Program Reviews

We went backpacking in beautiful, remote places + partnered with a local rafting company to do some amazing rafting, and learned about glaciology and saw a glacier with another local company. We stayed in local’s homes and developed relationships with our hostel owners and had time to explore cities. A highlight of mine was the 24 hour solo where we spent a full day alone and able to reflect and appreciate.
Not only this but we practiced communication, leadership, authenticity and self advocacy in a small community where everyone was committed to learning. It’s hard to find this intentional of a community. I did not realize the emphasis of this before starting the program but I am very grateful for how I’ve grown in these 80 days.

HMI GAP TREK was essential in enhancing my communication skills and helped me learn how to give constructive feedback during a conflict. Alongside that, I had many firsts including backpacking, sleeping outside, planting trees, and flying internationally. The one thing I enjoyed the most was getting to experience such drastically different environments all spread out in perfect increments. Of course HMI comes with its challenges but you will thrive and feel the support being offered by all instructors and students.

Definitely recommend doing HMI gap semester! I loved the people and the instructors were amazing. We went to some of the coolest places like the Utah canyons and the valleys in Patagonia.

If you go you will meet some of your closest friends and have some really special memories of your adventures. We had a lot of fun hiking on trail as well as playing silly games and laughing together. Some days were challenging but the challenge is what makes it worth it!

HMI wants a kind, supportive community that will lift each other up and work on goal setting together. If this seems good to you, apply and find out what makes HMI so special.

HMI gap was awesome. I came in with zero outdoor experience and learned a ton. It’s also a great community with some lovely people. You spend three months with a very small group, so you get close to everyone. It might get cold or wet or ridiculously windy, but those will end up being the best memories you look back on. I don’t regret doing it.
There was a written curriculum, which was occasionally interesting, but could definitely use some revision. Our teachers made the best of it, though. If you don’t think you’d be cut out for three months of backpacking and rock climbing, don’t doubt yourself. Give it a try.

Loved the places we traveled and the things we learned. Getting to see remains of ancient civilizations to pumas and flamingos in Patagonia to sleeping under the biggest sky I’ve ever seen, i was surrounded by incredible people and memories. I’m walking out with some insane stories, lifelong friends, advice from incredible mentors, and a better sense of what i want from my future. The perfect way to move into the next part of my life, highly recommend if you’re looking for an adventure or new path in life.

I am so happy with my decision on doing fall trek!! Being apart of this community has helped me in endless ways and I definitely recommend!!! We hiked everyday and saw amazing views! I met so many people and built lifelong friendships with people here. I learned how to be apart of a healthy community and got to travel to many places! I am able to communicate in healthy ways with people around me and learned how to support myself and people around me. This program was the best decision I could have made!

I spent the first semester of my gap year doing HMI’s rock course. The instructors and staff were incredibly supportive, and the climbing was amazing. I would definitely recommend to anyone looking to build on their climbing skills, anyone seeking adventure, and anyone looking to be part of a tight knit learning community. I had a wonderful time in Colorado, Utah, and Chilean Patagonia, and I’m leaving the program with melancholic feelings and a broader and matured sense of self. Definitely check out HMI!

During the Fall Rock 2023 gap semester I got to travel around the world and climb at world class crags. Throughout the journey I met amazing people, lived in beautiful backcountry settings, and learned about the importance of self confidence, vulnerability, and reflection.

A supportive and loving team of instructors accompanied our small group around the world and shared valuable life experiences and stories. During transition periods we stayed at the beautiful HMI campus in Leadville, Colorado.

I was part of the HMI Fall Trek program and it was all and more that I could have asked for. The people I met and the places we got to trek on were incredible. All instructors were amazing and gave us the tools and structure to build such a healthy and fun community. This program gave us a lot of autonomy as students and really taught us the navigational and outdoor skills to be able to backpack and lead expeditions on our own. I left HMI feeling confident in the backcountry, ready to get back outside!

Traveled to the Colorado Sawatch region, Dark Canyon, Jacobs Chair, and Patagonia. Came as a newcomer to backpacking with zero experience, and feel confident backpacking on my own after this program. Instructors throughout the semester helped teach not just wilderness skills but also leadership and community building. Traveling to Patagonia was amazing, and being able to interact with other hikers was beneficial. I’d recommend this program to anyone, regardless of previous backpacking experience.