Trackers Learn Navigation from Search & Rescue

May 15, 2026

Getting lost is a more common occurrence than many realize, leading to search and rescue operations. Roughly 50,000 search and rescue missions take place annually in the United States, with 36% aiming to locate lost people; 41% of lost hiker cases are from hikers wandering off trail. Bad weather and accidental falls are significant causes. In a study of lost hiker cases, 77% were rescued by search teams.

The best survival strategy is "staying found" through proactive habits and the right gear. Always tell a trusted contact your exact route and expected return time. If you do not check in, they can initiate a timely rescue. Never start your adventure without the ten essentials which include a map and compass along with the knowledge of how to use them. Use of your smartphone or other advanced navigational device is great; however, these are not foolproof and are prone to battery depletion or damage rendering them useless.

The Trackers, Sedona Westerners’ special interest and hike group, participated in the Verde Search and Rescue’s (VSAR) Land Navigation Course. This course, which is taught to the Forest Service and community groups alike, instructs individuals in the skills and proper use of maps and compass. The five-hour course included a didactic portion conducted in the classroom at the Cottonwood Fire Station. The first topic was on general safety, equipment and steps to take prior to starting on the trail. This was followed by a discussion on map coordinate systems. The two primary systems are use of Longitude and Latitude vs the Universal Transverse Mercator System (using a grid of meters) which is the one that we were taught to use. We were then provided with topographic maps. We reviewed the legend and were taught how to read the markings. Finally, we were introduced to the compass and the five steps necessary to ensure accurate readings. With the assistance of multiple instructors, we then practiced our skills in the classroom.

After lunch, we headed to a practice course that was set up outside of Cottonwood to hone our newly acquired skills. We were provided with map and compass along with destinations to which we were to navigate. The VSAR instructor group, which included past and current members, were invaluable in providing tips on course correction and reinforcing the principles on the topics we had just learned. A great deal of support was provided to this class by past and current VSAR members, including Al Cornell, Frank Wirkus, Mike Vitek, Jeff Fargo and Al Kropiewnicki.

The VSAR group dates back to 1986 when a group of horsemen were enlisted to assist in the recovery of a father who had passed away on Mingus Mountain while hiking with his two sons. VSAR has grown over the decades to include thirty-seven volunteer members including sixteen females. VSAR follows the guidelines set by the Arizona SAR Coordinator Association. VSAR’s tools and technology have increased over the years. These include a horse team of three and 4 X 4 vehicles for snow rescues. In the last five years a canine team was added. There is also a mountain bike team. Three members are certified to fly drones. VSAR’s drone is equipped with thermal imagery; it also can communicate one way with the victim using a speaker. Their technical rope team has performed as many as six rescues in a year. When performing a mission, VSAR team members operate in groups of four to ensure safety. Besides search and rescue, a great deal of their time is involved in education with the Forest Service and various community groups.

The VSAR group is always looking for volunteers. If you are interested or would like more information, please email them at verdesarposse@gmail.com.

This is the last article for the season and what a great season it has been! The Sedona Westerners will resume hiking in early September. Thank you to the many volunteers that make up the Sedona Westerners! A big thank you goes out to our elected and appointed officers, including the Hike Bosses and assistants of the seven hiking groups – the Amblers (Jon Petrescu/ Deb Barnes), Rustlers (Lisa Critchlow/Annette Such), Drovers (Jackie Pinho/Glenda Zarbock), Dogies (Dan Celeste), Mustangs (Lou Sideris/Dan Ghidoni), Rough Riders (Clay Dunsmore/Paul Franson), and the Drifters (Donna Forsythe/Cindy Mascone) – and their volunteer hike leaders who completed some 240 hikes covering an estimated 1,200 cumulative miles of trails throughout Sedona and the surrounding area. Additionally, the Trackers (leads John Regalski/Martha Blaney) offered eleven educational and skill learning events.

The end of the hiking season marks a changing of the guard as it were, and at the cookout on May 14 Kelley Malek stepped down as Trail Boss (President) and turned over the reins to Jim Thomas for the 2026-2027 season. Trail Boss is a big job, many thanks to Kelley for her leadership!

Last but not least, thank you to all the amazing individuals who volunteered their time to lead, tailgate and scout hikes, and to everyone that attended hikes! The Sedona Westerners is an organization completely made up of volunteers. The Sedona Westerners welcome you to join our hiking club in the Fall. We have another great year of hikes planned for the 2026-2027 season and we would love to have you along for the adventure. Check out our website at www.SedonaWesterners.org for more information. And check back in August when membership registration will open for the new season.

Have a great summer, everyone. See you on the trails!