With the leader in outdoor education
Our courses emphasize learning by experience, mentorship from expert educators, and the wild as your classroom. Every graduate leaves with real skills and the confidence to lead.
Serving people & the environment
To be the leading source and teacher of wilderness skills and leadership that serve people and the environment. For over 55 years, this mission has guided every expedition we run.
Mission & valuesBuilt for the real world
Every NOLS course is designed to develop leaders who thrive in uncertainty, with real skills that transfer to every part of life.
Leadership in the field
Lead real expeditions. Make real decisions. Build the kind of leadership that employers, admissions offices, and communities recognize and value.
Expert instruction
Learn from instructors with decades of field experience -- mentors who've dedicated their lives to outdoor education and helping students find their potential.
Leave No Trace
NOLS founded the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. Environmental stewardship isn't just something we teach -- it's part of who we are.
"NOLS didn't just teach me to navigate the backcountry -- it taught me to navigate life. The leadership skills I gained on my expedition shaped everything that came after."Sarah M. Spring Semester in Patagonia, 2024
Stories from the field
Gap Year Pros and Cons: Solo vs. Group
Explore gap year options between independent and shared programs to find the right fit.
Exploring the World and Finding Yourself
Discover gap year benefits including adventure, cultural immersion, and self-reflection.
Why Outdoor Leadership Matters More Than Ever
How wilderness education builds resilience, confidence, and the skills to lead in an uncertain world.
Custom programs for teams
Build confidence, resilience, and leadership through expeditions designed for your organization.
Custom Expeditions
Team training through expeditions that build confidence, resilience, and leadership -- designed around your organization's goals.
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Risk Management
The Wilderness Risk Management Conference and consulting services for organizations choosing responsible leadership in the outdoors.
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