Wilderness

red, yellow, and purple wildflowers amongst rocks in the mountains

Alumni in Action: Utah Officials Support National Parks

Randy Aton, NOLS alum and Springdale city councilman, discusses the balance between wilderness and community.

Selfie shot of a group of smiling backpackers with a rainbow in the background

Business Undergrads Look to Wilderness Expeditions for Leadership Training

Senior Student Program Coordinator & academic advisor for Canfield Business Honors Program at UT Austin sees her students grow in surprising ways ...

Backpacking group overlooking river valley in Scandinavia

Why We Leave Phones Behind on NOLS Courses (and Why You Should Do It More Often)

We're not saying you should never bring your phone camping. But here are some good reasons to consider a tech-free adventure.

Pitching a Tent in Dinwoody Cirque Wind River Mountaineering

3 Ideas to Feed Your Inner Wild

NOLS mountaineering grad Will Harrison shares tips on adjusting to city life and incorporating lessons learned outdoors to life at home.

3 Ideas to Feed Your Inner Wild

line of hikers wearing backpacks trek up a snowfield with blue sky and clouds above — Our Wind River Mountaineering crew on Goat Flat. Photo by Will Harrison.

As NOLS alumni and outdoor enthusiasts know, it’s a strange process returning to the frontcountry. From trying to suppress thoughts that not everywhere is a restroom, to resisting the urge to lock your phone away forever, there’s a little bit of wilderness that gets tangled with our inner selves and is constantly looking for a way out.

If you’re like me and living in a bigger city, going to school, or just looking to find a trail to feel back in the woods again, here are some tips you can use to survive in the city.