The Natural Resources Learning Program
Don't let another semester go by without rewarding yourself with a learning experience in Utah's wild outdoors, the greatest of all classrooms!

Our Natural Resources Learning Program offers you the opportunity to develop skills in a myriad of outdoor recreation activities while studying the issues that natural resource managers and environmental stewards face in managing recreation on those resources.

Natural Resource Learning classes not only teach outdoor recreation skills, they help you understand resource management, appreciate natural environments, develop leadership abilities, and share the experience with others. This program serves both majors and nonmajors and offers classes that develop skills in such diverse activities as the following:

• Skiing
• Snowboarding
• Snowshoeing
• Avalanche Safety
• Backpacking
• Hiking
• Fishing
• Rock Climbing
• River Running
• Sailing
• Mountain Bicycling
• Nature Photography
• Sailing
• Kayaking
• Canoeing
• And More

Choose from 125 sections of 65 courses. For a detailed list of current semester courses, click here!

Natural Resources Learning (NRL) Classes


NRL courses start at different times throughout the semester. Unlike other University courses, you may still add up until the day following the first class meeting, even when this meeting occurs late in the semester! You can register using the following options:

1. Telephone Registration System (TRS) During your normal registration period
2. Come to the 1st Class Meeting (get a permission number from instructor or department) Then call the Registrar, 581-8969 (have your permission number ready)
3. Call Parks, Recreation, and Tourism 585-3204 or 581-8542.

NRL courses are offered for credit but generally are not graded. Most involve two nights of classroom instruction, and a long weekend in one of Utah's scenic outdoor settings. Students receive instruction in various skill areas, and learn about resource management, consumerism, natural and cultural history, nutrition and physiology, and backcountry safety. Many ability levels are accommodated.

Due to the focused nature of these courses, you must attend the first class meeting, and all of the field trip. Most courses require a modest special fee for safety equipment, camp fees, etc. You may drop the class, with full refund, up until the second school day after the first class meeting, even if the class starts late in the semester.

National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)

Students taking courses with the National Outdoor Leadership School may elect to earn credit through the PRT Department at the University of Utah.

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism is located in:

• ANNEX C 1085, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, (801) 581-8542
• Mailing Address: 250 S. 1850 E. Room 200, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0920