Off Trail Wilderness Navigation and Staying Found

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Durango Public Library
Room 2

Event Details

Looking for a true wilderness experience?

This course will help you successfully navigate off trail, regardless of the weather. When visibility is on your side, you'll learn how to find your location on the map using known features on the ground and on your map. You'll also learn how to make adjustments due to avalanche danger, high water and other formidable obstacles. This course is a great way to improve your navigation skills and confidence. We'll also cover the Ten Essentials plus the critical steps before leaving your house.

To ensure you're ready to explore ANYWHERE with confidence, whether it's for a day or a multi-day trip, we'll cover:

  • Creating, sharing and sticking to a route
  • Navigating with a map and compass
  • Using GaiaGPS and Google Earth
  • Using a SPOT unit or Garmin InReach
  • Ten Essentials Plus for every hiker or backpacker

The event is FREE, but space is limited. Please register for the event here: https://offtrailnavigation.eventbrite.com

About the speaker: David Neils has been exploring truly wild places, 90% off trail, beginning at the age of eleven. Neils has winter camped in 55 below temperatures, woken up to grizzly and wolf tracks right outside his tent, and chooses to spend time in mountain lion country weekly. Navigating off trail is as much a part of his life as breathing. Off-trail navigating is a rich experience Neils wants to encourage others to consider and explore boldly and safely.

"If you have basic navigation and survival skills, the Ten Essentials AND you notify two contacts of your route, itinerary and return date, you can explore with confidence anywhere." - David Neils 


Event Type(s): Adult Event
Age Group(s): All Ages