SUU is the University of the Parks

SUU University of the Parks LogoSUU is the only designated University of the Parks in the U.S. because of its unique combination of location, innovative academic programs, amazing recreational opportunities and outdoor career preparation. SUU is committed to giving students every opportunity to explore their natural surroundings and to excel inside and outside of the classroom.

World's Best Backyard

Explore the world's best backyard at the University of the Parks. At SUU, students can have once-in-a-lifetime outdoor experiences, every day. SUU is within a five-hour drive of more than 20 national parks and monuments in Utah, Arizona, and Nevada.


Outdoor Recreational Opportunities

SUU sponsors a variety of outdoor activities and adventures for students throughout the school year. These free trips help students explore the southern Utah region through hiking, mountain biking, canyoneering, climbing, rafting, paddleboarding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.


Outdoor Recreational Opportunities

Outdoor Education

Students at SUU benefit from the many opportunities to connect classroom learning to real world experiences that occur in the surrounding national parks and public lands. Faculty are inspired by southern Utah’s natural environment and use the outdoors to enrich their student’s academic experience.


Career Preparation

SUU is home to the largest federal internship program in the country. SUU places more than 300 students into outdoor related internships and research positions every year. Students gain professional experience before entering the job market giving them a competitive edge in the outdoor industry.


Career Preparation