What Veterans Expeditions does

Veterans Expeditions is a 501c3 veteran-led nonprofit organization founded in 2010 and headquartered in Salida, Colorado. Its mission is to empower veterans to overcome challenges associated with military service through outdoor training, leadership development, and community connection. The organization runs guided expeditions across rock climbing, mountaineering, mountain biking, ice climbing, backpacking, skiing, and snowshoeing, operating in the Mountain West, Pacific Northwest, Northeast, and Southeast United States through a network of regional trip leaders. Programming spans beginner-friendly events at venues like Staunton State Park and intermediate-to-advanced expeditions at locations including Seneca Rocks (West Virginia), Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan (Washington), Mt. Superior (Utah), Moab, and the Monarch Crest (Colorado).

The business model combines event registration fees (tiered from $0 for select veteran beginner events to $150 for non-veteran premium events), branded merchandise sales (t-shirts, hoodies, caps, beanies priced $20-$45), donations processed through Network for Good, and corporate sponsorships from outdoor brands such as Osprey, Black Diamond Equipment, Sterling Ropes, Mountain Hardwear, and Hilleberg. The go-to-market is community-led, relying on veteran-to-veteran referrals, regional leaders, and social media rather than traditional sales outreach. The leadership bench includes founder and Executive Director Nick Watson (former 75th Ranger Regiment, 25-year outdoor professional), Field Director Nate Perrault (Marine veteran and Denali/Cerro Mercedario summiteer), and a board composed almost entirely of veterans from West Point, US Air Force Academy, Virginia Military Institute, US Marine Corps, US Army Special Forces, and British Army backgrounds.

The organization is small (1-10 employees) and volunteer-driven, with revenue not publicly disclosed. Its core assets are the talent and credibility of its trip leaders, the trust of the veteran community, and the institutional relationships with major outdoor brands that supply in-kind gear. Marquee recurring events include the Monarch Crest Crank mountain biking fundraiser (26 years running) and the 9/11 Climbing Series at Seneca Rocks.

Name

Veterans Expeditions

Legal name

Veterans Expeditions

Website

https://vetexpeditions.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Veterans Expeditions is a 501c3 veteran-led nonprofit that organizes outdoor expeditions—rock climbing, mountaineering, mountain biking, and ice climbing—for military veterans, funded through event fees, donations, merchandise, and outdoor brand sponsorships across four US regions.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Veteran Outdoor Recreation Services

NAICS

Tour Operators (56152), Tour Operators (561520)

akta.pro primary industry

Hiking, Trekking & Mountain Guiding (THAJABAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Hiking, Trekking & Backpacking Tour Operators (THAAADAA), Rock Climbing, Mountaineering & Via Ferrata Guides (THAAADAC), Adventure Therapy & Therapeutic Wilderness Programs (THAAAOAG)

Keywords

• Veteran outdoor recreation
• Veteran support services
• Outdoor adventure programs
• Nonprofit veteran services
• Experiential outdoor training

Headquarters

HQ city

Salida

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices8 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Event Registration Fees: The organization generates revenue through ticketed events including rock climbing, mountaineering, mountain biking, and camping trips. Event pricing varies by activity type and participant category (veteran vs non-veteran), with prices ranging from $0 for some veteran tickets to $150 for premium events. Additional service fees apply per ticket.
2. Merchandise Sales: The organization sells branded merchandise including t-shirts, hoodies, caps, and beanies through their e-commerce shop on the website. Products are priced between $20-$45 and are sold on-demand.
3. Donations: The organization accepts donations through Network for Good platform, with a dedicated fundraiser linked to Veterans Day.
4. Corporate Sponsorships: The organization receives product and financial support from outdoor industry sponsors including Osprey, Black Diamond Equipment, Sterling Ropes, Mountain Hardwear, and other outdoor brands.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Veterans Expeditions organizes guided outdoor expeditions and training programs for military veterans, including rock climbing, mountaineering, mountain biking, ice climbing, backpacking, skiing, and snowshoeing. Activities range from beginner-friendly to advanced expeditions and are delivered through regional trip leaders across the Mountain West, Pacific Northwest, and Northeast US. The organization also sells branded merchandise (t-shirts, hoodies, caps, beanies) on its website to support operations.

