Outdoor Navigation

Find Your Way

Winter Orienteering involves using a topographic map, magnetic compass, and land navigation skills to find your way to a series of checkpoints. The orienteering course at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park consists of 30 markers (numbered 11 through 40) located throughout the western portion of the park. Some of the markers are located on trails or are visible from the trails. Other markers require hiking cross country across various terrain. Generally, the higher the number, the harder the marker is to find.

Request a Course

Orienteering with Venture Out

What to Expect

Your Venture Out orienteering course will begin with a 45-60 minute introduction to orienteering. This introduction can take place at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, or at the indoor or outdoor location of your choice. During this introduction, a member of the Venture Out staff will teach your group how to read a topographical map and magnetic compass. Then your group will travel to Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, where you will set off, in small groups, on a predetermined orienteering route. Orienteering courses typically last 1.5 to 2 hours after the initial introduction.

What to Bring

The orienteering course itself is all outdoors. You will be hiking through the woods (not on trails). You must dress for the weather. You may encounter mud, thorns, and burrs during your hike through the woods.

  • Sturdy, water-resistant shoes
  • Hat and gloves
  • Lots of warm layers
  • Snacks if you get hungry easily
  • Water bottle

    • Where to Meet

    Meet at the Billy Gilbert Memorial Shelter in Rock Bridge State Park (turn into first park entrance).

    Pricing

  • K-12 Public School & Mizzou Student Groups: $19/person
  • Non-profit & Community Groups: $24/person
  • Corporate Groups: $29/person