Indira '26 and Will '26 reflect on how Mountain Classroom's most meaningful moments often come not from destinations visited, but from quiet moments and deep connections formed with classmates who become like family.

The Spring 2025 Mountain Classroom group embarked on one final expedition before transitioning to their student-led expedition phase: a week-long rafting adventure down the San Juan River.

Standing at the bottom of a desert wash as the sun set over layered rock formations, Lauren '25 listened as Thorson shared stories about his family's longstanding connection to the land and the sense of peace he still feels each time he visits. "He not only made me feel welcome to his land but also to his knowledge," Lauren writes.

In this blog post, Isabel '25 reflects on her four-day solo experience in the Coconino National Forest. This powerful experience of solitude allowed students to connect with nature, confront their thoughts, and discover insights about themselves that only emerge when separated from the constant interactions of daily life.

Spring 2025 Mountain Classroom off-campus program participants continue their adventures throughout the West Coast and the American Southwest! In this double post, we catch up with the group after they participated in an intensive Wilderness First Aid certification course and spent time with visiting faculty members during "adjunct weekend."

As Mountain Classroom students concluded their backpacking expedition through the Los Padres Wilderness, Henry '25 reflected on the group's three-day journey through California's Big Sur region.

Mountain Classroom students transition from Joshua Tree's desert to California's foggy coast, experiencing dramatic environmental contrasts while exploring marine ecology at Monterey Bay. Claire '26 recounts their adaptation to coastal conditions -- from frigid ocean swims to weatherproofing tents against persistent rain -- as they prepare for backpacking through the region's diverse ecosystems.

Proctor's Mountain Classroom program has kicked off its spring term in Joshua Tree, where Anna '26 describes the group quickly adapting to expedition life while building community. Students have embraced rock climbing challenges that develop communication and trust, offering just a glimpse of their upcoming journey.

During each Mountain Classroom term, students with varied outdoor experience undergo a remarkable transformation through the deliberate progression of increasing responsibility and outdoor skills development.