NOLS Expeditions for Adults
Vacations are great for a week or two. NOLS’ outdoor adventures for adults teach real, practical skills in wild places for a lifetime of exploration.
NOLS Adult Expeditions are immersive 1- to 2-week wilderness experiences designed exclusively for adults 23 and over.
Gain hands-on experience in climbing, sailing, backpacking, and more, while learning to manage risk and make critical decisions with expert mentorship. By the end of the course, you'll be fully prepared to lead your own wilderness trips with confidence.
We’re Mission-driven to be Educators, not Guides
That means you’re the one learning to set up your tent, cook full meals on a camp stove, and be a leader in your group. While your instructors will provide mentorship and support, by the end of your course, their goal is to be your sidekick rather than your boss.
Connect with Others and Fully Own Your Experience
The benefits of a course like this go beyond paddling a kayak alongside ice-blue glaciers, or reading a map to navigate Alaska’s flower-studded valleys.
When you focus on learning, you gain trust in yourself, the communication skills to cultivate a group culture, and the confidence to take risks and attack challenges.
Adult Expedition Highlights
- Refining your personal leadership style
- Practicing Leave No Trace principles
- Connecting with and respecting local cultures
- Forming relationships with your peers
- Becoming a responsible, competent wilderness traveler
Blog: Stories from the Wild
How to Convince Your Boss to Let You Take a NOLS Course
Want to take a NOLS course? Here’s how to get your boss on board.
A Leader and Parent Reflects on Her Brooks Range Course
A parent talks about spending time away from family and in the wild in Alaska’s remote Brooks Range
