Southwest Instructor Course

Credit: Jared Steinman

Southwest Instructor Course

This 24-day instructor course combines foundational leadership training with a 16-day backpacking expedition in the Gila Wilderness and focused top-rope rock climbing in Arizona’s iconic Cochise Stronghold. You and your coursemates will travel using both traditional and lightweight backpacking techniques in New Mexico’s Gila Wilderness—America’s first designated Wilderness area. Your Southwest Instructor Course will build on the outdoor and education experience you already have, while allowing you to fine-tune your teaching and leadership skills. Successful completion of this instructor course will prepare you to work wilderness backpacking courses for NOLS.

Learn more about instructor courses with NOLS here. 

APPLICATIONS FOR 2019 INSTRUCTOR COURSES ARE NOW CLOSED.

Check back in August for the 2020 instructor course application. 

Here is a sample of the instructor course questionnaire.

Dates

Dates

2020 Dates

April 2 – April 25, 2020

Tuition: $2,995
Apply now

Specifics

All course information at a glance

Tuition

$2,995
Learn about Financial Aid & Scholarships

Equipment Deposit

$250

Duration

24 days

Minimum Age

21 yrs.

Academic Credit

4 College Credits
  • 2 Outdoor Educator
  • 2 Leadership
Learn about Academic Credit

Certifications

Leave No Trace - Master Educator

Downloads

Course Description

Equipment List

Travel and Logistics

Start/End

Tucson, Arizona

Fly in/out

Tucson, Arizona

Skills learned

Backpacking

Lightweight Backpacking

Rock Climbing

Additional Details

Prerequisite: Minimum of a 70-hour Wilderness First Responder and current adult CPR certification

See Photos and Videos from Students and Instructors

Student gleefully taking a break in between two cliff walls
Five students beginning a trek across the southwest range
Student takes a look at the southwest landscape
Student gazes across the Arizona desert
Students gather together to discuss the route ahead, in the Arizona landscape
Student gazes off into the sunset from an overhang as the sun sets over the horizon
Students travel through a tight canyon section in Arizona
Student preparing a meal in Arizona landscape
Students enjoy a campfire amidst the rugged Southwestern desert landscape.
Students traverse mountainous region in Arizona landscape
Students traveling through Arizona landscape in a group
Students traversing the rocky landscape of the Arizona landscape

What Our Grads Say

“The NOLS experience—at least for me—crystallizes one universal truth about leadership: that the essential criterion for leadership is uncertainty. It is in these situations where true leadership is defined. NOLS empowers us to embrace uncertainty, to overcome obstacles and to see opportunity through challenge. NOLS reminds us to explore, to be curious and creative in our thinking and problem solving. NOLS highlights the value of mindfulness, reflection, and adaptability. NOLS reinforces the importance of compassion and empathy and reminds us that we are all is this together.” 

— Joe O., NOLS Southwest Instructors Course grad

Start Your Experience Today

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