Navigation crash course in Rocky Mountain National Park

I am looking for two intermediate-level backpackers to join me on a 2-day/1-night Advanced Navigation Course in Rocky Mountain National Park, Thursday-Friday August 9-10.

The primary focus of this trip is very narrow: navigation. Navigation is one of the most valuable skills that a backpacker can learn, as it allows you to safely and confidently travel through the wilderness, regardless of whether there is a trail to follow or not. Learning to navigate will inspire you — you will want to attempt more ambitious routes (e.g. the Sierra High Route) and to explore trail-less parts of your favorite backpacking areas.

During this course you will learn how to:

  • Read topographical maps (e.g. scales, terrain features, color shading, distances, etc.)
  • Use a compass
  • Use an altimeter watch
  • Orient a map
  • Follow a bearing
  • Follow a contour
  • Plan water sources and campsites
  • Find game trails
  • Avoid thick brush
  • Minimize elevation gain and loss

Our entry/exit point will be Wild Basin, just south of Longs Peak. We will gather in the small community of Allenspark around 9am on Thursday and carpool to the trailhead. We should finish mid-afternoon or early-evening on Friday, in time for a normal dinner.

If you are interest in this trip, here’s what to do:

Posted in on June 28, 2012
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