# Deer Hill Wilderness Leadership

26-day expedition-leadership course in the American Southwest for ages 16-18: canyoneering, San Juan Mountains backpacking, peak ascents, and a cross-cultural service project at Zuni Pueblo.

## Key facts

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Organization | Deer Hill Expeditions |
| Category | leadership |
| Cost | $6,850 |
| Deadline | Rolling / check official site |
| Eligibility | Grades 11–12 |
| Format | In person |
| Location | Mancos, CO |
| Apply | https://www.deerhillexpeditions.com/programs/wilderness-leadership/ |

## About this program

# Deer Hill Wilderness Leadership

Deer Hill Expeditions has run nature-based expeditions in the American Southwest for more than 40 years from its basecamp in Mancos, Colorado, and was named the Association for Experiential Education's 2019 Organizational Member of the Year. Wilderness Leadership is its longest and most demanding course - a 26-day expedition built specifically around teaching students to lead groups in the backcountry.

## What You'll Do

- Start with basecamp orientation in Mancos, Colorado, then move through four expedition phases
- Canyoneer in southern Utah's slot canyon country
- Backpack and complete peak ascents in Colorado's San Juan Mountains
- Complete a cross-cultural service project at Zuni Pueblo, logging 40 service hours
- Take on expedition leadership training and student-led travel days throughout the course

## Who Should Apply

The course is built for students "Ages 16-18" who are ready for a month-long expedition with real physical demands and leadership responsibility. Deer Hill invites families with questions about age or grade fit to call the office directly. Students enroll through Deer Hill's online application; scholarship information is published alongside the course.

## Outcomes

Students leave with technical canyoneering and mountain travel skills, 40 documented service hours from a genuine cross-cultural partnership, and sustained practice leading a peer group through consequential decisions in the field - the closest thing to a full expedition-leadership apprenticeship available at high school age.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does Deer Hill Wilderness Leadership cost?

Deer Hill Wilderness Leadership costs $6,850. Many paid programs offer need-based financial aid or fee waivers — check the official site before ruling it out.

### Who is eligible for Deer Hill Wilderness Leadership?

Deer Hill Wilderness Leadership is open to high school students in grades 11–12. Some programs have additional requirements (GPA, coursework, essays, or recommendations) — the full criteria are on the official site.

### Is Deer Hill Wilderness Leadership online or in person?

Deer Hill Wilderness Leadership is an in-person program based in Mancos, CO.

### How do I apply to Deer Hill Wilderness Leadership?

Apply directly through Deer Hill Expeditions's official website. ExtracurricularHub links to the official application — we list and verify programs but don't process applications.

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Last updated: 2026-07-28.
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