60 Years of Wilderness Leadership

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 wilderness medicine — creating experiences that transform how you see yourself and the world.

96%

Say NOLS
changed their life

$20M+

Scholarships
awarded yearly

100K+

WFR
graduates

Explore Our Programs

From weekend certifications to year-long expeditions, find the experience that matches your goals.

Oscar Manguy

Expeditions

Immersive wilderness experiences from one week to an academic year. Backpacking, mountaineering, kayaking, and more.

7-90+ days | Ages 16+

Oscar Manguy

Expeditions

Immersive wilderness experiences from one week to an academic year. Backpacking, mountaineering, kayaking, and more.

7-90+ days | Ages 16+

Oscar Manguy

Expeditions

Immersive wilderness experiences from one week to an academic year. Backpacking, mountaineering, kayaking, and more.

7-90+ days | Ages 16+

Oscar Manguy

Expeditions

Immersive wilderness experiences from one week to an academic year. Backpacking, mountaineering, kayaking, and more.

7-90+ days | Ages 16+

Explore All Courses

Trusted by Leading Organizations

NASA

REI

CORNELL

US ARMY

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE

300,000+ Alumni Worldwide

12 Global Campuses

60 Years of Excellence

4.9/5 Student Rating

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 are accomplished mountaineers, kayakers, and wilderness professionals.

Small Group Learning

With a maximum of 12 students per course and at least three 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

Here are some alumni whose lives were transformed by their NOLS experience.

Jane_Regan_Winds_AWT7_13_25_013
Director of Operations, Patagonia | NOLS Alumni 2018

Sarah M.

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.

If you are looking for some awesome, knowledgeable people to work with, these are the guys I highly recommend. Their friendliness and result-driven approach is what I love about them.

John Doe

Designation

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Matt Hage

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July 16, 2025

Explore the gap year pros and cons of solo vs. group programs to find the right balance for you between independence and shared experiences.

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Exploring the World and Finding Yourself: The Power of a Gap Year After High School

July 14, 2025

Discover the power of taking a gap year after high school—adventure, cultural immersion, and self-reflection highlight this transformative experience.

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.