NOLS Blog

Stories from the field

Advice, stories, and inspiration from the wilderness

MACHU PICHU

Backpacking the Vilcabamba Valley to Machu Picchu Alumni Trip: Inaugural Trip Reflection

An Interview with Kellsie Forbes, NOLS Alumni Trips Manager Where did the idea to create an alumni trip to explore the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu come from? Jorge Anhalzer, a NOLS instructor from Ecuador, and his friend Sam Husley, a NOLS instructor who lives in Peru, proposed it last year. It’s such a spectacular place. Most of our alumni…

Kellsie Forbes August 2026 5 min read
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All Alumni Expeditions Gap Year Gear Leadership Wilderness Medicine
5 Things You Already Do That Make You a Female Outdoor Leader
Articles

5 Things You Already Do That Make You a Female Outdoor Leader

Just a few things many women already do that make them leaders in the outdoor activities they love.
Annalise Grueter October 2015 1 min read
Why Outdoorsy People Make the Best Co-workers
Articles

Why Outdoorsy People Make the Best Co-workers

Someone who can laugh at the end of an 18-mile hike through the mud is definitely the co-worker you want…
Molly Herber October 2015 1 min read
History Comes Alive for the 10th Mountain Division
Articles

History Comes Alive for the 10th Mountain Division

In celebration of NOLS' 50th anniversary, read how the school's founder, Paul Petzoldt, trained the 10th Mountain Division before establishing…
Molly Herber October 2015 1 min read
Anniversary Amble Athletes Abound
Articles

Anniversary Amble Athletes Abound

Anniversary Amble Athletes Abound
Casey Adams October 2015 1 min read
Waking Up in the Wilderness
Articles

Waking Up in the Wilderness

Carolyn remembers her choice between comfort and wilderness, a life of what's easy and a life of healthy challenges.
Carolyn Highland October 2015 1 min read
NOLS HQ Starting to Create Solar Power
Articles

NOLS HQ Starting to Create Solar Power

NOLS HQ Starting to Create Solar Power
Madelyn Wigle October 2015 1 min read
Look Good, Feel Good: How Gear Has Evolved over the Past 50 Years [Infographic]
Articles

Look Good, Feel Good: How Gear Has Evolved over the Past 50 Years [Infographic]

Look Good, Feel Good: How Gear Has Evolved over the Past 50 Years [Infographic]
Molly Hunt October 2015 1 min read
5 Things Not to Miss at NOLS’ 50th Anniversary Party
Articles

5 Things Not to Miss at NOLS’ 50th Anniversary Party

5 Things Not to Miss at NOLS’ 50th Anniversary Party
NOLS Blog October 2015 1 min read
The NOLS Guide to Fall Clothing
Articles

The NOLS Guide to Fall Clothing

The NOLS Guide to Fall Clothing
NOLS Blog October 2015 1 min read

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