Become Who You're Meant to Be
NOLS transforms lives through wilderness education. We teach leadership, build skills, and develop the confidence to face any challenge — in the backcountry and beyond.
We Don't Just Take You Into the Wilderness
We teach you to lead yourself and others through it. Since 1965, NOLS has been the leader in wilderness education, developing leaders who make a difference.
Our courses combine technical outdoor skills with leadership development, risk management, and environmental ethics — creating experiences that transform how you see yourself and the world.
Explore Our Programs
From weekend certifications to year-long expeditions, find the experience that matches your goals.
Expeditions
Immersive wilderness experiences from one week to an academic year. Backpacking, mountaineering, kayaking, and more.
Wilderness Medicine
Earn certifications trusted worldwide: Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, and Wilderness EMT.
Semester & Year
Deep immersion for gap year students, college programs, and anyone ready for extended transformation.
Teen Courses
Summer programs for teenagers ready to challenge themselves and discover who they can become.
Leave No Trace
Become a certified Leave No Trace trainer. Learn minimum-impact wilderness ethics.
Alumni Trips
Reconnect with the NOLS community on expeditions designed exclusively for graduates. Adventure awaits.
The NOLS Difference
What makes a NOLS course different from any other outdoor program? It's how we develop leaders.
Expert Instructors
Our instructors average 12+ years of field experience. They're accomplished mountaineers, kayakers, and wilderness professionals.
Small Group Learning
With a maximum of 12 students per course and at least 3 instructors, you get personalized attention and mentorship.
Industry Standard
NOLS certifications are recognized worldwide. Our Wilderness Medicine courses train professionals across 40+ countries.
Academic Credit Available
Earn up to 27 semester hours of credit through the University of Utah. Apply your experience towards your degree.
Leave No Trace Leaders
As the original Leave No Trace partner, we've shaped environmental ethics education for 60+ years.
Lifelong Community
Join 300,000+ alumni who share your commitment to leadership and the outdoors, connected across every industry and continent.
Stories from the Trail
Hear from alumni whose lives were transformed by their NOLS experience.
My NOLS course didn't just teach me outdoor skills. It fundamentally changed how I approach challenges, lead teams, and understand myself. The lessons from those 30 days in Wyoming have shaped every decision in my career.
"I came for the WFR certification. I left with a new perspective on leadership and a confidence I never knew I had."
Marcus T. — WFR Graduate, 2023"My daughter came back from her teen course a different person — more confident, more capable, more compassionate."
Jennifer L. — Parent, 2024"Best decision I ever made. The semester in Patagonia was hard, beautiful, and completely life-changing."
David K. — Semester Alumni, 2022Latest from NOLS
View All Stories
What Expedition Behavior Can Teach Us About Team Dynamics
Lessons from the wilderness that apply to every workplace.
WFR vs WFA: Which Certification Is Right for You?
A complete guide to choosing your wilderness medicine path.
From NOLS Student to NASA Astronaut: Maria's Journey
How wilderness leadership prepared her for space.
Ready to Discover What You're Capable Of?
Join 300,000+ alumni who have transformed their lives through wilderness leadership education. Your adventure starts with a single step.
