Backcountry Navigation and Safety Workshop

Keep close to Nature's heart... and break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean. John Muir

The virtual workshop will help you gain the knowledge and skills to explore backcountry areas safely and confidently, whether on or off trail. I’ve been refining this system since 1971 to maximize my joy and safety in the backcountry.

Participants will need to purchase GaiaGPS (preferred) or AllTrails and download a free copy of Google Earth to use what they learn in the workshop.

Successful pilots use a checklist before every flight, regardless of the number of flights under their belts. We are wise to draft behind them and use a checklist for every adventure, whether it’s for an hour, half day, full day or multi-day trip. It just takes a few minutes and could easily save your life, the life of someone in your party or someone you meet in the backcountry.

This virtual workshop will include two sixty minute zoom calls and follow up support for one year. Topics include:

Session One:

  • Ten Essentials Plus: Critical survival gear, emergency contacts, staying found

  • First Two Items in building your Ten Essentials Kit

  • Using Google Earth and GaiaGPS

  • Learning basic map and compass skills

  • Choosing an area to explore

  • Understanding and minimizing the greatest backcountry risks

  • Developing a checklist to maximize your joy and minimize risk

Session Two:

  • Creating and sharing a route and itinerary using Google Earth and GaiaGPS

  • Answering the three critical questions at any point in your adventure

  • Understanding the boundaries of your adventure area for emergency navigation

  • Pack checklist, including Ten Essentials

  • Food and hydration

  • Storm readiness

  • Adventure checklist and sequence

You’ll learn how to create an adventure in the Neota Wilderness in Colorado that includes all the elements above. You can apply everything you learn for future adventures. As you practice this comprehensive and straightforward approach you’ll receive a full year of support to refine your skills. Clients are encouraged to create their own routes and itineraries. I will provide feedback for every adventure, ensuring your plans are reasonable and safe. Once you’ve taken the workshop and you’ve had a chance to practice these techniques, you’ll be able to explore areas with confidence and safety that you may not have considered before.

For those who live near Loveland, Colorado, a day practicing orienteering skills in the field is an optional add on for $100 per person.

Cost: $300 (individual or couple) (contact me for group rates greater than two participants)