A Continental Traverse

Explore the breadth of North America on this yearlong expedition unlike any other. Starting on the Green River of Utah and ending in the blue waters of the Sea of Cortez, on this course you’ll challenge yourself and grow as a person and as a leader.

Jamie O’Donnell

The expedition is divided into a fall and spring semester with a winter break in between, allowing for a deeply immersive wilderness experience. While the specific skills may vary depending on your course date, all courses feature a variety of outdoor skills that will prepare you to be a well-rounded outdoorsperson and leader. As with most NOLS courses, no prior experience is required.

Lauren Bally

The varying landscapes you may encounter include striking red rock canyons in Utah and the teeming waters of Baja California As you learn to live outdoors, rock climb, sail, kayak surf (unique to this course!) and more, you’ll receive hands-on mentorship from dedicated instructors.

Cass Colman

As you travel, you’ll progress through NOLS’ recognized leadership curriculum. Though some topics will be covered in sit-down classes, most of your learning will be from your daily experiences. Navigating rapids in a river will teach teamwork and resilience, while rock climbing will offer chances to grow in communication and navigation skills. Throughout your days, you’ll learn about each area’s wildlife and geology, gain insight into its history, and appreciate the simple living of the outdoors. A foundational course goal is building a strong community with your coursemates. You will earn an industry-recognized Wilderness First Responder certification—a perfect building block to a lifetime of exploring the outdoors.