About the Course
Do you want the confidence to explore the desert without getting lost, even when you leave the trail? Join us for this two-day field class that will teach you the essentials of traditional navigation. Participants will learn the basics of topography, map reading, using a compass, and the history of navigation during classroom and field exercises. The course will culminate with a ½ day route-finding adventure in Joshua Tree National Park, where you’ll visit stunning geological sites and locate caches. Although GPS is common these days, map and compass skills are indispensable, life-saving skills for anyone who wants to venture into backcountry settings. No previous experience with compass or topo maps is needed. Participants will need to provide their own compass, and are responsible for their own transportation, lodging, and meals.
- Focus on the fundamentals of navigation through a classroom-based day with some hands-on practice in the field.
- Learn the anatomy of a compass, how to read topo maps and take bearings, and how to use triangulation instructional methods Face-to-face.