“Never before has the need to reconnect with nature and each other been more critical for our well-being. Modern distractions and current events have pulled us farther away from each other and how we were meant to be in the world. In the course of our time in the wilderness I will teach you not only the skills to confidently thrive in nature, but also guide you as you reconnect with the life-giving beauty and rhythms of the natural world. Together with the skills, confidence, and the awareness of what nature has to offer, you will leave with an experience that will last a lifetime.”
- Jordan Jonas, Wilderness Guide
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
Icelandic Adventure (7 Day)
Iceland is an incredibly unique place. Everyone should at least visit the land of fire and ice once! We have developed a trip that incorporates some of the most spectacular aspects of Iceland in areas that are far off the beaten path that no normal tour agency will take you. The Highlands of Iceland hold in them some of the most unique geographical features imaginable as glaciers meet volcanos.
My brother-in-law, Elli, just so happens to be one of the more knowledgeable outdoorsmen in Iceland being an adventurer raised outdoors by lifelong members of the Icelandic Search and Rescue team. Together we have developed and incredible trip that will get you off the beaten path and show you the best of Iceland that others won’t see. We will head into the Highlands, hike volcanic remnants below vast glaciers, kayak though remote lakes, drive (yes, you will get to drive too!) land cruisers through rivers and mountains, fish untouched rivers, and discover beautiful hot springs. The hot springs we have in mind were long forgotten and only discovered in modern times when Elli’s father studied old sheep-farmer texts and deduced where they were! There will be no better way to explore Iceland in such a unique way far from the tour busses. The price includes shuttles from the airport and a Hotel upon arrival/departure.
To Join write us at info@jordanjonas.com and we will get you the relevant details! Looking forward to exploring Iceland with you!
Wilderness Courses (6 Day)
Join survival expert and winner of the History Channel’s Alone season 6, Jordan Jonas, on a truly epic wilderness adventure. Every skill level is welcome, and there is plenty to learn for everyone! We’ll travel into the heart of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, the most remote wilderness the lower 48 has to offer. We will dive into what it takes to survive and thrive in the wilderness with lessons including hunting, archery, trapping, fire making, shelter building, crafting lures and fishing rods, preserving food and more! Examples of past experiences include:
Bringing a goat to learn to process animals in the field
Finding a moose that had been killed by wolves
Howling to wolves that had killed the moose
Processing a marmot and other small game
Exploring distant lakes to discover what fishing opportunities they held—including an impromptu lesson on what to do when you fall through thin ice!
Smoking and preserving fish in a cave
Calling in elk (we got one student to within 20 yards!)
These are my flagship outdoor courses! Arriving at a remote wilderness location, we will spend the next days exploring the area, learning skills, trading stories, and more all while experiencing nature in its purest form. We will approach our itinerary not with a strict regime, but with an adaptable mindset open to taking advantage of the unpredictable opportunities that arise in the forest. Having an open mind towards what we do is an important introduction to the soft skill of adaptability - a key aspect of the trio of soft skills that also includes ingenuity and resilience. We will delve into each of those and more as we spend time together throughout the week.
“Building relationships with the people that join me and imparting empowering knowledge is one of my favorite aspects of what we do!" I consider every person who has joined me on a course a friend, and it’s amazing how deep of a connection can be made in an undistracted week in nature.
These courses are designed to give us the time to really get to know one another, and to focus on skills and topics of particular interest to you as the student. As with all my courses, being in good physical shape is a huge advantage and will allow you to make the most of the experience (including embarking on the final overnight challenge mentioned above). Many individuals have used my coming courses as a motivation to get into shape, and I encourage you to do so also!
This trip will be guided by Cade Cole, Jordan Jonas, and Rich Jessop
For info about logistics, packing, and other important trip details, please visit our FAQs Page and book at info@jordanjonas.com.
