How to Prevent From Getting Lost in the Wilderness

Nature is full of natural wonders. Taking a nature hike can be an enjoyable and memorable experience. Nature can also be elusive and lure you away from your beaten path, and getting lost in the wilderness can be a scary and frightful event. Losing your way in the wilderness can be prevented just by following these few simple steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hiking partner

Prevent Getting Lost in the Wilderness

1. Look for landmarks before entering any unfamiliar territory. Locating landmarks such as rock outcrops, a river, an unusual looking tree or any other landscapes that you can easily be seen from a distance, will help you to keep your bearings straight with your direction of travel.

2. Take notice of the sun before you enter into the wilderness. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. In the morning, if you are standing with your right shoulder pointing toward the direction of the rising sun, then you are facing north. If your left shoulder is pointing toward the rising sun, then you are facing south. In the afternoon, it will be the opposite. Use the sun as a general guide and take note of the direction you are traveling, but remember that the position of the sun changes with the seasons, so you may not always be facing true north or south, but you can use the sun as a reference point.

3. Stay on the trail and do not take shortcuts. If you are entering a wilderness area that does not have a trail, look for landmarks that will lead you back the way you came, or make your own trail markers by stacking rocks on top of one another as you go.

4. If you do get lost, find an open clear area, and stay put if possible. Seek shelter if you need protection from the elements, but always leave evidence of your presents. This can be done by writing "Help" or "SOS" in an open clearing with sticks or with rocks. Make letters big enough so they can be seen from a search and rescue plane flying high above. If you leave the area for any reason, make an arrow our of sticks or rocks pointing in the direction of your travel.

5. Always use common sense, be smart and be safe.

Tips & Warnings

• Always follow the rules of hiking:
• Never hike alone.
• Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
• Always wear proper fitting shoes and clothing.
• Always carry plenty of water with you.
• Reference Note: In December, during the winter solstice, the sun is at its most southern point in the northern hemisphere, and in June it is at its most northern point in the northern hemisphere. (In the southern hemisphere, the sun is at its highest point in December and lowest point in June, just the opposite in the northern hemisphere).