DownWest Semesters

Why choose DownWest Semesters?

We believe in the transformative experience of outdoor adventure; in the power of lacing up your boots, putting on your pack and getting out there on foot, with the support, guidance and leadership of a close-knit team; in the learnings of thoughtful conversations in camp, with rocky peaks and flowing rivers as your backdrop; in the personal growth that comes from collaborating with a team to design, plan and lead an outdoor expedition.

We're excited to provide these experiences to gap students, ages 17-22.

If you are looking for an alternative to being on campus during the fall or spring semester, join DownWest for an outdoor experience with peers, as you navigate western rivers, backpack mountain ranges, bike quiet gravel roads and grow as a leader while learning about the locations you visit and the people who call those places home.

Website

www.downwestsemesters.com

Community Photos

Reviews

I had an amazing experience with DownWest Semesters. Alec & Howie (the founders) put so much love and thought into the program and sent us to some of the most beautiful places in their respective states. They combine the kind of backpacking that you would find on a NOLS or Outward Bound course with readings that give you an appreciation and intellectual understanding of the places you travel (e.g. Wildfire season in the mountain west, controversies about filling Lake Powell, local Native American tribes...). We got to explore very remote and beautiful places but our instructors and Alex & Howie always made sure we were as comfortable as possible (like bringing our favorite foods in the food re-ration period and making sure everyone had warm enough gear). Couldn't recommend it enough!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

It was so wonderful to step away from all the chaos of the world and be without our phones in such beautiful places. I would really embrace focusing on your relationships within the program and being ready to leave everything else behind for the 6 weeks of your trip. And keep a journal!

I had a really great experience with DownWest Semesters. Alec and Howie, the founders, were very helpful in helping me prepare for the trip and supported me throughout my trip. The trip was very well planned out and was executed flawlessly. The instructors Emily, Hilary, and Adam were all fantastic and were a great addition to the trip. I think I grew a lot as a person on this trip, and really enjoyed my time. I highly recommend this trip to anyone considering it, and I promise you will have a great experience!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Prepare to step back from your phone for a few weeks and take advantage of the people around you and what you're doing. It's really amazing to be able to put your responsibilities and life at home on hold and live in the moment.