Wilderness Navigation for Hikers and Trekkers

Knowing how to read a map and use a compass is only half of navigation. The other half is using them well on a real hike.

This course teaches you the practical skills that experienced hikers rely on: planning the right itinerary, understanding a route before you walk it, measuring distance and time in the field, and staying on track when the terrain or the conditions make it hard.

You’ll learn how to draw a topographic profile to see every climb and descent, estimate distance from a map, and calculate a realistic walking time. In the field, you’ll use pace count and estimates to measure ground, retrace your steps, and follow proven methods to arrive at your destination successfully.

In this course, you will:

• Choose a hike itinerary that fits your group, time and conditions

• Draw a topographic profile of your route

• Estimate distance and walking time before you set out

• Use pace count to measure ground without a GPS

• Navigate with estimates when landmarks are few

• Retrace your steps and handle difficult conditions

How the course works

Three sections follow the order of a real hike: plan it, measure it in the field, and stay on track. Quizzes, a practice exercise and a hike planning worksheet let you practice each skill and see how they fit together.

Who it’s for

Hikers and trekkers who already know the basics of map and compass and want to apply them with confidence. If you’re new to either, my courses Topographic Map Reading for Hikers and Trekkers and Compass Navigation for Hikers and Trekkers are a good place to start.

By the end, you’ll plan and navigate your hikes the way experienced hikers do.