Location:      Rocky Mountain Field Seminar & Conference Center

                        1895 Fall River Road, Estes Park, Colorado

Time:               Meet at Field Seminar Center at 12:30 PM.  Course lasts until 5:00 PM.

Course Description:  This course is intended for the recreational hiker who has little or no experience reading a topographic map or working with a compass. Topics to be covered include: map sources, map vintage, next generation of US topo maps by USGS, map symbology, reading contour lines, recognizing landforms, calculating percent and angle of slope, compass components, taking a compass bearing and correcting for magnetic declination, using a compass to point yourself in an arbitrary direction and correcting for magnetic declination, overland navigation via map and compass and triangulation. All material is provided, and compasses will be available for loan.  The class will combine indoor instruction with outdoor exercise at nearby locations.

Instructor’s Biography: 

Margaret (Peggy) Ellis spent 25 years with the U.S. Geological Survey.  During the last eight to nine years she assisted with and then taught map and compass and GPS classes.  After retirement, she started her own business teaching these classes to the general public.  She regularly teaches classes at the Bass Pro Shop in Denver, and she occasionally teaches classes in several parks around the west side of Denver.  Peggy studied geology in college and enjoys hiking and viewing geologic features.

COURSE LEVEL: II

Short-distance walks throughout the day on primarily level terrain

Expectations:

Professional conduct will be expected from participants at all times.  Respect for individual ideas will be observed.  Except during course breaks, cellular phones, pagers, and personal entertainment devices are strictly prohibited in the classroom and during field sessions.

Car-pooling:  Rocky Mountain Field seminars utilize car-pooling to limit vehicles traveling into the Park.  Car-pooling makes it easier to keep the group together, reduces transit time, and allows courses greater access because fewer parking spaces are required at destinations.  In addition, it provides an opportunity for participants to discuss course material in small groups during transit.  Typically, a few participants from each course volunteer the use of their vehicles for car-pooling to course locations.

Tentative Course Schedule:

12:30-1:45 PM   map reading

  1:45-3:30 PM    compass instruction at an outdoor location to be determined

  3:30 -4:30 PM   wrap-up in classroom

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:

• The instructor will provide maps, compasses for loan, straightedges, and handout material.                                                                   

CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT RECOMMENDATIONS:  Participants should bring hiking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, brimmed hat, plenty of drinking water (1-2 quarts), and be prepared for possible cold and wet weather.

What to Bring:

     Snacks, energy bars, Water                                                  

     A small “Rite in the Rain” field book is optional, but a great tool for the backcountry enthusiast.

     Pen/pencil and clipboard

     Small daypack

Remember to Bring the 10 Essentials:

Rocky Mountain National Park recommends that hikers always carry the 10 essentials in their daypacks.

     Raingear                                     Map and compass                       Flashlight or headlamp

     Sunglasses and sunscreen            Candles                                      Matches or other fire starter

     Pocketknife                                 First-aid kit                                 Extra layers of clothing

     Snacks, and water

Note:  Rocky Mountain Field Seminars recommends that participants for all courses dress in layers and wear comfortable, sturdy hiking boots/shoes.  Participants should be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and weather conditions.

Recommended Reading:

Staying Found by June Fleming

Wilderness Navigation by Bob & Mike Burns