Hiking with a compass

Every hiker needs to be prepared at all times. Having the necessary tools to help you navigate any location will simplify the process of finding the best routes to reach your destination in southern Utah. People think Zion is fairly easy to get around in, and that is true, unless of course you’re heading into the backcountry, and then these tips are critical.

A basic tool you could have is a compass. It is so compact, very simple to use, does not need any battery, can work well with a map or even in the absence of a map. Not everyone knows how to use a compass. New users must learn at least the basic concepts of what a compass is, how to use it and how it can be useful.
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Compass Basics

When you look at the compass, the magnetized floating needle has its red end always points to the magnetic north. You may notice that this red tip always points fixed towards the magnetic north regardless which direction you turn your compass.

Actually, the magnetic north that the red tip points to does not mean the North Pole which is the true north. Maps are usually directed towards true north. Based on the picture above, having the red arrow to fit within the orienting line will make the concept easier to understand. Having two North will be resolved by using Declination, which is the difference between the degrees of true north and the degrees in the magnetic north. It should be noted that declination may vary not only by location but it also varies with time.

For a topographic map, the declination could be marked as two straight lines. You will find a star atop the line to indicate true north and MN on the other line to indicate magnetic north. Since declination also varies with time, the value you see in your map might not be accurate. Thus, before you go hiking, you Google the zip code of the area where you plan to hike to know the exact value of its declination.

Declination is expressed in either degrees east which is a positive number or degrees west which is a negative number. As soon as you know the exact declination, you could already adjust your compass accordingly. You can verify how to adjust your compass either by reviewing your manual or check out the website of your compass brand or manufacturer.

Using a Map

In your map, mark the exact area where you are currently located. Likewise, mark your target destination. Connect the two areas with a straight line. Have the edge of your compass coincide with this line so that the travel arrow is pointing to the target destination. Then, have the azimuth ring (Look at the diagram above, the azimuth ring is the one which shows the measured units on the compass) twisted until the north on the map and the orienting arrow coincides in one line. Then you can start hiking to your target destination.

By Sight

Point to your target destination from where you are with the travel arrow on your compass. Rotate the azimuth ring until the red end of the magnetic needle is aligned with the orienting arrow pointing to the north. Proceed with the track keeping the magnetic needle intact until you reach your destination.

Hiking and spending time in southern Utah and places like Zion National Park is a wonderful experience, but they can be spoiled experiences if you aren’t prepared beforehand in case you get lost or turned around.

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