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.

Climber looks down at her feet while ascending a slab

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.

girl wearing purple top holds hands out while swimming underwater with a snorkel

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!

4 Spring Break Trips You Haven't Considered

colorful kayaks pulled ashore on a sandy beach in Baja with calm turquoise water behind — Photo by Molly Hagbrand

Which of these items is on your spring break wish list?

Snorkel beside a coral reef.
Ski untouched powder.
Climb a towering granite crag.
Wait in a long lift line and at overcrowded ski resort.
Wade through litter and hordes of people at a touristy beach.

smiling Jimmy Chin rock climbing, as seen from above

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.

NOLS kayaks on a sandy beach in Baja with turquoise water and coastal mountains

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 ...

A climber wearing blue helmet glances below her from high on a rock wall

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 ...

Kayakers on the coast with green hills in the background

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.

Mountaineering on a snowy slope on Mount Logan on a sunny day

Instructor Expeditions of 2018

Learn about the personal expeditions NOLS instructors undertook in the mountains, rivers, and frontcountry for professional development in 2018.

Rescue team assembled on the wall with iconic redrock spires in the background

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 ...

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 ...

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.