NOLS Blog
Case Study: Dental Emergency while Rafting
The Setting You are on day three of a 4-day rafting trip on the Rogue River in Oregon. The trip has been incredible so far. Great rapids, beautiful scenery, skies full of stars, and endless cups of hot cocoa. You’re almost to your campsite on day three, but have one more rapid to go. At…
Case Study: Sea Kayaking Slip
Oscar Manguy The Setting You are enjoying an amazing day of paddling on Prince William Sound in Alaska. ...
Gap Year Pros and Cons: Solo vs. Group
Taking a gap year can be a transformative experience that expands your horizons, fosters personal growth, and unlocks ...
Trip Report: Inaugural NOLS Alumni Climbing Trip In Greece
In May of 2025, the Inaugural NOLS Alumni Greece Climbing Trip traveled to the Greek island of Kalymnos, one of the most famous climbing destinations in the world. Our small but mighty group of alumni and NOLS instructors climbed, swam, staged breathtaking photo shoots, practiced climbing skills, visited nearby islands, sampled the best spinach pies…
Exploring the World and Finding Yourself: The Power of a Gap Year After High School
Discover the power of taking a gap year after high school—adventure, cultural immersion, and self-reflection highlight this transformative experience.
Case Study: Embedded Tick while Backpacking
Photo by Eva Darron The setting You’re on day 6 of a week-long backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail in New York. The last few days have been beautiful, and you’re so glad to be enjoying this time outside. You and your friends decide it’s time for a break, so you sit down to enjoy…
Instructor Spotlight: Caeden Greene
A NOLS experience can truly be a transformative experience for a young person’s life, and that was certainly the case for field instructor Caeden Greene. In high school, Caeden embarked on a 30-day Waddington Range Mountaineering Expedition (WAD), long known as one of NOLS’ most rigorous courses. The WAD expedition had such a profound effect…
Case Study: Jellyfish Sting in Paradise
Photo by Molly Hagbrand The setting You and your friend are enjoying some early morning sunshine and perfect waves while surfing on the Pacific Ocean. While waiting for the next break, you are sitting on your surfboard taking in the beautiful scenery when you hear your friend shriek. You ask what’s going on and they yell,…
Through the Diamond Heart of Brazil: Our Next Alumni Adventure!
Lush valleys, waterfalls, ancient ruins, and diamonds can all be found in Brazil’s Chapada Diamantina National Park, the backdrop for one of NOLS’ newest alumni trips. Murilo Bellese and Moaci Dantas, the trip’s primary architects, share a little more about the trip and what makes it special. Looking out over Chapada Diamantina National Park. Photo…
New Decision Results In Permanent Protection of the Wyoming Range
The USFS’s verdict settles that the Bridger-Teton National Forest is now off limits to any type of development; important habitat for wildlife is now protected.
James Edward Mills talks about why the face of outdoor adventure must change
Through the course of my conversations with different organizations, I interviewed the very first Director of Diversity and Inclusion at NOLS.
Bridger-Teton National Forest Conserving 40,000 Acres in the Wyoming Range
Today the Bridger-Teton National Forest announced almost 40,000 acres in the Wyoming Range are not available for oil and gas development.
16 Questions with Wilderness Medic Dave Webber
Read this interview with Dave Weber, who has worked as a rescue technician, remote site medic and skills instructor for the last 15 years.
Our Public Lands Are More Than Easy Money
In the spring of 1991 I headed south to Utah to work my first canyon hiking course for the National Outdoor Leadership School.
Why You Must Try Mountaineering At Least Once In Your Life
If you want to give this activity a chance, be prepared to either hate it, or be consumed by it. Start with either taking a course at like NOLS.
NASA Sending First African-American Astronaut to International Space Station
The roster includes Jeanette Epps, the first African-American to be sent to the ISS. She is aNational Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) graduate.
First African-American Crewmember To Join The International Space Station
Jeanette Epps will be the first African-AmericancCrewmember to join the International Space Station. Epps is a NOLS graduate.
Teens in the backcountry
Mayers took a multi-week National Outdoor Leadership School backcountry skiing and winter camping course as well as a Wilderness First Responder course.
Ladakhi Women’s Welfare Network Founder Thinlas Chorol to Speak at Yale
Thinlas traveled to attend Nehru Institute of Mountaineering and then the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) where she became a credentialed guide.
Meet Thinlas Chorol: Mountaineer and more
She attended the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) where she became a credentialed guide. She returned to Ladakh to open Ladakhi Women Travel Company.
How Gap Years Can Prepare You For College: A Semester in Patagonia
After several months and many reiterations of the Common App passed, I decided to defer from Colorado College and apply for a semester in Patagonia with NOLS.
