Off Trail/Route finding skills - how to learn/where to start?

[wolfman200]

Hi all,

I'm pretty new to HAZ, and looking for advice from some more experienced hikers. Since about September I've been hiking weekly and loving it - the Superstitions are my favorite(Hackberry Springs is at the top of the list!), but I'd love to branch out to some less maintained paths and also start exploring the Goldfield Mountains (I've just gotten the Ted Tenney Goldfield Mounain Hikes Guide).

The question is - how do you define "route-finding skills"? I've been reluctant to check out hikes where users say "route finding skills are a must" - how does one acquire route-finding skills? Where did you start? I went to a basic beginning class for map and compass navigation through the Greater Phoenix Orienteering Club, but I get the impression that "route-finding" means more than just navigating with a map. I've been considering signing up for an all day class offered by Central Arizona Mountain Rescue Association, but it's $100 and I haven't decided yet whether to go for it. Has anyone here taken this course? Any and all info about learning how to stay safe on these kinds of hikes in much appreciated!

[DbleDutch]

@wolfman200
Only other suggestion I have is to have multiple small scouting hikes exploring an area. This will give you familiarity with the topography, landmarks, approaches to areas of interest, etc...
Be safe and enjoy