Outdoor Recreation Leadership

The Outdoor Recreation Leadership (AAS) is offered at:

• Leadville: Mostly in-person

Program Learning Outcomes are what we expect each student will learn while earning a degree or certificate. Meeting these learning outcomes is how we assess our performance as a college. Our learning outcomes support both important career skills and future success as a student.

Upon completing the Outdoor Recreation Leadership (AAS) program, CMC students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate proficiency of backcountry travel skills, including navigation, safety and risk awareness, and self-care.
2. Demonstrate the ability to use good quality judgement and critical thinking in field situations leading to competent program and personal risk management.
3. Demonstrate appropriate leadership styles and competency in facilitating group issues in either backcountry or front country situations.
4. Plan an expedition of any duration, incorporating all necessary planning and logistical elements.
5. Convey environmental literacy with respect to Leave No Trace philosophies and practices, natural and cultural history, and environmental ethics.
6. Utilize effective outdoor teaching methods to maximize the transfer of skills and knowledge to others.
7. Communicate effectively using oral, written, and electronic means to succinctly convey information.
8. Engage effectively with people who do not necessarily share similar heritage, religious views, sexual orientation, gender preference or socio-economic status.

Academics and outdoor adventures are both integral to the Outdoor Recreation Leadership program at Colorado Mountain College 

Colorado Mountain College provides outdoor gear and safety equipment such as ropes, harnesses, hardware, tents and cooking equipment. 

Students applying to the Outdoor Recreation Leadership program must demonstrate college-level proficiency skills through ACT scores, college transcripts or the Accuplacer placement test, administered by Colorado Mountain College. We recommend that you take one of these tests as soon as possible because inadequate skills in reading, writing and mathematics may require you to enroll in developmental courses. This may affect your acceptance into the program. 

Students accepted into the college's vocational programs must be physically, mentally, and emotionally self-supportive with reasonable accommodations. If there is a concern about meeting the physical and academic standard, students need to contact the Access Coordinator who will determine the student's ability to participate in this program. 

Colorado Mountain College is an open enrollment college. Transfer students should have a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale at previous colleges. 

This program has certain physical and academic standards which you will be required to meet before you are admitted to the program. Students accepted into the college's vocational programs must be physically, mentally, and emotionally self-supportive with reasonable accommodations. If there is a concern about meeting the physical and academic standard, students need to contact the Access Coordinator who will determine the student's ability to participate in this program. 

Prepare for careers in outdoor recreation leadership 

The Outdoor Recreation Leadership program at CMC is designed for those who want to turn their passion for the outdoors into a career. Whether you’re seeking immediate employment, industry certifications, or a pathway to a bachelor's degree, this program gives you the hands-on skills and leadership experience to thrive in the outdoor industry. 

Launch Your Outdoor Career 

CMC’s immersive, field-based curriculum prepares students for a wide range of jobs in the outdoor recreation industry, including: 

• Backcountry guides – Lead expeditions in mountain, canyon, desert, river, and snow environments 
• Wilderness instructors – Teach outdoor skills, safety, and environmental ethics 
• Logistics positions – Support expedition planning with food, equipment, and travel coordination 
• Outdoor program coordinators – Develop and run programs for resorts, youth organizations, and camps 
• Conservation and land management roles – Work with the Forest Service, National Park Service, and outdoor nonprofits 
• Adventure travel and ecotourism planners – Organize guided trips and outdoor experiences 

Students graduate with industry-recognized certifications, including Wilderness First Responder, Swiftwater Rescue, Avalanche Safety, and Leave No Trace Instructor, making them competitive candidates in the job market. 

Earn your bachelor’s degree 

Students who want to continue their education can seamlessly earn a bachelor’s degree at CMC or transfer to another institution with articulation agreements in place at universities like Colorado State University-Pueblo and Western Colorado University. Many ORL graduates pursue degrees in: 

• Outdoor recreation and adventure leadership 
• Environmental science and land management 
• Tourism, hospitality, and outdoor business management 

With the outdoor industry growing rapidly, trained professionals are in high demand. Whether you're guiding expeditions, managing outdoor operations, or shaping the future of sustainable recreation, the ORL program sets you up for success.