We offer a variety of intensive for-credit weekend courses, as well as two types of weekend getaways—one more structured and one less unstructured—designed for relaxation, creativity and exploration. These options are perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of Lake Tahoe without the pressure of coursework.
Weekend one-credit courses and getaways at Lake Tahoe.
For credit
Spend a weekend learning and studying at Lake Tahoe and earn one credit. Transportation, room and meals are all included in the registration cost.
Students enrolled in the course will complete one or more remote hours of instruction in the week before coming up to Tahoe. This will mostly be an introduction to the course and will involve appropriate safety discussions, course requirements and any other training or introduction necessary.
For the weekend experience, students will be picked up from the main campus on Friday early afternoon (2:15 departure) and brought to University of Nevada, Reno Lake Tahoe. Once at Tahoe, they will have a 1 or 2 hour in-person classroom-based class Friday late afternoon. The students will then go to dinner and have the rest of the evening to themselves. On Saturday the students will be driven to the location of the course (as appropriate) and spend the day hiking, interacting and discussing the people and place, taking pictures, drawing, etc depending on the nature of the course. Upon returning to campus students will have another classroom session Saturday afternoon and/or Sunday morning involving reflecting on their day and/or working to put together their video/photographs etc. On Sunday afternoon (~1pm) students will be brought back to main campus. In the week following the Tahoe weekend, students may have one or more hours of remote instruction to tie everything up. Students in these courses will be required to submit a reflection as well as any outputs generated (photographs, video, paintings, ceramics, etc). The courses have a $50 course fee to help offset the cost of housing, food, gas and other supplies.
Contact hours will vary slightly based on the specific course.
Total contact hours: 15
2-4 remote contact hours
3-5 in-person classroom hours
6-10 field work hours
Enroll in MyNevada. Contact us with questions at LakeTahoe@unr.edu.
Sept 5-7
Outdoor Recreation, Leadership and Advocacy
SUST 380.LT01 (Brennan Lagasse)
A course centered on outdoor recreation as it relates to the greater Tahoe area. Special attention will be given to topics related to climate change, trail building and access to outdoor spaces in the region. This course will collaborate with professional members of outdoor recreation and advocacy groups such as Protect Our Winters, the League to Save Lake Tahoe, the Tahoe Backcountry Alliance, Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association, the Washoe Youth Outdoor Expedition Program and the Outdoor Alliance. Friday will focus on an introduction to the topics. Saturday will be spent in the field. The location and activity are to be determined depending on current conditions. Students will be asked to craft a letter on sustainability and stewardship for future outdoor visitors of the area.
Sept 12-14
Outdoor Recreation, Leadership and Advocacy
SUST 380.LT02 (Brennan Lagasse)
A course centered on outdoor recreation as it relates to the greater Tahoe area. Special attention will be given to topics related to climate change, trail building and access to outdoor spaces in the region. This course will collaborate with professional members of outdoor recreation and advocacy groups such as Protect Our Winters, the League to Save Lake Tahoe, the Tahoe Backcountry Alliance, Tahoe Area Mountain Biking Association, the Washoe Youth Outdoor Expedition Program and the Outdoor Alliance. Friday will focus on an introduction to the topics. Saturday will be spent in the field. The location and activity are to be determined depending on current conditions. Students will be asked to craft a letter on sustainability and stewardship for future outdoor visitors of the area.
Sept 12-14
A Bone to Pick: Protecting Paleontological Resources
SUST 380.LT03 (Montana Hodges)
Join a real fossil dig while learning about our natural resource heritage and management practices. Many people don’t know that Nevada is a treasure trove of hundreds of millions of years of fossil record. This course offers students the unique opportunity to collect fossils for scientific research. Uncover 10-million-year-old critters like mastodons, bone-crushing dogs, horses, camels, and more while will learn about fossil ownership, management, protection and exploitation in the United States. The tentative schedule includes a Friday afternoon lecture on fossil resources and management, followed by a campus tour. On Saturday, we'll drive to the western Nevada fossil site and spend the day searching for fossils. On Sunday morning, there will be a lesson on fossil curation while preparing and cataloging the fossils collected. Requires light hiking.
