What do you need? 

When orienteering you will need a specific area map, you will also need a compass. That is not the only way you can orienteer, you can also use coordinates. These coordinates are called Datum Coordinates. They give the longitude and latitude coordinates and where they meet on the map. To use Datum Coordinates, you can plug them into a digital device like a phone or a GPS.

How to Orienteer

Step 1: Obtain the specific map for this course. You can get the map from the Visitors Center or from this website to go through digitally. The map you get from the visitors center will also be laminated.  

Step 2: Borrow a compass from the Visitors Center or use a GPS (like a phone app). If you are borrowing a compass it must be returned to the visitors center before you exit the park. 

Step 3: Orient yourself. To orient yourself, take the map and compass and line them up by putting the edge of the compass on the border of the map, then point the compass and map north. Make sure the north on the compass and the arrow on the compass match up. (you can fix it by rotating the dial)

Step 4: After you orient yourself, keep the map still. Find your location on the map and line up the edge of the compass on the path you will take from your current location then rotate the dial on the compass to point north.

Step 5: Once you line the dial up to point north then walk in the direction that the arrow points on the flat part of the compass, (not the needle). 

Step 6: Repeat steps 3, 4, and 5 for each point.

If you are confused about how to orienteer watch the video below!