Wilderness Basics Course

Love the outdoors? Love hiking, camping & backpacking?

Whether you’re tackling switchbacks, cold desert nights or sharing snacks by the campfire, it’s better together.

Happy Valentine’s Day! 🧡🩶

The map doesn't work if it doesn't match the ground. 🗺️

The very first thing you should do when you stop to navigate? Orient your map.

If your map isn't aligned with the terrain in front of you, every decision you make afterwards will be skewed. This simple step connects the paper world to the real world, allowing you to identify features and confirm your location instantly.

Stop spinning the map in your head—spin it in your hands instead.

Watch the tutorial on our website in the land navigation section. This one is #8 Orienting Your Map or visit https://youtu.be/NngJpSSajmc?

Is your most important tool actually ready? 🧭

Throwing a compass in your bag is not the same as being prepared. Before you step off into the woods, you need to ensure your gear is set up for success.

Whether it’s checking for bubbles, understanding your specific model, adjusting for declination or ensuring your lanyard is secure, this video covers how to get your compass "Adventure Ready." A broken or misunderstood compass is just dead weight.

Get your gear sorted before you step off: 👇👇👇 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WK2E7gI8oYg

Save your legs: Read the slope before you climb it.

We’ve all been there—you plan a route on the map that looks like a straight shot, only to realize you’re staring up at a near-vertical cliff face when you get there.

Interpreting "Uphill and Downhill" on a 2D map is one of the most vital skills for energy conservation and safety. In this video, we discuss how to use contour lines to determine the steepness of the terrain so you can pick the smartest route, not just the shortest one.

Don't burn out halfway up. Learn to read the slope: 👇👇👇 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3cFhhiV1f8

Is that a saddle or a cliff? Don't guess.

Once you understand what a contour line is, the next step is recognizing the patterns they create. The shape of the lines tells a story about the ground beneath your feet.

Are you looking at a spur, a draw, a saddle, or a cliff? This video breaks down the specific shapes contour lines make so you can visualize the terrain before you ever step foot on it.

👇 Learn to read the terrain. Head over to our website and check out the Land Navigation Videos. This is #2 called patterns made by topo lines.

Stop seeing squiggles and start seeing mountains.

If you’ve ever looked at a topographical map and just seen a mess of wavy lines, you are missing the most critical information on the page. Those contour lines are the key to turning a flat piece of paper into a 3D model in your head.

In this video, we go back to basics: What exactly is a contour line? Understanding this is the difference between a pleasant hike and getting stuck at the bottom of a cliff.

👇 Master the basics here: https://youtu.be/pdY6EjEUYaQ?si

Congratulations to Doug Goepfert on becoming a Sierra Club San Diego COL 2. We look forward to his hikes & backpacks and leading at WBC San Diego outings!!!



📸: Andrew Levacy
📸: Annelise Faulhaber

Wow! We are blown away by the excitement for the 2026 Wilderness Basics Course. We are officially down to our final 18 spots.

If you've been "thinking about it" for the last week, this is your sign to grab your spot before they disappear. Once we hit 150 students, registration closes for the year.

Give yourself the gift of adventure this season.

👉 Register here before it's sold out: https://wildernessbasics.org/course/wilderness-basics-course-2026

Leadership skills aren’t just learned in the boardroom. Sometimes, they’re learned on the trail.

The Sierra Club San Diego Chapter’s 2026 Wilderness Basics Course (WBC) is officially open for registration!

For over 60 years, this program has been the premier outdoor education course in San Diego. It’s not just about hiking; it’s about planning, risk management, navigation, and building resilience—skills that translate to every area of life.

The 10-week comprehensive program includes:

🗺️ Weekly Lectures: Tuesday nights (Jan 13 – Mar 17) covering everything from gear to navigation.

⛺ 4 Weekend Outings: Put your skills to the test in real-world scenarios, including Car Camping, Desert Backpacking, Land Navigation, and Snow Camping.

🤝 Networking: Connect with over 200 like-minded professionals and outdoor enthusiasts.

Registration opened yesterday and spots are limited to 150 students. We expect to reach capacity quickly with only 43 spots available.

Invest in yourself and your connection to nature in 2026.

Learn more & secure your spot today.

If you are in North County, check out the NCG WBC in Escondido .

Thank you for your incredible enthusiasm for the wilderness basics course 2026 this morning!

The high volume of traffic unfortunately caused technical issues with our registration website making it unavailable for many of you.

We apologize for the frustration and inconvenience this caused. We are happy to report that the issue has been resolved, and the registration is now operational.

Thank you for your patience. We look forward to your participation in the course.

This is it! 🤩 Registration for the 2026 Wilderness Basics Course is OPEN!

The wait is officially over! You might have some final questions. We want to make sure you have all the info you need to register with 100% confidence.

🤔 Got Last-Minute Questions?
Most answers are waiting for you on the website at wildernessbasics.org.

🌲 View the 2026 Schedule: See all class topics and dates for our four epic weekend outings (Car Camp, Mountain/Desert Backpack, Land Navigation & Snow Camp).

❓ Check the FAQ Page: Get all the details on course fees, gear requirements, physical conditioning, and prerequisites.

🗣️ Still can’t find your answer?
• Join our Facebook Group: This is the best place to ask! Chat with instructors, grads, and fellow future students. (Link in bio!)
• Email Us: Send your questions directly to [email protected].

Heads up: Spots for this course fill up FAST. Get your questions answered so you’re ready to go!

Your next adventure is calling. We can’t wait to see you! 👋

Unlock Your Inner Outdoor Explorer!

Dreaming of confidently tackling any trail? The Sierra Club San Diego's Wilderness Basics Course (WBC) is where it begins!

From late January to April, our comprehensive course covers everything you need to know. You'll learn critical skills on Tuesday nights, then apply them on four epic weekend outings, including:

• Your first Car Camp!
• Mastering Mountain/Desert Backpacking!
• Expert Land Navigation!
• Experience Snow Camp!

Stop wishing, start doing. Get ready for WBC 2026!

➡️ Learn more & register at wildernessbasics.com