Sept 12-14
Wild Clay: Digging, Making and Firing
SUST 380.LT04 (Rick Parsons)
In this course, students will explore the art of creating ceramics from local wild clay. Learn how to sustainably harvest the clay, collect materials and mix your own clay bodies all using simple, accessible tools and techniques. This immersive experience will teach you how to build and fire ceramic work on-site, with an emphasis on practices that can be replicated anywhere using local resources. Due to the slow drying time of the clay, students will create several smaller pieces rather than one large project. This course will provide demonstrations, technical advice and conceptual guidance to help you refine your skills and connect more deeply with the natural world in your art.
Sept 19-21
Mt. Rose and Alpine Adaptions
SUST 280.LT01 (Chris Smith)
An advanced hike climbing from 9000 ft Mt. Rose Highway summit up to the top of Mt. Rose (10,600 ft.). There will be a 2-hour prep discussion on Friday followed by the ~11 mile round-trip (~10 hour) hike. The hike will stop at various points to talk about adaptations to the alpine environment, including plants above tree line and pika.
Sept 19-21
Cultural Sustainability and Da'aw (Lake Tahoe)
SUST 380.LT05 (Brennan Lagasse)
A course centered on the history, perspectives and current work of the original stewards of Da’aw, the Wašiw peoples. This course will highlight the work of Washiw Zulshish Goom Tahn Nu (Washoe Warrior Society) and the Washoe Youth Outdoor Expedition Program along with other Elders and community members working in various fields of local cultural sustainability. Friday will focus on an introduction to the topics. Saturday will be spent in the field. Locations and activities will be determined depending on partner availability. Students will be asked to write a recommendation letter related to their time learning about this history, along with their thoughts on how to best support ongoing efforts to further this work into the future, intersecting course themes that can be related to our University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe campus and the greater Da’aw community.
Sept 19-21
Hiking & Drone Videography (Donner Tunnels)
SUST 380.LT06 (Chris Lanier)
Friday will include a two-hour discussion on basic drone operation and instruction and brief historic context of the Donner Tunnels. On Saturday, we will travel to the tunnels and document the area, taking video with drones. Total time in the field will be about 6 hours, including transportation. On return to the University of Nevada, Reno Lake Tahoe campus, we can review the footage and do a writing exercise and draft a voiceover for the footage. A post-weekend follow-up will involve viewing and discussing video and the recording of voiceovers for the footage.
Sept 19-21
Ecological Drawing: Flora & Fauna of the Tahoe Basin
SUST 380.LT07 (Molly Allen)
This immersive field-based drawing course invites students to explore the rich ecological tapestry of the Lake Tahoe Basin through art and observation. Beginning with a guided hike along the East Shore, students will identify and learn about local plants, engaging in discussions around their ecological roles and classifications as native, non-native or invasive. Emphasis will be placed on how these species interact within the region’s unique alpine ecosystem. Through on-site sketching, photography and note-taking, students will collect source material to bring back to the studio where they will create detailed drawings using color to visually code each organism’s environmental status. The course will culminate in a collaborative installation that brings together each student's work to form a collective portrait of the Tahoe Basin landscape, highlighting both its biodiversity and the ecological challenges it faces.
Sept 26-28
Communicating Science for Social Media
SUST 380.LT08 (Montana Hodges)
Interdisciplinary science course covering the hydrology, geology and geography of the Tahoe Basin watershed. On Friday afternoon there will be a lecture on the Tahoe Basin and a campus tour. On Saturday morning there is a communicating science lecture, brunch and then departure to explore Lake Tahoe. On Saturday, there will be an early morning departure to circle Lake Tahoe with stops along the shore where students will create social media posts about the Tahoe watershed. Sunday will consist of water sampling along beautiful Incline Creek.
Sept 26-28
Adventure, Vistas, and Reflective Writing
SUST 380.LT09 (Honors) (Katie Zanto)
Take a trip in self-discovery, reflection, hiking and writing in the Tahoe basin. Additional details to be provided soon.
Oct 3-5
Lake Marlette and Fall Aspen Hike
SUST 280.LT02 (Chris Smith)
Intermediate hike that starts at Spooner Lake and travels through the amazing yellow aspen groves up toward Marlette. This hike will focus on the logging and mining history of the area, plant natural history and fall colors. The hike is 8 miles round-trip.
