Hike & Navigation
- Comprehensive map and compass instruction
- Topographic map reading and terrain association
- Navigation bearing techniques and route planning
- Off-trail navigation practice
- Team-based orienteering challenges
- GPS basics and appropriate technology use
- Leave No Trace backcountry principles
- Maps and compasses provided for all participants
Master wilderness navigation on this full-day backcountry hiking adventure! Learn to read topographic maps, use a compass with confidence, and navigate terrain without technology. This hands-on experience builds practical navigation skills through guided instruction and real-world challenges on beautiful Park and Teller County trails.
8:30 AM - Meet at Woodland Park, CO - gear distribution and departure
9:15 AM - Arrive at trailhead - navigation fundamentals overview
9:30 AM - Map reading instruction (topographic maps, contours, terrain features)
10:15 AM - Compass basics and practice
11:00 AM - Off-trail navigation practice
12:30 PM - Lunch and map analysis practice
1:15 PM - Advanced compass techniques
2:00 PM - Team navigation challenge
3:00 PM - Depart for Woodland Park
3:30 PM - Arrival and pickup at Woodland Park, CO
Location: Woodland Park, CO (specific address provided upon registration)
Time: 8:30 AM
Location: Woodland Park, CO (same as pickup)
Time: 5:30 PM
Required:
- Water bottles (minimum 2 liters total)
- Lunch and snacks for the day
- Sturdy hiking boots (broken in)
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Sunglasses
- Layered clothing appropriate for hiking
- Rain jacket
- Warm hat and gloves (spring/fall)
Recommended:
- Hiking backpack (20-30 liter)
- Trekking poles
- Extra snacks and electrolyte drinks
- Camera
- Notebook and pencil for notes
- Personal medications
- Insect repellent
What NOT to Bring
- Cotton clothing (jeans, cotton t-shirts)
- New or unbroken hiking boots
- Excessive electronics
- Valuable jewelry
- Heavy or bulky non-essential items
- Personal maps/compasses (provided)
✅ Maps and compasses for each participant
✅ Navigation tools and training materials
✅ Expert wilderness navigation instruction
✅ Transportation from Woodland Park to trailheads
❌ Lunch (bring your own)
❌ Personal hiking gear and clothing
❌ Transportation to/from Woodland Park meeting location
❌ Gratuities for guides (optional)
Time: 8:15-8:30 AM
Location: Woodland Park meeting point (address provided upon registration)
Required:
- Signed waiver
- Emergency contact information
- Medical information form
- Photo ID for adult participants or parent/guardian
- Ages: 11-18 (youth programs) or all ages (family/private programs)
- Distance: 4-6 miles of hiking with varied terrain
- Elevation: Programs at 7,000-9,000 feet elevation
- Weather: Dress in layers; afternoon thunderstorms possible in warmer months
- Physical Requirements: Moderate fitness; ability to hike 4-6 miles with elevation gain
- Experience Level: No prior navigation experience necessary
- High Altitude: Drink plenty of water; may need time to acclimate
Participant Cancellations
Partial Refund (50%)
- 15+ days before program start: 50% refund of program fee
- Medical emergencies: 50% refund with doctor's note
No Refund
- 14 days or less before program start: No refund available
- No-shows: No refund available
Weather Cancellations by XP Adventure
- Severe weather: Program for the day may be cancelled if programming cannot be safely conducted
- Notification: Participants notified by 7:00 AM on program day
- Minor delays: Programs may start late or end early with alternative activities
- Activity changes: Activities may be modified or substituted based on weather conditions for safety
How to Cancel
- Contact XP Adventure at www.xpadventure.org, info@xpadventure.org, or the guide of your trip with participant name and program.