I’m not aware of any course with an itinerary as amazing as this one, but if it exists it’s probably not as good as HMI. HMI gap is an incredible environment to learn about every aspect of climbing, there aren’t many institutions that have students leading traditional multipitch climbs after eighty days. In addition to the curriculum, HMI has probably the best faculty of any course or institution I’ve ever heard of. You’d be hard pressed to find a group of people more smart, funny, experienced, and kind. This is the second HMI course I’ve done and faculty has been the best part of both, I’m not entirely sure how but HMI has found some of the best outdoor educators on the planet, the course is more than worth it for that alone. ‘Twas a good semester.

One thing that I did a lot of this past semester on HMI Gap was walking. Walking from one campsite to another, walking around towns, even on layover days or days off there would be a day hike to do. So, if you want to do a semester where over half of your time is spent walking, in most cases with a fairly heavy backpack weighing you down, HMI Gap is most certainly the program you should sign up for. However, if you're seeking a program that offers opportunities and activities other than walking and talking or walking and admiring grand vistas, I would say HMI Gap is also the program for you. While you walk a lot, every other moment is spent developing important back country skills, refining leadership styles, and hanging out with a close knit and loving community. So yes, you'll do much walking when you take HMI Gap, but you will also learn many life skills and create memories that will last the rest of you're life, so it's not only worth the walk from A to B, but the time and investment as well.

This program is really epic I would highly recommend it to anybody who loves to rock climb or anybody who would love to learn to rock climb. Especially if you want to improve your technical skills, like building anchors cleaning them and rappelling, and some basic rock rescue and first aid. The instructors are very capable and very willing to accommodate all levels of skill and ability. The community is also outstanding it is an amazing way to get to know people. It's funny because most of the kids you probably wouldn't be friends with at high school or college because of very different view points but due to the nature of the program and the community you grow close to everybody no matter your background. I would for sure do this program again if I could.

HMI Gap was one of the most important experiences I’ve ever been a part of. The whole experience was an amazing balance of adventure and and growth. On this course I learned so much about my self and the person I want to be. I would highly recommend this gap program to anyone who enjoys the outdoors and is trying to take a break from classroom learning. Especially if you enjoy climbing this course is for you. You spend a lot of time climbing in world class climbing areas in Moab, Utah and Patagonia such as Indian creek and Cerro Colorado. Some members of our group even got Togo climb Castleton in Castle Valley (look it up) which is a world reknown desert tower. At the end of the course we also completed a solo, during which we spent 30ish hours alone as a sort of introspective look at ourselves and the course.

I had an amazing time doing this program. We spent a lot of time rock climbing. I came into this program with little prior knowledge about climbing and was able to learn a ton about different types of rock climbing and the safety systems of climbing. Beyond just the climbing aspects of this program we also had many discussions about conservation of wilderness and wilderness safety which I found very beneficial. The community was also a great part of this program. I was in a group of 11 people and 3 instructors and felt among a group where I was greatly supported, with instructors I felt I both trusted and could go to with whatever issue I might have. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who is interested in learning to rock climb.

I came into HMI Gap without any backpacking experience at all and came out at the end with unforgettable memories, lifelong friends, and a whole set of backcountry skills with which I feel competent spending weeks in the field. It was a super supportive atmosphere of learning by experience. The community we built was so much fun and we became incredibly close, and the instructors were amazing mentors. The places we were able to see are so beautiful, and I was also really happy to have service work and environmental studies curriculum incorporated into the program. Some highlights for me were rappelling through canyons in Southern Utah, cowboy camping in the desert almost every night, and seeing the glacial valleys in Patagonia. I had a great experience!

I had the most incredible experience in Patagonia. I learnt to backpack in style, deal with challenging situations and work with peers; I learnt about leadership, environmental ethics and so much about myself. Having to share this unique journey with 8 other inspiring people is so rewarding - we shared laughters and tears. The space we created was super meaningful, and I learnt the importance of having an intimate community like we had. The natural scenery was awe-inspiring - the most beautiful place I've ever been, and I could not have gone to the places we went without coming with HMI. The time spent exploring culturally, building the community and out in the wilderness was well-balanced. The best part was gaining so many useful skills while having so much fun. Definitely recommend!

I went on the Spring Semester in Patagonia and it could not have changed my life more. I started the semester never having backpacked before, only to leave with strong wilderness travel skills, improved Spanish and environmental ethics, and a community of friends and instructors I knew would follow me into my life beyond gap. The environmental studies curriculum and cultural exploration in the front country allowed me to connect with the spirit of Patagonia, while the leadership and community courses taught me how to be a better leader and team member, in and out of the wilderness. I cannot speak highly enough of the instructor team, some of the most wonderful people I know, and the logistics and risk management that left me feeling safe and happy at all points during the trip. Overall, I am leaving more confident in myself as a leader and prepared to take on college and life beyond.