There may come a day when you find yourself needing to get from point A to point B without a map, compass, or even a cell phone GPS.
Like many outdoorsmen, I’ve successfully navigated with a map and compass, but what happens if you’re in a situation without them? Before the days of GPS and smartphones, people relied on the natural environment to guide them. Whether you’re in the wilderness, at sea, or even in an unfamiliar city, nature provides hidden clues to help you find your way.
If you pay attention to your surroundings and use some of these age-old techniques, you can safely find your way without a map or compass. Here are some time-tested ways to guide yourself back to safety using the world around you.
Use the Sun as Your Guide
The sun can be a reliable way to orient yourself. In the Northern Hemisphere, the sun rises in the east and sets in the west. At noon, it’s typically to the south, helping you find cardinal directions. You can even use a simple shadow stick method: place a stick upright in the ground, mark where the shadow falls, wait 15 minutes, and mark where the shadow has moved. The line between the two points runs east to west, with the first mark indicating west.
Follow the Stars at Night
Stars are another natural guide when the sun goes down. In the Northern Hemisphere, you can find Polaris, the North Star, by locating the Big Dipper. The two stars at the end of the Big Dipper’s “bowl” point directly toward Polaris, which always stays in the northern sky. In the Southern Hemisphere, you can use the Southern Cross constellation to find the south. These stars have guided sailors and explorers for centuries, and they can guide you too.
Observe Tree Growth and Moss
Nature itself can tell you a lot about direction. Trees, for instance, tend to grow more branches on the south side in the Northern Hemisphere, as it gets more sunlight. Similarly, moss often grows on the shaded, damp side of trees and rocks—usually the north side. While these signs aren’t always perfect, they can give you important clues when used alongside other methods.
Use Wind Patterns
Wind can also help you find your way if you know the local weather patterns. In many areas, winds blow consistently from certain directions. For example, in the U.S., westerly winds are common, meaning they blow from the west toward the east. If you can feel a steady wind and know the region’s typical wind patterns, you can use this as a rough directional guide.
Follow Water
Rivers and streams are nature’s highways. If you’re lost and come across a water source, follow it downstream. Most rivers eventually lead to larger bodies of water, towns, or settlements. In mountainous areas, smaller streams flow downhill, so heading downstream can also help you find lower ground, where roads or paths are more likely to exist.
Create a Makeshift Sundial
If you have a watch or access to the sun’s position, you can use it to create a rough sundial for direction. Point the hour hand at the sun, and halfway between the hour hand and 12 o’clock is south in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, you point the 12 o’clock mark at the sun, and halfway between it and the hour hand is north. This trick, though basic, is remarkably effective in a pinch.
Track Animal Behavior
Animals often follow specific routes that can help you get your bearings. Birds, for example, generally fly toward water sources at dawn and dusk. Large mammals like deer often create well-worn trails that lead to water or food sources, which in turn may lead you to a more inhabited area. Observing these patterns can give you a sense of direction, especially when combined with other signs.
Watch for Landmarks
Pay attention to notable landmarks in your surroundings. Mountains, rivers, or even unusual rock formations can help you keep track of where you’ve been and guide you forward. If you notice certain landmarks to the north when you start, you can reference them later to maintain your sense of direction.
Read the Moon
The moon can also be used to navigate, though it requires a bit of patience. When the moon is visible in its crescent phase, imagine a line running between the tips of the crescent’s horns down to the horizon. This line roughly points south in the Northern Hemisphere and north in the Southern Hemisphere. Though subtle, the moon’s position can offer helpful directional clues.
Understand Cloud Movements
Cloud patterns can give you an idea of wind direction, which in turn helps with navigation. In many parts of the world, clouds move from west to east. High-altitude clouds especially tend to follow this path. Watching the movement of clouds over time can give you a sense of where you’re headed when other natural signs are harder to spot.
Follow Insect Trails
Insects like ants often build their nests near water, and observing their behavior can help guide you. Ants typically travel in long lines to and from water sources. Bees, too, can give clues to nearby water, as they are often seen flying back and forth between flowers and their hives. Though small, these creatures can lead you to valuable resources that may help you get oriented.
