David Anderson
Embark on an extraordinary 87-day journey through the rugged wilderness of the western United States. This immersive outdoor program offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain hands-on experience in rock climbing, whitewater paddling, canyoneering, backpacking, and backcountry skiing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced adventurer, this course will challenge you to push your limits while acquiring essential outdoor skills, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, canyons, and rivers.
Throughout this expedition, you’ll not only sharpen your technical skills but also grow as a leader. The program includes Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certification, a credential that enhances your qualifications and prepares you for any challenge in the field. By the end of the semester, you’ll have transformed into a confident and capable leader, ready to tackle real-world challenges with confidence.
Photo credit: Carly Gutermuth
The Semester in the Rockies isn’t just a wilderness adventure—it’s a life-changing journey that will reshape your perspective on leadership, teamwork, and personal resilience. As you explore vast canyons, navigate wild rivers, and scale towering peaks, you’ll engage in dynamic, hands-on learning that prepares you for a wide range of outdoor activities. More importantly, you’ll develop the kind of leadership skills that will serve you in every aspect of life—whether in school, your career, or personal relationships.
Key Transformative Experiences Include:
Learning to lead in high-pressure situations, such as river rescues or navigating steep, technical terrain.
Gaining a deeper understanding of yourself and your leadership style through real-world outdoor challenges.
Building lifelong friendships with fellow participants, united by a shared passion for adventure and growth.
Photo credit: Carly Gutermuth
This course takes you through some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the western United States. From the towering peaks of the Rockies to the remote canyons and flowing rivers, you’ll experience the full range of environments that the wilderness has to offer. Each day will present new adventures and opportunities to refine your skills.
Rock Climbing: Scale the rugged cliffs of Colorado or Utah, where you’ll learn everything from basic techniques to advanced climbing maneuvers.
Whitewater Paddling: Paddle through rapids and assess river hazards, developing the skills to lead in challenging river environments.
Backpacking: Trek through some of the most pristine wilderness areas, gaining critical navigation, survival, and outdoor living skills.
Canyoneering: Explore hidden desert canyons and master the technical aspects of this unique discipline.
Backcountry Skiing: In winter months, take to the snowy peaks of the Rockies, honing skills in avalanche safety, skiing, and winter camping.
The program is designed to offer an exciting variety of activities, ensuring that every day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth.
Photo credit: Eric Page
Throughout the semester, you’ll gain a comprehensive set of skills that will not only make you a more competent outdoorsperson but also help you lead in complex, dynamic environments. These skills include:
Rock Climbing Techniques: Develop skills for top-rope climbing, lead climbing, and belaying, building confidence in both your climbing abilities and leadership in technical settings.
Whitewater Safety and Paddling: Learn river navigation, risk assessment, and emergency response techniques, with the added bonus of earning Wilderness First Responder certification.
Canyoneering Skills: Master ropework, rappelling, and navigating tight, technical terrain.
Backpacking and Wilderness Navigation: Refine your ability to navigate using maps and compasses, plan sustainable backcountry routes, and execute Leave No Trace principles.
Leadership and Decision-Making: Lead your peers through challenging scenarios, learning to balance group dynamics, problem-solving, and decision-making under pressure.
First Aid & Risk Management: Gain valuable wilderness first aid skills and the knowledge to assess and manage risks in dynamic environments.
The Semester in the Rockies is a carefully structured program that progresses from foundational skills to more advanced challenges. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:
Days 1–5: Meet your instructors and fellow adventurers at the NOLS campus. Begin with an introduction to the course, gear, and basic skills training. Kickstart your journey with rock climbing and outdoor living essentials.
Days 6–20: Dive into backpacking, wilderness navigation, and rock climbing. Begin building leadership skills and teamwork through group challenges and field exercises.
Days 21–40: Start your river training, including whitewater paddling and swiftwater rescue. Take on technical canyoneering routes and continue building leadership and decision-making abilities.
Days 41–60: Take on more advanced rock climbing, continue with backcountry skiing (seasonal), and practice risk management in real-world scenarios. Leadership roles evolve as you take on greater responsibilities within the group.
Days 61–80: Challenge yourself with multi-day expeditions in varied environments. These immersive experiences will test your skills and push your limits, as you apply everything you’ve learned in real-world conditions.
Days 81–87: Wrap up the course with an intensive leadership development module. Reflect on your journey and growth before graduating as a confident, capable leader ready to tackle life’s next challenges.
Photo credit: Andrew Golenski
The course will challenge you physically, mentally, and emotionally. From navigating steep, rugged terrain to paddling wild, unpredictable rivers, you’ll need to draw on your resilience, adaptability, and leadership to succeed. Here’s a glimpse at some of the challenges you’ll face:
Physical and Mental Endurance: You’ll be carrying heavy packs, scaling technical rock faces, and paddling through intense rapids—each requiring stamina, focus, and a willingness to push beyond your comfort zone.
Leadership in Action: The ability to make decisions for yourself and your group in challenging environments will be tested daily. Whether you’re leading a team through difficult terrain or managing a river rescue, you’ll gain valuable experience in high-stakes decision-making.
Group Dynamics and Teamwork: As a member of a small, tight-knit group, you’ll need to work closely with others, balancing leadership with cooperation, patience, and empathy.
By the end of the course, you’ll have developed not just outdoor skills, but the mental and emotional resilience needed to lead and thrive in any environment.
The Semester in the Rockies is perfect for individuals who are ready to challenge themselves and grow—whether you're a beginner or an experienced outdoor enthusiast. This course is ideal for:
Aspiring outdoor leaders and guides looking to gain practical skills, wilderness medicine certification, and leadership experience.
Adventure lovers seeking a transformative experience in the wilderness.
Anyone looking to improve their decision-making, resilience, and teamwork in dynamic, real-world situations.
No prior experience is required, but a willingness to push your boundaries and embrace new challenges is essential.
By completing the Semester in the Rockies, you’ll join the ranks of the global NOLS alumni community—a network of leaders, adventurers, and professionals who are shaping the future of outdoor education and adventure. This course will provide you with lifelong skills, unforgettable memories, and connections that will support you throughout your career and beyond.
Are you ready to step up, take the lead, and embark on the adventure of a lifetime? Join us in the Rockies and transform the way you approach life and the wilderness.
“ Above all, I learned how to make my voice heard, to be organized, to deliver constructive feedback, embrace hardship and the unknown, be intentional, and to live minimally.”