Product overview

Veterans Expeditions is a 501c3 veteran-led non-profit organization that operates a portfolio of outdoor recreational experiences for veterans, rather than a technology product. The core offering consists of guided outdoor expeditions including rock climbing, mountaineering, mountain biking, ice climbing, and backpacking. The organization also maintains a merchandise line (shop) featuring branded apparel including trucker caps, hoodies, t-shirts, and beanies sold through the website. The products and services are interconnected through the organization's mission to empower veterans through outdoor training and leadership development, with merchandise sales supporting operational funding.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Veteran Outdoor Expeditions Program Veteran-led outdoor recreational activities including rock climbing, mountaineering, mountain biking, ice climbing, and backpacking trips designed to build community and support veteran mental health and quality of life. Activities range from beginner-friendly to advanced expeditions and are offered across the Mountain West, Pacific Northwest, and Northeast US regions.
• Short Sleeve T-Shirt (Tri-Blend) Tri-blend fabric vintage-style t-shirt with 50% polyester, 25% combed ring-spun cotton, 25% rayon; pre-shrunk, 40 singles, side-seamed construction. Priced at $25.00.
• Trucker Cap Six-panel trucker cap with mesh back, cotton/polyester blend with adjustable plastic closure. Sold as branded merchandise supporting the organization.
• Classic Trucker Cap Classic trucker cap with 47% cotton, 28% nylon, 25% polyester, structured five-panel high profile design with flat bill and snapback closure. Priced at $35.00.
• Short Sleeve T-Shirt (On-Demand) On-demand printed t-shirt made from Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, or US sourced blank product.
• Unisex Hoodie Cotton-polyester blend hoodie with 100% cotton face, 65% ring-spun cotton, 35% polyester, front pouch pocket, 3-panel hood. Priced at $45.00.
• Cuffed Beanie 100% Turbo Acrylic beanie, 12 inches in length, hypoallergenic, unisex style, hand washable. Priced at $20.00.

Quantifiable outcome

• Veteran participants report improved quality of life and reconnection to community and nature

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• OspreycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOutdoor gear manufacturer providing equipment sponsorship to support veteran outdoor expeditions and programs.
• Black Diamond EquipmentcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerClimbing and outdoor equipment manufacturer providing gear sponsorship for veteran climbing programs.
• Sterling RopescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerRope manufacturer providing equipment support for climbing and mountaineering expeditions.
• Mountain HardwearcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOutdoor apparel brand providing clothing and equipment sponsorship for veteran programs.
• Hilleberg TentscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPremium tent manufacturer providing shelter equipment for expeditions.
• Therm-a-RestminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSleeping pads and outdoor comfort equipment sponsor.
• KahtoolaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOutdoor equipment manufacturer providing traction devices and gear.
• Princeton TecminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLighting equipment manufacturer providing headlamps and lights for expeditions.
• Arc'teryx Washington DCminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPremium outdoor apparel brand with local retail presence supporting veteran programs.
• Alpha CoffeeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCoffee brand supporting veteran causes through sponsorship.
• UncannaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOutdoor nutrition and补给 brand providing product support.
• Rocky TalkieminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTwo-way radio manufacturer providing communication equipment.
• Monarch Community OutreachminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal nonprofit organization partnering on community events and outreach.
• Subculture CyclesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal bike shop providing raffle prizes for fundraising events like the Monarch Crest Crank.
• Mike's Garage Salida, COminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal business sponsor based in Salida, Colorado.
• Big Dave's Bagel Deli N. Conway, NHminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal food business sponsor supporting Northeast region events.
• Flatbread Pizza N. Conway, NHminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal restaurant sponsor for Northeast region activities.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Leave No Trace: Outdoor ethics and education nonprofit active across the same recreation venues. Comparable on outdoor community footprint and nonprofit operating model; adjacent rather than competing.

Direct peers

• Outward Bound Veterans: National outdoor education nonprofit running multi-day expeditions for veterans, including climbing, backpacking, and paddling courses. Most directly comparable peer on mission (outdoor challenge for veterans) and delivery model (guided adventure trips).
• Higher Ground: Nonprofit providing adaptive outdoor recreation including skiing, climbing, and fly fishing for veterans and persons with disabilities. Comparable on therapeutic outdoor programming for the veteran demographic.
• Team Rubicon: Veteran-led nonprofit organizing disaster response and outdoor service missions. Comparable on veteran-led operating model and outdoor execution, though its core mission is disaster response rather than recreation.
• No Barriers: Nonprofit that empowers veterans and people with disabilities through outdoor expeditions, including climbing and paddling programs. Comparable on outdoor adventure as therapeutic vehicle for veterans.
• Soldier On: Nonprofit providing housing, employment, and outdoor therapeutic programs for homeless and at-risk veterans. Comparable on multi-faceted veteran support including outdoor programming.
• The Heroes Project: Nonprofit that takes wounded veterans on mountaineering and climbing expeditions including major peaks. Directly comparable on climbing/mountaineering focus and veteran population served.
• Warrior Hike: Nonprofit that organizes long-distance hiking trails for veterans to combat PTSD and transition challenges. Closely comparable on veteran-specific outdoor therapy mission and trail-based delivery model.

Broad incumbents

• Move United (Disabled Sports USA): National nonprofit network providing adaptive outdoor sports including skiing, climbing, and cycling for veterans and people with disabilities. Comparable on adaptive outdoor recreation; broader in scope than VetEx.
• Big City Mountaineers: Nonprofit that organizes backcountry outdoor trips for under-resourced youth. Comparable outdoor expedition model though serving youth rather than veterans.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCeKOrtr0Vd_7EL0fiRlD91A
• Facebookfacebook.com/VetExpeditions
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/veterans-expeditions
• Instagraminstagram.com/veterans_expeditions

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles29 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Veterans Expeditions