike of the Donjek Route in Kluane National Park Setting out on a 12 day hike of the Donjek Route in Kluane National Park
  • Hikers on the Chilkoot Trail enjoying a bluebird day crossing into Canada Hikers on the Chilkoot Trail enjoying a bluebird day crossing into Canada
  • North Cascades National Park offers great backpacking and camping in late summer North Cascades National Park offers great backpacking and camping in late summer
  • Sunset glow camping in the alpine, British Columbia Sunset glow camping in the alpine, British Columbia
     

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*Starting from prices, per person, in USD

Utah/Nevada Backpacking & Canyoneering

Price: $2950*

Backpacking and canyoneering trips in southern Utah are perfect for individuals seeking their first canyoneering adventure, or experienced desert travelers looking for an exciting challenge. Participants will learn canyoneering skills in a safe and fun environment and explore some of the most fascinating desert topography in the world.
  • Destination: Grand Staircase & Escalante National Monument
  • Activity: Backpacking
  • Difficulty: 3 out of 5
  • Duration: 12, 24 days
  • Meeting Point: Salt Lake City, Utah

Yukon Backpacking

Price: $3250*

This 12 day leadership & guide training course explores the Yukon Territory. We'll backpack through a pristine wilderness setting in Kluane National Park, a landscape where you may step over the speckled eggs of a groundnesting bird or watch a grizzly bear feasting on roots growing in the out wash of a glacial river. Students will learn important backpacking skills and develop their leadership abilities.
  • Destination: Kluane National Park, Yukon Territory
  • Activity: Backpacking
  • Difficulty: 3 out of 5
  • Duration: 12 days
  • Meeting Point: Haines, AK

*Starting from prices, per person, in USD