Guides ยท Safety
Trail Navigation Basics
Stay found on the trail
This guide teaches basic trail navigation: reading topographic maps, using a compass for bearings, following blazes, and checking position regularly to avoid getting lost.
- navigation
- trail
- compass
- topo map
- hiking
Carry the right tools
Bring a paper topo map, compass, and charged phone with offline maps.
Read the map
Note contour lines, water, and junctions; match terrain to the map.
Use compass basics
Take bearings to landmarks and keep to the course; recalibrate if off track.
Check often
Confirm position at junctions and time intervals; turn back early if unsure.