As summer approaches, the desire to get outside and explore grows. To encourage this feeling of wanderlust, we’ve gathered together a list of our favorite outdoor adventure films. From documentaries featuring the awe-inspiring scenery of our National Parks, to films about adventurers both young and old breaking down barriers; settle in, grab some popcorn and get ready to be inspired.
*Strong language is present in many of the films below. Viewer discretion is advised.
National Parks Adventure
About: Filmed to celebrate the 100th year of the National Park Service, National Parks Adventure takes you around the U.S. and into the awe-inspiring landscapes of our national parks. The film is great to watch before embarking on any Outward Bound course, as viewers get a sneak peak into many of our course areas across the country. In total, the film features around 40 national parks from coast to coast including Yellowstone, Yosemite, Arches, Everglades and Glacier National Park.
National Parks Adventure captures the stunning beauty of our wild places and reminds us these landscapes are an essential part of the human spirit.
-Robert Redford, narrator
In addition to journeying over towering peaks, massive glaciers and pristine lakes, the film also takes a look at the history of the National Park Service with dialogue from environmentalist John Muir and former president Teddy Roosevelt.
Outward Bound Expedition: This film is perfect to watch before any Outward Bound expedition.
The Important Places
About: This short film explores the connection between a father and son, and the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. The film documents the two men through different stages of their lives as they plan for a reunion trip down the Colorado River. As the journey unfolds their relationship grows, and what they find is much more than just adventure.
Outward Bound Expedition: This film will get you inspired to embark on an Outward Bound Family expedition.
Frank and the Tower
About: This short film profiles Frank Sanders, a well-known climbing guide at Devils Tower in Wyoming. Documenting from the first time Frank climbed the tower forty-three years ago, to today with over 2,000 climbs under his belt, the film shows how you can go after your passions and make the most out of life at any age.
Outward Bound Expedition: This film will get you ready for an Outward Bound Adults Expedition.
Mile…Mile & A Half
About: This film follows a group of young artists, musicians and adventure-seekers with minimal outdoor experience as they spend a month hiking California’s John Muir Trail; a 219-mile stretch from Yosemite to Mount Whitney. With a goal to complete the journey in 25 days, the group sets off to conquer their fears and capture the beauty of the trip along the way.
Before they all reach the summit, hikers and viewers alike affirm the old adage — it’s about the journey, not the destination.
-The Muir Project Team
Outward Bound Expedition: Watch this film before embarking on an Outward Bound backpacking expedition in the High Sierras.
The Long Start to the Journey
About: This documentary follows Chris Gallaway on his 7-month journey through the Appalachian Trail. Filmed by Chris, viewers experience what it’s really like to embark on the Appalachian Trail; through ups and downs, summits and campsites, snow and sunshine. Along the way, Chris meets other backpackers, volunteers and members of the Appalachian Trail community that give an inside perspective on the trail and illustrate why it has become one of the most renowned thru-hikes in the world.
Outward Bound Expedition: Watch this documentary before going on an Outward Bound backpacking expedition in Maine or North Carolina.
Maidentrip
About: Maidentrip follows 14 year-old Dutch sailor, Laura Dekker as she embarks on a sailing expedition around the world…alone. This film documents Laura through her two-year voyage as she is faced with everything from harsh weather, new freedoms and serious responsibilities.
Outward Bound Expedition: Watch this documentary before an Outward Bound sailing expedition.
Martin’s Boat
About: Martin’s Boat is a film that honors the legacy of Grand Canyon conservationist, Martin Litton. As a pioneer of taking whitewater dories (a lightweight boat with high sides, a flat bottom and sharp bows) on the Colorado River in the 1960’s, Martin believed the best way for people to understand the importance of preserving the Grand Canyon was to have them experience it straight from the river. This film highlights Martin’s efforts throughout the years and follows a new group of conservationists as they continue to fight for the cause and preserve Martin’s legacy.
Outward Bound Expedition: Watch this film before going on an Outward Bound Southwest Rafting Expedition.
The Search for Freedom
https://vimeo.com/129512882http://
About: The Search for Freedom is a tribute to outdoor adventure. Featuring some of the biggest pioneers, legends and visionaries in surfing, snowboarding, skiing, skateboarding, mountain biking and more, this film looks at the human desire to live in the moment and what it takes for us to feel truly alive.
Outward Bound Expedition: This film will get you ready for any Outward Bound expedition.
180 Degrees South
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C52vyEKnDeM
About: This film follows Jeff Johnson as he retraces a trip from Ventura, CA to Patagonia, Chile that Yvon Chouinard (founder of Patagonia) and Doug Tompkins (founder of The North Face) originally took back in 1968. As you follow the adventure and misadventures of the journey from California to Patagonia; you experience not only the beautiful landscape and awe-inspiring climbing, sailing and surfing footage, but also learn about the conservation efforts in South America and the importance of protecting wild lands.
Outward Bound Expedition: Watch this film before embarking on an Outward Bound International Semester.
Women Outward Bound
About: Women Outward Bound focuses on the first all-women Outward Bound expedition in the U.S. The film follows the 24 women who challenged gender norms in 1965 and then reunited in 2012 to continue the story. Complete with footage from the original course in the Boundary Waters of Minnesota, Women Outward Bound highlights the historical impact of the course, and how it changed their lives forever.
It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living, I wanna know what you ache for. It doesn’t interest me how old you are. I wanna know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dreams, for the adventure of being alive…
Outward Bound Expedition: Watch this film before or after going on an Outward Bound expedition in the Boundary Waters.
For more information about Outward Bound or to learn about our rich selection of summer courses, go HERE or call 866.467.7651 to reserve your spot on an expedition today.
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