Your Outdoor Classroom

Unlock Your Potential With Outdoor Education

Learn By Doing

With the Leader in Outdoor Education

All NOLS courses, from immersive wilderness expeditions to classroom-based wilderness medicine courses, are designed around learning by experience, mentorship from expert educators, and wilderness. Students finish their outdoor education courses inspired and empowered to act as leaders in their community.

Programs

Spring Semester in the Rockies with WFR

Global Healthcare Semester in Tanzania

Wilderness Medicine and Rescue Semester

Serving People & The Environment

Committed to Community and Wilderness

NOLS’ mission is to be the leading source and teacher of wilderness skills and leadership that serve people and the environment. Our community—staff, students, trustees, and alumni—shares a commitment to wilderness, education, leadership, safety, community, and excellence.

Featured Expeditions

Spring Semester in Baja

Spring Semester in Patagonia

Canyons Outdoor Educator with Hybrid WFR

Summer Semester in the Rockies – 16 and 17 only

Patagonia Cultural Expedition

Wind River Hiking – Adult

Stories From The Blog

Gap Year Pros and Cons: Solo vs. Group

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.

For Organizations

Training for Your Team

Your team needs confidence, resilience, and leadership to accomplish their goals. Build your team’s capacity and potential through proven experiential learning. Learn more about NOLS custom expeditions.

Wilderness Risk Management Conference

Risk management planning is valuable for anyone who ventures off the beaten path. Whether you take your family hiking or run an established program, choosing to invest in risk management planning is choosing responsible leadership.