Oct 3-5
Hiking & Landscape Photography/Drawing (Tahoe Meadows and Chimney Beach)
SUST 380.LT10 (Chris Lanier)
Friday afternoon we will discuss the two locations we will visit on Saturday (Tahoe Meadows and Chimney Beach), do some drawing exercises and look at historic & contemporary examples of landscape drawing and photography. On Saturday, we will explore the Tahoe Meadows for a drawing experience in the morning and Chimney Beach for a photography experience in the afternoon. Total time in the field will be about 8 hours, including transportation. A post-weekend review and discussion of the photos and drawings will also be held.
Oct 10-12
Adventure, Vistas, and Reflective Writing
SUST 380.LT11 (Katie Zanto)
Take a trip in self-discovery, reflection, hiking and writing in the Tahoe basin. Additional details to be provided soon.
Oct 10-12
Interpretations of Nature: Image and work
SUST 380.LT12 (Molly Allen and Rick Parsons)
In this course, we will explore the Lake Tahoe landscape while image making with cyanotypes. Using these experimental images made with natural objects collected from nature, we will design a graphic that will be translated, and silk-screened onto t-shirts. Through these processes and outdoor explorations, students will gain a historical and contemporary understanding of image and word. This course will also utilize the laser cutter and design concepts to create further interpretation of image and word. (Time permitting)
Oct 17-19
Hiking & Landscape Photography /Drawing (Tahoe Meadows and Chimney Beach)
SUST 380.LT13 (Chris Lanier)
Friday afternoon we will discuss the two locations we will visit on Saturday (Tahoe Meadows and Chimney Beach) do some drawing exercises and look at historic & contemporary examples of landscape drawing and photography. On Saturday, we will explore the Tahoe Meadows for a drawing experience in the morning and Chimney Beach for a photography experience in the afternoon. Total time in the field will be about 8 hours, including transportation. A post-weekend review and discussion of the photos and drawings will also be held.
Oct 24-26
Communicating Science for Social Media
SUST 380.LT14 (Honors) (Montana Hodges)
Interdisciplinary science course covering the hydrology, geology and geography of the Tahoe Basin watershed. Friday afternoon there will be a lecture on the Tahoe Basin and a campus tour. On Saturday morning, we will have a communicating science lecture, brunch and then departure to explore Lake Tahoe. There will be a Saturday early morning departure to circle Lake Tahoe with stops along the shore where students will create social media posts about the Tahoe watershed. Sunday will consist of water sampling along beautiful Incline Creek.
Oct 24-26
Expression in Nature: Creating Ephemeral Art with Natural Materials
SUST 380.LT15 (Rick Parsons)
In this course, students will embark on a creative journey inspired by the beauty and simplicity of the natural world. This hands-on art class focuses on using local, natural materials—such as leaves, twigs, stones, ice and more—to craft ephemeral sculptures that reflect the dynamic relationship between art and nature. Drawing inspiration from the works of land artist Andy Goldsworthy, students will explore the process of creating transient pieces that interact with and are shaped by their surroundings. Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to connect deeply with nature, experimenting with different materials and techniques to express their artistic ideas. The class encourages an exploration of textures, forms and patterns found in the environment, fostering both creativity and mindfulness. By the end of the course, students will have not only created unique, nature-based artwork but will also have developed a profound appreciation for the ever-changing, interconnected world around them. Photographic documentation will be essential as we explore the Tahoe Basin, adhering to the "leave no trace" ethic.
Nov 7-9
Spawning Kokanee Salmon
SUST 380.LT16 (Chris Smith)
Drive to Taylor Creek and spend the day watching spawning Kokanee salmon and potentially bears and eagles eating them. Lunch on Baldwin Beach, with a likelihood of Aspen fall colors. Timing needs to be right around Nov 3, as the salmon spawn at the first big rains, usually within a week before or after this date. Friday will include a talk on Salmon Ecology; Saturday is a visit Taylor Creek for the day. Possible stop at Tahoe Keys or Truckee Marsh to talk about wetland restoration.
