Rock Climbing
Rock Climbing Gear Recommendations from NOLS Instructors
Get rock climbing gear recommendations from NOLS instructors! Learn what gear we use and our tips for caring for our equipment.
Beyond Rock Climbing Techniques: Building Leadership and Teamwork with NOLS
Learn rock climbing techniques, leadership, and teamwork through trust, self-awareness, and effective communication with NOLS.
Climbing and the Four Basic Needs: Tuning Into the “Why” Behind the Activity
The more I understand my reasons for rock climbing, the better I can transfer the lessons to the rest of my life.
National Geographic Recognizes NOLS Grad for “Biggest Free Solo of the Year”
National Geographic recognizes NOLS grad and WEMT Jim Reynolds for his unprecedented free solo climb up and down Patagonia’s Cerro Fitz Roy in March 2019.
4 Spring Break Trips You Haven’t Considered
Choose a different kind of spring break this year. Forget the touristy beaches and overcrowded ski resorts and dive into a real outdoor adventure!
Jimmy Chin’s Journey from NOLS to the Oscars
NOLS grad, former instructor, and current Board member Jimmy Chin shares reflections on adventure, storytelling, family, and his NOLS experience.
Spring Break 2020: Get Ready for Adventure
Make spring break 2020 the ultimate outdoor adventure! Join NOLS to paddle the Baja coast, backcountry ski in the Rockies, or rock climb in the Southwest.
Learning to Say “Thank You:” The Path to Building Community While Climbing
Instructor Andy thought improving at rock climbing was about knowing enough knots and climbing hard enough routes— but it turns out there's more to it.
Winter & Spring 2020 Expeditions Now Online
Don’t let these dates sneak up on you—summer’s going by quickly and winter will be here before you know it.
Instructor Expeditions of 2018
Learn about the personal expeditions NOLS instructors undertook in the mountains, rivers, and frontcountry for professional development in 2018.
Real-Life Scenario: Stuck on a Climbing Route
NOLS instructor Jake Blackwelder tells the story of a rescue on a rock climbing route in Moab, Utah.
55 and Climbing
I had registered for the women's climbing course for many reasons, but my essential motive was to be in a positive, supportive, and encouraging environment.
Tolerance for Adversity and Uncertainty in the Southern Andes
A NOLS instructor recounts adventures from a rock climbing trip in Chile and Argentina that highlighted the importance of positivity in the face of adversity.
New Courses for Fall 2017
We’re introducing five new courses to our fall lineup that are all 10 days or shorter. Enjoy!
4 Ways You Can Always Be Learning
A NOLS instructor reflects on how a rock climbing seminar inspired her to keep learning.
NOLS Rocky Mountain makes ‘back to school’ more fun
NOLS Rocky Mountain makes ‘back to school’ more fun
Why My Best Life Choice was Finishing College Early for NOLS
I ditched my phone, deciduous landscapes, and research papers to embark on the wildest thing I could think of: a NOLS Semester in the Southwest. I was nervous I wouldn’t be “good at” NOLS, but knew I wanted a life change more than perfection.
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