Brad Christensen
Set off on an unforgettable journey down the Green River and experience the rush of whitewater rafting and kayaking through the awe-inspiring landscapes of Desolation and Gray Canyons. Over the course of 16 days, this NOLS expedition will challenge your skills, build your leadership abilities, and immerse you in one of the most stunning and remote wilderness areas in the U.S. As you navigate through rapids, learn essential outdoor skills, and work as part of a tight-knit team, you'll develop the confidence and resilience needed to face any challenge, both on and off the river.
Photo credit: Lauren Bally
Experience a life-changing adventure that goes beyond whitewater skills. The Green River course isn’t just about rafting—it’s about personal growth, leadership, and overcoming obstacles in an unpredictable, wild environment. From mastering technical skills to leading your team through rapids, every day will test your limits and offer opportunities for self-discovery. By the end of this course, you'll have the tools to lead with confidence, make decisions in high-pressure situations, and navigate the complexities of both wilderness and life itself. Whether you're looking to develop a deeper connection with nature or grow as a leader, this course offers an unmatched opportunity for transformation.
Embark on a journey through some of the most beautiful and remote wilderness in the American West. The Green River cuts through the rugged terrain of Desolation and Gray Canyons, offering dramatic cliffs, isolated desert landscapes, and hidden side canyons to explore. You'll spend your days navigating 200+ miles of swift-moving waters, tackling whitewater rapids, and camping under the stars in pristine, untouched wilderness. Along the way, you'll gain firsthand insight into the rich history of Dinosaur National Monument, including its ancient geological formations and fossil discoveries, all while learning the NOLS approach to wilderness leadership and group dynamics.
This course will equip you with a wide range of technical and interpersonal skills that will serve you long after you’ve finished the trip. Throughout the 16-day adventure, you'll master the following key skills:
Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking: Learn essential paddling techniques, from basic strokes to advanced maneuvers, and become proficient at navigating different types of rapids.
Leadership and Decision-Making: Develop the ability to lead in challenging, fast-moving environments, balancing group needs with individual capabilities.
Risk Management: Learn how to assess and manage hazards, ensuring your team’s safety while handling whitewater challenges and unpredictable conditions.
Group Dynamics: Practice effective communication, collaboration, and decision-making, strengthening your ability to lead, follow, and contribute to group success.
Leave No Trace and Wilderness Ethics: Understand and implement environmental stewardship principles to minimize your impact on the land and water.
These skills will enhance your outdoor expertise and help you thrive in high-stakes situations, both in nature and in professional or personal environments.
Photo credit: Scott Eubank
Day 1: Meet your instructors, receive an introduction to river safety and rafting equipment, and prepare for the adventure ahead.
Day 2-5: Begin your descent of the Green River, learning whitewater rafting techniques, navigation, and team-building skills. You’ll face new rapids and challenges each day, strengthening your leadership and problem-solving abilities.
Day 6-10: Explore Desolation and Gray Canyons, take part in daily reflections, and continue building on your whitewater and leadership skills. You’ll have the opportunity to kayak through calmer sections of the river to enhance your paddling skills.
Day 11-15: Tackle more complex rapids, practice wilderness decision-making, and learn how to manage group dynamics in challenging conditions. You'll have time to explore the area’s unique cultural and geological features along the way.
Day 16: Return to base camp for a debrief, celebrate your accomplishments, and join your fellow adventurers in reflecting on the experience before you head home.
The Green River presents physical and mental challenges that will push you to your limits. The demanding nature of rafting through remote wilderness and the ever-changing river conditions will test your adaptability, resilience, and leadership abilities. You’ll face unpredictable weather, strong rapids, and physically strenuous days of paddling and camping, but these challenges will lead to immense personal growth. Overcoming obstacles as a team will strengthen your leadership skills and forge lifelong bonds with your fellow adventurers. By the end of the course, you’ll have the confidence to lead in uncertain situations and embrace the power of teamwork, no matter the challenge.
Photo credit: Lauren Bally
This course is for individuals ready to embrace the wild, challenge their limits, and develop valuable leadership skills. Whether you’re an aspiring outdoor professional, a seasoned adventurer, or someone looking for a transformative personal experience, the Green River whitewater course is designed for individuals with a passion for adventure and growth. No whitewater experience is required, but participants should be in good physical condition and prepared for long days on the river.
Completing this expedition means you’ll become part of a global network of NOLS alumni—leaders, explorers, and professionals who have applied what they learned in the wilderness to their careers and lives. By embracing the challenges of the Green River, you’ll gain more than just river skills—you’ll become part of a community that values leadership, resilience, and a deep respect for the natural world.
Ready to take the first step in your transformative journey? Sign up today and start the adventure of a lifetime!
Photo credit: Scott Eubank
“My perspective, my experiences, and everything about me were different and I thought I was just an ordinary, teenage, Mexican-American girl, but this course taught me that I am so much more than that.... It has changed the way I approach people and life. I learned that my perspective is so much more valuable than I thought it was. I have experienced things that others only dream of in their nightmares, and NOLS helped me realize that because of this, I have so much to offer the world.”
