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Student using map and compass to navigate mountainous terrain during an outdoor navigation training exercise in Colorado.

Water and Navigation Workshop – 1 Day

Price range: $165.00 through $295.00

This hands on workshop covers the core skills that keep small problems from becoming overnight emergencies. Students learn how to find and purify water, avoid getting lost, recover when off route, and signal for help if plans change. The navigation portion focuses on simple, practical fundamentals that work for day hikes and short trips, and provides a solid foundation for more advanced navigation training. No prior experience required.

Tap each tab below: Description, Additional Information, and Class Details. You’ll find the course overview, class times, driving directions, what to bring, and overnight arrangements.

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Description

Water, Signaling, and Navigation Workshop – 1 Day

Fire and shelter buy you time. Water, signaling, and navigation get you found and get you home.

This one day, hands on workshop focuses on the skills that prevent small problems from turning into long days or overnight emergencies. The emphasis is on practical decision making, simple systems, and methods that work for hikers, campers, hunters, and everyday outdoor travel.

You will spend the day learning how to find water, make it safe, avoid getting lost, recover when you are off route, and signal for help if plans change.

This class pairs naturally with the Fire and Shelter Workshop and can be taken as a standalone day or as part of a 2 day fundamentals weekend.

What You Will Learn

Water

  • How to locate water in different terrain and seasons

  • Modern water purification methods including boiling, filters, and chemical treatment

  • Water management and rationing for short term situations

  • Common water mistakes that lead to dehydration or poor decisions

Signaling and Lost Proofing

  • How to avoid getting lost through planning and awareness

  • What to do when you realize you are off route

  • Audible and visual signaling methods using simple tools

  • When to stay put and when to move

Navigation Fundamentals

  • How maps actually work and how to read terrain

  • Basic compass use and simple bearings

  • Understanding handrails, catch features, and backstops

  • Practical navigation habits that keep you oriented on day hikes

This navigation portion is intentionally foundational. The goal is not mastery in one day, but understanding the building blocks that make advanced navigation training click later.

What to Expect

This is a full day, field based class with minimal lecture time. You will be outside, moving, observing terrain, and practicing skills in real conditions. The focus is on awareness, repetition, and learning through direct experience.

Bring weather appropriate clothing, food, and water. All instructional tools and materials are provided.

Who It Is For

This workshop is well suited for beginners, hikers, campers, hunters, and anyone who wants to feel more confident staying found and making good decisions outdoors. No prior experience is required.

Schedule

Saturday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Held near Cripple Creek, Colorado

Course Overview

  • Course: Water and Navigation Workshop – 1 Day
  • Duration: 1 day
  • Location: Mountain Camp, Colorado – 9,500 ft elevation, pine and aspen forest, private land
  • Class starts: 9:00 AM.
  • Class ends: 5:00 PM.
  • Required arrival for check-in: 8:00 AM, one hour before class starts.
  • Training approach: Hands-on training, practical skills, family-friendly, beginner-friendly

Instructor

TSU Resident Instructor

Before You Arrive

Arrival and Directions

Arrive by 8:00 AM for check-in. Class begins at 9:00 AM. Plan your drive so you are at the meeting location one hour before instruction begins.

Address: 71 Monarch Dr, Cripple Creek, CO 80813

Driving Directions: [Click here for directions]

(Important: Our camp is remote and GPS is often unreliable. Please read these directions carefully and have them saved or printed before you leave. Cell service is limited once you head into the mountains.)

Course Arrangements

Students enrolled in this workshop may remain on the training property overnight in connection with the scheduled workshop weekend. Students provide their own tents, tarps, hammocks, or primitive field shelters and personal sleeping equipment. Use of the training property overnight is limited to enrolled students and authorized program participants. Campsites are not independently rented or offered to the general public.

Students who prefer to stay off site can choose from multiple hotels and Airbnb rentals in the surrounding area. Cripple Creek is approximately a 15-minute drive from our location, and Woodland Park is approximately 30 minutes away. Students are responsible for arranging their own lodging and making reservations directly with their chosen provider. Please call or email us before the course if you have questions about overnight arrangements.

Facilities

Facilities:
Porta potty restroom and potable water provided at camp.

Food and Water

Potable water is available on-site. Students should bring their own food for the duration of the class. Simple, quick meals like freeze-dried pouches or MREs are recommended, but any camp-friendly food or items for cooking over the fire or a small personal stove are fine. Local groceries and restaurants are nearby if needed.

What to Bring

Navigation

  • Baseplate compass or orienteering compass (simple is better)
  • Small notebook and pencil (pen does not work well in wet conditions)

Water

  • Water purification method (filter, chemical treatment, or boiling setup)
  • Metal pot or cup suitable for boiling water
  • Large Cotton Scarf

Signaling

  • Whistle
  • Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries
  • Signal mirror (optional but recommended)

Personal Carry

  • Small daypack
  • Fixed blade or folding knife
  • Personal first aid kit

Optional Items

  • Trekking poles
  • GPS device or phone with offline maps (used as a supplement, not a replacement)
  • Camp chair or stool
  • Extra snacks or comfort food
  • Camera or phone for photos

Clothing and Weather

Clothing

  • Non cotton layers (wicking base layer, insulating mid layer, weather resistant outer layer)
  • Sturdy outdoor footwear suitable for uneven terrain
  • Wool or synthetic socks
  • Hat for sun and warmth
  • Lightweight gloves
  • Rain jacket or poncho
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent as needed

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