The Pittsburgh Youth Leadership Expedition is a transformative 16-day backpacking expedition through the wilderness of Alaska. This course is a journey into some of the most remote, rugged, and breathtaking landscapes in the world—where every step challenges you physically, mentally, and emotionally.

You will hike through Ahnta and Denaina lands in the Talkeetna Range, a landscape shaped by glaciers, wild rivers, and towering peaks. You will travel and camp in a close community with expedition members and work together to build the team. Together, you will weather the uncertainty inherent in wilderness travel. Backpacking in the tundra offers a unique opportunity to hike off-trail, choose your own path, and hone your navigation skills.

Photo by Molly Hagbrand

Your course will focus on developing teamwork and leadership skills, along with technical outdoor living skills, in this beautiful wilderness. You’ll start with the basics: camp stove cooking, setting up tents, map and compass navigation, Leave No Trace practices, and hiking techniques. From there, you’ll move into more advanced skills like wilderness first aid, risk management, and decision-making, all while sharpening your leadership abilities. Depending on conditions, you may also have opportunities for peak ascents.

Once you’ve got the fundamentals down, you’ll get the chance to lead. Your NOLS instructors will slowly step back and give you space to learn and grow as individuals and a team. There will be a strong focus on learning how to adapt within a group, knowing when to support the team as an active follower, and when to step up and lead.

This course is designed to challenge you. Heavy packs, tough terrain, and long days will push you outside your comfort zone, but along the way, you’ll build a strong sense of community and leave with lasting memories.

Photo by Lukas Hallberg