Rite of Passage (6 day)
Never before has it been more necessary for us to teach our young people the value of overcoming challenges! Almost every culture has had a Rite of Passage as an integral part of coming of age. These were designed to be journeys young men went on that opened their eyes to the budding call of personal responsibility and opportunity that comes with adulthood. My goal with these trips are to facilitate an experience that will challenge them both physically and mentally as they push their boundaries and expand their capabilities - all while absorbing the lessons that nature gives that will be so valuable to their lives. They will explore the depths of their potential and character and realize they can achieve more than they thought possible. Disconnected from modern devices, surrounded by new faces they will have to navigate the path before them while they work together to go where few have gone before. In the process they will be taught invaluable survival skills that will equip them with the ability to tap into the outdoors whenever they need or want as they move into the future. They will explore, have fun, learn how to process an animal, how to take its life respectfully; they will sleep alone in the woods, feel hunger as they attempt to procure food, and climb remote peaks.
Hike, learn, progress, overcome, explore. Those who sign up should be roughly 15-19 and must be in good physical shape. Due to interpersonal and liability reasons only young men will be allowed on this trip, though we hope to expand offerings to young women in the future.
Guides: Jordan Jonas and Cade Cole Also, if you are a father/son team and would like to consider joining, you may be able to do that also. Book at info@jordanjonas.com.
Explorer’s Expedition (6 day)
The Explorer’s Expedition trip format is one I look forward to every year! With exploration, learning, adventure, and the unknown all packed into the course they are always fun.
TThis expedition will take you through an incredible cross-section of the remote Idaho wilderness and ultimately to a remote airstrip and a bush plane extraction. You will hike up river systems, visit hidden waterfalls, trek through old growth cedar groves, and climb to mountain lakes. Along the way you will learn the skills needed to be comfortable in the wilderness. See how your guides navigate new terrain and access the potential opportunities to find shelter, food, and more from the land. Though much is trailed, there will be areas where you will make your way through unknown, untrailed, and difficult terrain and explore a lakes rarely visited! You will be light, mobile, and cover ground. As you go, we will teach you skills that will enrich your experience of the outdoors - from fishing, shelter setups, and fire building; to foraging and navigating. Though not as extreme as the Advance Explorers Expeditions - we will still cross 35+ miles of both trailed and untrailed mountain terrain - rivers, boulder fields, and more so an appropriate level of physical fitness is a must. This is a route I have long wanted to put together into a trip as it has you visiting an incredibly diverse range of altitudes and ecosystems. This is a great option if you want to be pushed and cover fresh ground while you learn and explore, but feel the advanced version might be more than you can bite off.
The bush plane flight is included in the price! You will hike along rivers and lakes - feel free to bring a fly rod if you would like! Guides: Ben Jonas, Cade Cole, and Elli Thor Magnusson. Jordan will design the route and be there to see you off and greet you upon return from this route.
Book at info@jordanjonas.com.
Advanced Explorer’s Expedition (7/8 Day)
This is an expedition to some of the most remote wilderness areas in the lower 48. Navigate new terrain and access the potential opportunities to find shelter, food, and more from the land. Make your way through unknown, untrailed, and difficult terrain to explore a series of remote lakes, mountains, and valleys. If you are open to an adventure in which the unknowns outweigh the knowns, where you explore lakes and valleys few have been to and about which little is known - than this is it. Of course that means you must be extremely adaptable. You MUST be very fit, able to carry your pack, and mentally ready to tackle the challenges that the mountains bring. Physical hardship, steep off trail hikes, and more lie ahead, but if you are intrigued by the unpredictable experience that comes with exploring completely new areas - then this expedition is the course for you. Be light, mobile, and cover ground. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY PHYSICALLY DEMANDING COURSE AS THE TERRAIN WE ARE IN IS RUGGED, UNTRAILED, AND MOUNTAINOUS! Expect around 12,000’ of elevation gain and loss over 40 miles in 8 days This is the most freeform course you can join you explore the unknowns, challenges, beauty, and triumphs nature has to offer in wild and untouched lands. I encourage you to use this course as a fitness challenge starting now - use it to motivate yourself to be in the best shape possible. These will go to some of my favorite places in a course format that is also my favorite!
