Welcome to the

2023 Tayseer Outdoor Leadership Expedition

Find the Creator in His creation.

Leadership. Outdoors. Suhbah.

Join us from July 22-July 29, 2023 for a backpacking expedition where you will immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Titcomb Basin in the Northern Winds of Wyoming. This course is designed to teach students the skills and knowledge needed to travel in the backcountry. We will develop important leadership skills, put our bodies to the test, and build connections with other Muslims in an environment that facilitates inner reflection, connection to the natural world, and connection to the Divine.

Why an Outdoor Expedition?

It is our philosophy that sometimes, the best classrooms can be found in the natural beauty of Allah’s creation, and that some things are better learned through experience. Imam Al-Ghazali writes in his letter Ayyuhal Walad,

You should be aware that some of your questions addressed to me cannot be answered in writing or in speech. If you attain that state (of iman) then you know what it is, otherwise it is impossible to know, since it is a matter only known by experience, and whatever is known by experience cannot be described in words. It is known that the sweetness of sweet and the bitterness of bitter cannot be known except by tasting.

It is one thing to intellectually understand concepts like patience, gratitude, resilience, prioritization of the collective over oneself, and reliance on Allah ﷻ, but it’s another thing entirely to experience those qualities, to force yourself to embody them, to go through difficulty as a group, and to rise above it all. 

The difficult moments we experience in the mountains expose us to our own selves – our strengths and our weaknesses – and give us the opportunity to embody qualities that we want to possess. You won’t know gratitude until you make wudu from a cold mountain stream before dawn and appreciate your warm bed at home. You won’t know sacrifice until you have to set aside what you want, simply because the group as a whole takes priority over you.

You learn that no matter how quickly you want to walk, how far you want to go, what you want to eat, when you want to stop, it’s a collective effort and decision: it’s not about YOU.

In the wilderness, you know with absolute certainty that you are truly at the mercy of Allah ﷻ. And nothing can describe the sweetness through it all. The beautiful moments that happen throughout. Watching the mist on top of the lake as the sun rises, finding views that inspire awe and wonder at the creation of Allah ﷻ, spending evenings around the campfire telling stories and sharing wisdom before bed, or cooking culinary surprises that you can never fully replicate when you get back home.

Companionship through it all! Beginning your day with Fajr and the remembrance of Allah ﷻ and ending it with Isha and Quran, all alongside other believers. No words here can encompass the experience of this expedition, the relationships you build with your team, the things you learn about yourself, the trials – physical and emotional – you go through as part of the journey. And so it is our hope that through this experience, students will be able to learn about themselves deeply, develop knowledge and skills that will serve them well throughout their lives, and ultimately connect to the One who created it all.

Questions? We've Got Answers!

Send an email to [email protected]

As for the earth, We spread it out and placed upon it firm mountains, and produced in it every type of pleasant plant—˹all as˺ an insight and a reminder to every servant who turns ˹to Allah˺.

The Holy Qur'an—50:7-8

Application Form

Please complete application form and pay $200 application fee.

Upon acceptance into the course, participants must pay an additional $300 logistics fee. More information about fees can be found in the FAQ.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is our rendezvous point?

We will rendezvous in Denver, CO and then drive together to Pinedale, WY. There, we will hold an orientation to go over route information, check individual gear, outline expectations, and cover safety protocols before beginning our expedition. The exact address will be sent 2 weeks prior to the trip.

How long will we be in the backcountry?

Our route will be around 30-40 miles, and will take 7 days from start to finish.

What is our exact route?

InshaAllah, we will be backpacking into Titcomb Basin, the crown jewel of the Northern Winds mountain range.

What personal clothing will I need?

Here are the materials you will need. Please note, you should not have cotton for any of your materials.

  • 2x Underwear (Exofficio is great. Make sure they’re antimicrobial.)
  • *Sisters* – 2x Sports bra
  • Baselayer pants
  • Baselayer top
  • Hiking pants (Nylon is preferable) 
  • Camp pants (Wool or synthetic)
  • Rain pants 
  • Hiking shirt (Wool or synthetic)
  • Camp shirt (Wool or synthetic)
  • Fleece 1/4 zip
  • Puffy insulated jacket (for cold nights)
  • Rain jacket (goretex is best)
  • Windbreaker (lightweight shell to protect from wind)
  • Hiking boots
  • Light, close-toed camp shoes (crocs are great)
  • Sun hat
  • Warm hat/Beanie 
  • Buff 
  • 3x Wool socks (2 for hiking 1 for sleeping)
What personal gear will I need?
  • Hiking backpack at least 60L-70L 
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Small pillow (inflatable is best)
  • Trekking poles
  • 2x Water bottles (you can just reuse 2 smartwater bottles)
  • Tooth brush
  • Toothpaste
  • *Sisters* – Feminine hygiene products
  • 2x Bandanas for washing yourself or dishes
  • A few quart ziploc bags to carry out trash/waste
  • Food bowl with lid
  • Utensils for eating
  • Lighter for starting stoves or fires (if permitted)
  • Sunscreen 
  • Sunglasses 
  • Watch 
  • Headlamp or flashlight
  • Bug spray
Can I bring additional personal items?
You can bring extra accessories, like books/kindle, snacks/comfort food, camp seats and cameras, but remember that you will be carrying everything on your back, so keep the weight in mind.
How much will our backpacks weigh?

With personal gear, group gear, and food taken into account, our final pack weight can be anywhere from 40-60 pounds each. We will distribute weight based on the size, strength and capability of each individual.

How should I prepare physically for this trip?

This trip is essentially 7 days of walking up and down mountains while carrying heavy backpacks. In order to prepare and reduce risk of injury, focus on workouts that will strengthen your legs and back. It’s also a great idea to hike as much as possible, and to go on hikes with weighted backpacks to prepare yourselves for carrying weight.

How much will this trip cost?

There is a $200 application fee (refundable) due upon your application to Tayseer’s Outdoor Leadership Expedition. Upon admission, you will be charged an additional $300 logistics fee to cover

  • ground transportation from Denver to Wyoming
  • two hotel nights
  • group gear
  • food.

This fee is mandatory for all participants.

If you want to go fast, go alone.
If you want to far, go together.

Past Expeditions

Wyoming 2022

Wyoming 2021

Wyoming 2020

Alaska 2019

THANKS FOR SCHEDULING

We look forward to being in touch with you soon inshaAllah.

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