Try Orienteering

Orienteering is an outdoor adventure activity where participants can traverse an area using an orienteering map and compass. This activity improves decision-making, physical fitness, and spatial awareness in addition to compass reading and map reading capabilities. 

The aim of orienteering is to find, within the environment, markers corresponding to control points of a course, as indicated on an orienteering map, as quickly as possible. An orienteering map has information necessary for successful orienteering. For example, an orienteering map includes features that represent vegetation, water bodies, and man-made structures, and contour lines and elevation points that represent the terrain's shape. However, most importantly, an orienteering map highlights control points corresponding to the markers located within the environment. An orienteering map also includes North lines and a map legend to further aid navigation. By carefully studying and interpreting these elements, participants can plan and execute their routes through unfamiliar territory.

The start and end of a course are shown as a triangle and a double circle on an orienteering map. Control points of the course are shown in numbered circles on the orienteering map. A description of each control point is provided to help participants locate the corresponding marker in the environment. All control points are intended to be followed in the listed order.

A marker is an white and orange plaque with a number and letter pairing. The number corresponds to the same control point on the orienteering map. The letter is to be recorded in a control card to prove that the correct control point has been visited. 

Azule Park and Kevin Moran Park, both in Saratoga, California, offer various permanent orienteering courses including multiple courses either starting and finishing at Azule Park or starting and finishing at Kevin Moran Park. A unique feature of these courses is that they require participants to cross the 85 Freeway bridge to reach the opposite park. Due to the relatively flat terrain, the orienteering maps of these courses do not include contour lines or elevation points, making these courses ideal for beginners and a fun challenge for experienced orienteers alike.

• Azule Course 1

• Azule Course 2

• Kevin Moran Course 1

• Kevin Moran Course 2

If you have any questions or comments about the orienteering courses, please feel free to reach out to saratogaorienteering@gmail.com. We would be happy to hear from you.

Resources:

• Bay Area Orienteering Club

• Orienteering a Map and Compass

Acknowledgements:

Special thanks to Interstate Traffic Control Products, Inc., for providing the orienteering markers and signs used in this project.