Hike in, Survive...Other than that, your guess is as good as mine! ;)
Guides: Ben Jonas, Cade Cole , and Elli Thor Magnusson. Jordan will design the route and will help facilitate and debrief. Due to personal obligations, Jordan cannot guide this course, though he will help send you off and greet you upon completion. Book at info@jordanjonas.com.
Family Adventure (4 days, 3 nights)
There is nothing quite as satisfying as watching children run around outside as they get into the outdoors, expand their capabilities, and build experiences and memories that will last them a lifetime. Every year I make a point to take my kids out on several multi-day trips into the wilderness and this year I wanted to share that opportunity with other families! Bring your family and accompany our fleet of wonderful llamas and guides as we pack you and your kids into a beautiful wilderness lake and spend 4 days and 3 nights learning fun skills, exploring the area, and encouraging the kids to push their boundaries. I bought the first llamas I own specifically to facilitate family trips as it quickly became clear I couldn’t pack enough food and gear to keep us out there as long as I would like without them - plus they are lovable and friendly and make the time out much more fun for everyone. We will learn skills, fish, explore, swim, enjoy the freedom of the wilderness, and have lots of laughs around the campfire in a trip that won’t be forgotten!
There is a 5 mile hike to get to our camp - but it will be trailed (and full of huckleberries), our packs will be light (thanks to the llamas), and we will take our time as we encourage the kids to push themselves in a healthy way.
Guides: Michela Carrier and Cade Cole!
For info about logistics, packing, and other important trip details, please visit our FAQs Page and book at info@jordanjonas.com.
Group/Team Building Events
Years of running expeditions and courses has made me realize that the adventures I offer are ideal team building events. With remote work more common that ever, these are opportunities for building team cohesion that are necessary and far superior to just time shared in an office. There is nothing quite like the bonding that comes with time shared in the wilderness together. Overcoming challenges as a team, undistracted conversations, shared unforgettable adventures and more make for an extremely efficient way of getting to know one another. Take advantage of this unique offering by contacting me at info@jordanjonas.com.
Private Bookings
Contact us for more information and to let us know the details of your specific request for a private booking. (family courses, hunting trips, corporate events, bachelor parties, etc). We can also organize elk, deer, and predator hunts!
Let us know the course you are interested in and we will follow with the next steps!
Summer 2024 Course Schedule
| Course Name | 2025 Available Dates | Course Price |
|---|---|---|
| **Wilderness Course**: Jordan Jonas, Cade Cole, Rich Jessop | June 23-28 | $3100 |
| **Rite of Passage**: Jordan Jonas, Cade Cole | June 30-July 5 | $2950 |
| **Explorer's Expedition**: Ben Jonas, Elli Thor/Cade Cole | July 10-15 | $2900 |
| **Advanced Explorer's Expedition**: Ben Jonas, Elli Thor/ Cade Cole | July 17-24 | $3100 |
| **Family Adventure**: Cade Cole, Michela Carrier | Aug 24-27 | $1600 |
| **Iceland Adventure**: Jordan Jonas, Elli Thor | Aug 25-31 | $6800 |
| **Private Expeditions, Requests, Teaching Engagements, Corporate Events** | Contact for Details: info@jordanjonas.com | Contact for Details |
PLEASE ADD 6% IDAHO SALES TAX
Interested in a Private/Custom Course?
Our survival team can create custom courses to meet your needs whatever they be. Any location or time frame can be accommodated from hourly Q&A’s and discussions to multi-day excursions and training sessions. Specific attention can be given to team-building, a resilient mentality, or hard survival skills. Contact us for more information and to let us know your specific desires for a private booking.
My Wilderness Survival Team
Ben Jonas
Always fearless, Ben had an adventurous spirit from a young age. When he was 17 he hitchhiked down the west coast and from there began riding freight trains - something he would do for the subsequent 7 years. In doing so, he spent more nights under the stars in all kinds of weather and environments than most will in their lifetime. In both urban and remote settings he relied on his toolkit of skills and creativity to see him through countless unpredictable situations.