Nov 7-9
Mixed Media Poetics: Writing and Collage in Dialogue with Place
SUST 380.LT17 (Molly Allen)
This weekend course explores the relationship between language, image and place through an interdisciplinary approach that combines creative writing and visual art. Grounded in readings of foundational literary and art texts, students will engage in site-specific writing and image-making exercises within the surrounding landscape. Through poetic observation and photographic documentation, participants will generate material that captures their sensory and emotional responses to place. These field-based writings will then be deconstructed, restructured, and used as conceptual frameworks for the creation of mixed-media collages. Students will explore how text and image can function as layered modes of interpretation, deepening their engagement with the environment and meaning-making. The course culminates in the creation of a paired poem and collage—each an extension of the other and both rooted in landscape-based inquiry.
For the love of learning
If earning course credit isn't your priority, we have two alternative opportunities to connect with others, relax and explore the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe:
- Lake Tahoe Getaway Weekends are shorter, more casual gatherings where you can unwind, participate in fun activities, and get to know the UNR at Lake Tahoe campus. These events are ideal for anyone looking for a brief escape with structured yet relaxed activities.
- Lake Tahoe Excursion Weekends offer a slightly longer and more immersive experience. These weekends allow participants to delve deeper into the natural and cultural offerings of the Lake Tahoe region while enjoying the comfort of our residence halls. They're perfect for those looking to combine relaxation with exploration over a weekend.
Lake Tahoe Getaway Weekends
March Connections | March 7-8
April Connections | April 25-26
Join us in the mountains and participate in activities like campus tours, arts and crafts, hiking, film screenings and more! $40 per student includes:
- Transportation to UNR at Lake Tahoe
- Meals through the Social House Café
- Dorm room and linens
- Access to activities and rental gear
Lake Tahoe Excursion Weekends
This semester, join us at UNR at Lake Tahoe for our Tahoe Winter Excursion Weekends! Students, faculty, and staff of the University of Nevada, Reno can come spend one night with us at the UNR at Lake Tahoe residence halls to connect with our campus community, explore the Lake Tahoe region, and enjoy a getaway into the mountains!
Limited spaces are available for each weekend, and you must book more than seven days prior to the start of your stay! To reserve your spot now, please complete the form linked below, and a member of our Conference and Event Services team will contact you to confirm your booking!
Book Lake Tahoe Excursion Weekend
Each Tahoe Winter Excursion Weekend only costs $50 and includes the following:
- One bed in a double room for one night (Friday-Saturday).
- Brunch in the Social House Café on Saturday morning.
- Activities and programming (varies on the session you select).
Transportation is not provided for the Tahoe Excursion Weekends. For parking on our campus, please know that a University of Nevada, Reno parking pass will be required. Please make sure your hang tag is clearly displayed in your vehicle.
The address for the UNR at Lake Tahoe campus is:
All Tahoe Excursion Weekend participants will get to stay with us at the UNR at Lake Tahoe Residence Halls! Your booking will be for one bed in a double room on campus. These rooms include:
- A twin XL bed, desk station, and a fully private bathroom.
- Bathrooms are equipped with hand soap and toilet paper during your stay.
- An optional Linens Package, if selected (more information below in “What to bring”).
When you make your reservation, you are welcome to provide a request for a roommate during your stay who is also attending the same Tahoe Winter Excursion Weekend. Otherwise, we will place you with another UNR student, faculty, or staff member.
*Note: At this time, we are only able to host University students, faculty, and staff. We are not able to host partners, friends, or family members that are not a part of the University. Guests are also not allowed within the residence halls during your stay. Wolf Cards will be required upon check-in to verify each participant’s identity.
As you are planning your Tahoe Winter Excursion Weekend, please keep in mind that your reservation includes the room and basic restroom amenities.
For your stay, we recommend you bring the following items with you:
- Warm clothes and jackets.
- Any gear or items you would like to bring for outdoor activities, if you have them.
- UNR at Lake Tahoe Gear Shop offers free outdoor gear rentals!
- We welcome folks to bring your own linens for our beds, or you can request to use ours by adding on the $25 linens package when you make your reservation. This package comes standard with twin XL bed sheets and blanket, a pillow and a towel set.
- Additional toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, body wash, shampoo, conditioner)
For additional information about Tahoe Excursion Weekends, or if you have any questions about your reservation, please contact our team at laketahoeces@unr.edu.