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 getaways at Lake Tahoe.
Faculty, staff and students are invited to spend the night at the Βι¶ΉΣ³» at Lake Tahoe to experience what the unique mountain campus has to offer.
For credit
Spend a weekend at Lake Tahoe and earn class credit
Each course includes transportation, instruction, and room and board. For questions or to request permission to enroll, please email Brian Frost, Assistant Dean at the Βι¶ΉΣ³» at Lake Tahoe, at frost@unr.edu.
September 20-22
Mt. Rose and Alpine Adaptions
Geog 470.LT02 (92671)
Led by Chris Smith, this advanced hike starts at the 9000 ft Mt Rose Highway summit and ascends to the top of Mt Rose (10,600 ft). The course begins with a 2-hour prep discussion on Friday, followed by an approximately 11-mile round-trip (~10-hour) hike. Along the way, participants will learn about adaptations to the alpine environment, including plants that grow above the tree line and pika.
September 20-22
Hiking & Landscape Photography/Drawing (Tahoe Meadows and Chimney Beach)
PEX 199.LT04 (92676)
This course, instructed by Chris Lanier, begins with a discussion on the locations to be visited on Saturday, Tahoe Meadows and Chimney Beach. Participants will engage in drawing exercises and review historic and contemporary examples of landscape drawing and photography. Saturday will involve a morning drawing session in Tahoe Meadows, followed by an afternoon photography session at Chimney Beach. The total time spent in the field will be about 8 hours, including transportation. A review and discussion of the photos and drawings will be held afterward.
October 4-6
Lake Marlette and Fall Aspen Hike
Geog 470.LT04 (92673)
Join Chris Smith for this intermediate hike that begins at Spooner Lake, winding through stunning yellow aspen groves on the way to Lake Marlette. The course focuses on the area’s logging and mining history, the natural history of plants, and the vibrant fall colors. The hike covers an 8-mile round trip.
October 11-13
Hiking & Drone Videography (Donner Tunnels)
PEX 199.LT05 (92677)
Chris Lanier will lead this course, starting with a Friday session on basic drone operation and the historical context of the Donner Tunnels. Saturday’s session will involve traveling to the tunnels to document the area using drones. The fieldwork will last about 6 hours, including transportation. Back on campus, participants will review the footage and draft a voiceover for the video. A follow-up session will involve editing the video and recording the voiceovers.
October 11-13
Hiking & Drone Videography (Donner Tunnels): Oct 11-13
PEX 199.LT05 (92677)
Chris Lanier will lead this course, starting with a Friday session on basic drone operation and the historical context of the Donner Tunnels. Saturday’s session will involve traveling to the tunnels to document the area using drones. The fieldwork will last about 6 hours, including transportation. Back on campus, participants will review the footage and draft a voiceover for the video. A follow-up session will involve editing the video and recording the voiceovers.
November 1-3
Spawning Kokanee Salmon
Geog 470.LT06 (92675)
Chris Smith leads this course, which involves a trip to Taylor Creek to observe the spawning Kokanee salmon. Participants may also see bears and eagles feeding on the salmon. Lunch will be on Baldwin Beach, where the fall colors are often spectacular. The timing aims to coincide with the first big rains around November 3rd, which triggers the salmon spawn. Friday includes a talk on salmon ecology, while Saturday is spent at Taylor Creek, with a possible stop at Tahoe Keys/Truckee Marsh to discuss wetland restoration.
November 1-3
Hiking & Landscape Photography/Drawing (Tahoe Meadows and Chimney Beach)
PEX 199.LT06 (92678)
This course, instructed by Chris Lanier, begins with a discussion on the two locations to be visited on Saturday: Tahoe Meadows for a drawing session in the morning and Chimney Beach for an afternoon of photography. Participants will engage in drawing exercises and review both historical and contemporary examples of landscape art. The total field time will be about 8 hours, including transportation. A review and discussion of the photos and drawings will follow the weekend's activities.
October 18-20
Tahoe’s Ice Age: Mammoths, Glaciers and Megafloods
Geog 470.LT05 (92674)
This course, led by Montana Hodges, provides an introduction to the Pleistocene Epoch, the geology of the Tahoe Basin, and the history of the Washoe people. Friday includes lessons in geologic map reading and navigation using latitude and longitude. Participants will visit Alpine Meadows to observe where an ice dam once held back a much larger Ice Age Lake Tahoe. Discussions will cover the subsequent ice dam burst and the megaflood that shaped the Truckee River valley. Saturday includes a trip to Donner Pass to see glacially polished rocks, followed by a visit to historical petroglyphs and glacial deposits around Donner Lake. Sunday concludes with a walk to local glacial till deposits.
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
September Connections| Sept. 27-28
October Connections | Oct. 18-19
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 Fall 2024 semester, join us at UNR at Lake Tahoe for our Tahoe Winter Excursion Weekends! Students, faculty, and staff of the Βι¶ΉΣ³» 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!
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 Βι¶ΉΣ³» 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.