Become a SOL Guide
The Student Outdoor Leadership (SOL) program trains Fort Lewis College students to become paid outdoor guides, leading fellow students, faculty, and staff on adventures across the Four Corners and beyond. Whether you're drawn to rivers or trails, SOL is where outdoor passion becomes outdoor leadership.
SOL Guides plan and lead recreation trips for the FLC community, building real technical skills, mentorship experience, and a paid resume in the process. Land Guides lead hiking, backpacking, climbing, canyoneering, and more. River Guides lead rafting and small craft trips, with the option to expand into whitewater kayaking.SOL Guides stay involved for the duration of their time at FLC. We're looking for students who are in it for the long haul.
Any FLC student can apply for a SOL Apprenticeship. All guides begin as unpaid Apprentices on either the Land Track or River Track, spending a year developing their skills and learning the trip planning and leading process before becoming paid guides.
Land Guides lead hiking and backpacking trips, with opportunities to expand into climbing, canyoneering, via ferrata, flatwater boating, skiing, snowboarding, and biking.
As an Apprentice, you will:
As a Guide, you will:
River Guides lead rafting and small craft (inflatable kayak and paddleboard) trips, with opportunities to expand into whitewater kayaking.
How to apply
Applications open on the first day of classes in August and close in late September. Ready to lead? Reach out to learn more or get your questions answered before you apply: