Quick Answer
If you get lost during night travel, stay calm, find a safe place to rest, and wait for daylight to reassess your situation. Use a compass, stars, or landmarks to get a general direction. Move slowly and carefully, following a consistent path.
Assess Your Surroundings
When night falls and you’re lost, take a few minutes to assess your surroundings. Look for any familiar landmarks, such as hills, rivers, or buildings, that can help you determine your general direction. Use your knowledge of the terrain and any maps or guides you have to get a sense of your location. If you have a compass, take a bearing to see if you can get a fix on your direction.
Find a Safe Place to Rest
Find a safe place to rest for the night, such as a dry cave, a group of trees, or a rocky outcropping. Avoid open areas or low-lying spots that could be prone to flooding. If you’re in an urban area, try to find a secure building or a well-lit street. Make sure you have a reliable source of water and a means of starting a fire, such as a lighter or matches.
Navigate by Stars
If you have a clear view of the sky, use the stars to get a sense of your direction. The North Star (Polaris) is visible in the northern hemisphere and can be used to determine your direction. In the southern hemisphere, you can use the Southern Cross to get a bearing. Practice using a compass and the stars before you leave on a trip, so you know how to use them in a survival situation.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.