His incredible ingenuity and adaptability was again put to the test when he appeared on the show Alone: The Beast. There he survived on a musk ox for a month with absolutely no tools. In processing the animal with only stone tools, chasing off bears, making pottery, and catching fish with natural cordage and a gorge hook his ingenuity allowed him to overcome and thrive during the month long adventure. He has always given generously to others and when he does well so do others around him. His generosity and character permeate how he teaches, making him a powerful teammate in any adventure. Not to mention - interesting stories around the campfire will undoubtedly abound!
Cade Cole
Cade is an incredible hunter and a good friend. His appearance on Alone season 10 was only one chapter in a life full of outdoor adventures. He is always willing to go the extra mile(s) for those lucky enough to have him as their guide. His lifelong passion for the pursuit and conservation of North American wildlife has earned him great success as a hunting guide, with an outstanding reputation as an expert hunter and tracker. He currently resides in the foothills of the Wind River Mountain Range of Wyoming with his wife, Danielle and their son, Clifford.
Rich Jessop
Rich was born and raised in Montana. A family man who has spent his entire life fishing, hunting, and exploring the area he is deeply knowledge of the fish and animal habits and movements in our area. While his lifelong interest in fly-fishing has made him a master of the art, he is also an incredible teacher and conversationalist. Every trip Rich joins is made better for his attentiveness, readily available knowledge, and genuine interest in people and ideas. He will always put in the extra effort to help you succeed and few things bring him more joy than watching a student have success.
Michela Carriere
Michela is Cree-Metis adventure guide from Big Eddy Lodge, 55 km upriver of the nearest town, Cumberland House, SK. She lived her whole life with her family off the grid, deep in the wilderness of the Saskatchewan River Delta, a wild ecosystem and the largest inland delta in North America.
Michela has gained extensive experience hunting and trapping game while working with her father and mother on their traditional trapline. Her father is World Champion canoe paddler Solomon Carriere, who impressed on her the history, skills, and ethics of their cree-metis ancestors. Her mother is the world-class land-based educator Renee Carriere who guided her along her journey into teaching and sharing her knowledge.
She appeared on season 11 of Alone.
Biko Wright
With the heart of a mountain Viking and the soul of a skald, Biko is most at home in the wild. He grew up in the mountains of Topanga Canyon, California, where his parents shared with him their love of the wilderness. Family vacations involved camping, backpacking, snowboarding, snorkeling, spear fishing or hunting. Wilderness and survival skills were prized in his family. Biko’s father, a former Los Angeles sheriff’s sergeant and Marine veteran, shared a passion for wilderness outings and hunting and fishing, that he learned from his own father as a child in Fiji. “In a survival situation,” was Biko’s dad’s constant mantra. He taught Biko and his older brother everything about wilderness survival training. His mom rambled the canyon trails with Biko, his dogs and his friends. When he was older, Biko trained with his Dad’s search and rescue team and he even participated in avalanche training.
Biko placed second in season 8 of Alone, displaying fortitude and an exemplary mental approach during his time in with wilderness.
John Hale
John - a native of North Idaho - has been one of Jordan’s closest friends for decades. He took his first steps at an elk camp and has spent time in Alaska as a commercial fisherman, mining, and was a professional MMA fighter. There is no doubt that food procurement is a huge part of survival and in this realm John excels. He is an excellent hunter and master fisherman, knowing the details of animal and fish habitat and behavior. Coupled with that knowledge is a unique mental fortitude forged by a deep integrity with which he has faced the numerous trials he has overcome throughout his life. The resulting growth allows him to thrive and overcome physically difficult situations and sh.
On top of that, John is an excellent teacher and able to patiently and clearly transmit his knowledge to individuals who are ready to learn. This reflects his attentiveness and genuine desire to see others excel and be the best they can be.
Past Trip Gallery
