About us
This is a group for people of all ages and abilities who want to use a map and compass to explore new areas and for people who want to compete in true cross country events. Orienteering is a map and compass sport that can be approached as a casual activity or as serious competition. The City of Trees Orienteering Club (CTOC) conducts a meet almost every month of the year in venues as familiar as city parks and as rugged as the Sawtooths. We offer instruction and easy events for novices and opportunities for international competition for advanced orienteers.
More information, links to training videos, and reports from previous meets are available at http://ctoc-boise.blogspot.com/ .
Upcoming events
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Something Very Different
Location not specified yetRescheduled for September 19 due to smoke and hot temperatures in July.
No control bags. No punches. No beginners. UsynligO on this terrain is very different than our previous meets. Let me explain. First, UsynligO is a smart phone app. It uses an audible signal to inform the orienteer of arrival at a designated feature on the map and records performance. Cascade Orienteering has an excellent guide to UsynligO here. You can try it on a UsynligO course at Eagle Island State Park.I will print maps as usual. It is possible to download the PDF from UsynligO and then print your map. You probably will want to do this if you try the Eagle Island State Park .
The venue is a new map. I began mapping in 2022. I never found a reason to direct a meet there because there is no beginners' terrain and because it is not a large area, With the World Masters Championships and the Western States Championships both in early August, I thought this venue would provide an excellent training option. In addition, it's very good terrain for advanced intermediate and advanced orienteers to get in another meet even without the training rationale. The big meets are past, but I believe it will still be a good experience for intermediate and advanced orienteers.
The footing is excellent in most parts. Except for the steep slopes it is entirely runnable in large parts. There is almost no cheat grass on land mostly dominated by ponderosa pines. And, there is just enough dense vegetation to make it interesting.
This is a Classic course format traveling in sequential order. You're welcome to go at whatever pace you prefer.
We will have 3 courses:
Course descriptions are estimates.
1. Advanced Course (4.4 km, 230 m elevation, 16 controls): Heavy reliance on reading contours.
2. Short Advanced (3.6km, 192 m elevation, 12 controls): Heavy reliance on reading contours.
3. Intermediate (2.0 km, 100 m elevation, 8 controls): Reliance on reading contours.Keep in mind that these distances are based on straight path distances, not the distance of your travel, that will be farther.
LOGISTICS
When: Saturday, September 19
Starts from 9:00AM to 11:00AM. Course closes at 1:00PM. (that means please be back at the start by this time.)
Meet Location:
East of Cascade, ID on the Warm Lake Road. From the intersection of Highway 55 and the Warm Lake Road, travel 4.6 K east to the start pictured below. This is approximately 1.5 hours drive from Boise - but it is worth the time.
There's not a lot of cheat grass but wearing gators is never a bad idea. Leg covering might prevent some scratches. Of course, remember your compass, or bring $1 to borrow one for the day. You definitely will need one to take bearings in this open terrain!
Unless there is some unusual and unforeseen large event in progress, there should be adequate parking at the site.Please RSVP by 8am Thursday, September 17 with name & course choice and cell phone number. I need your phone number in order to contact you if there is a condition that requires cancellation of the event. You can RSVP either in the comments below or directly to murrayjohna1@gmail.com. Limited number of extra maps may be available but don't count on it if you didn't RSVP. UsynligO allows you to download and print your own copy.
I believe there is cell phone coverage on most of the course, but I did encounter one location where I could not get a signal, so do not count on it.Map Notes:
I selected large distinct control features for the most part. There are locations where there are multiple boulders. There are some steep slopes. Soil covered with forest litter is the predominant footing. It presents only a moderate risk of sprains and falling. A moderate risk is still a risk. Safety requires your attention. Recommended to tape ankles or wear ankle braces to prevent potential sprains. It also will provide you with more confidence and additional protection from grass and scrub.Liability Waivers:
Non-members please bring printed and signed liability waivers (available for download at ctoc-boise.org/pub/ctoc_ind_waiver.pdf ) from home. We will have blanks if you forget. If you are bringing a minor who is NOT your own child, you MUST bring a waiver signed by their parent or guardian.
Sturdy shoes are a must. Some slopes are steep and unstable. It's not a city park, so safe travel requires attention to your footing on hillsides. A compass is essential for setting and following bearings.
COST:
Single meet (day) dues: $10 per person/team, free for members
Single Junior (up to 20 years old): $5 per person/team, free for members
If more than one map is needed for a team, a small additional fee may be needed per the discretion of the meet director depending on printing costs.
CTOC annual membership make all our meets free:
Join and use Monthly Pro-Rata for membership fees.
Membership form and instructions found here.
John Murray
Meet Director8 attendees
Military Reserve Extravaganza
Mountain Cove Parking and Trailhead, 1725 Mountain Cove Road, Boise, ID, USThis is our traditional monthly meet with a Classic course format traveling in sequential order. We continue exploring beautiful Boise foothills with our new additions. We will try to design something fun so you come back with smiles and happy! You're welcome to go at whatever pace you prefer.
4 regular courses:
1. Beginner Course (2.2 km, 8 controls, 40 m climb): Suitable for first comers or those who just started the sport. Predominantly on trails, roads, or along easy to recognize linear features.
2. Sport Course (4.1 km, 10 controls, 80 m climb): A good choice for more experienced orienteerers or you'd like to develop your navigation skills.
3. Intermediate (4.1 km, 11 controls, 90 m climb): An opportunity to apply compass-bearing and complex route choice selection skills.
4. Advanced (6 km, 16 controls, 170 m climb): Same terrain and technical ability as intermediate with a lot more endurance required and enough distance to satisfy that need to run.Courses are being designed for about 1 hour outing. About 20-25 minutes for beginner course. Keep in mind that these distances are based on straight path distances, not the distance of your travel, that will be longer. Dress according to the weather for outdoor times! It may be still hot in October! Or may be not. For advanced courses full leg cover and O-shoes with spikes are highly recommended due to rough terrain and scrubby vegetation.
LOGISTICS
When: Sunday, October 11
Starts from 10:00 am to noon. Courses close at 2 pm (that means please be back at the start by this time). Early start is highly recommended.Meet Location:
Last parking on the Mountain Cove road where it forks toward the archery range, about one and half miles past the Fort Boise. See where Google map pin is placed.
We will place directional signs where appropriate.
Please RSVP by Thursday evening October 8 with name & course choice. No course - map for you may not be available. You can RSVP either in the comments below or directly to savelichko@yahoo.com.Map and Course Notes:
These are Military Reserve hills with plenty of trails to explore and couple streams to cross You will test all your course planning and map reading skills. More advanced courses will cross the Mountain Cove road so watch the traffic. Traffic is not expected to be dense but please look left and right before crossing. Advanced courses will go via rugged terrain so orienteering shoes are recommended together with full leg cover. This is not a city park. You will encounter scrubby vegetation and in some places denser bushes. Grass ranges from ankle high, to knee high, and up to waist high. You will need to push through in some places. Lots of cheatgrass with spiky seeds so take precaution protecting ankles. It may be very bumpy and rough under the foot. Taping ankles is recommended. You will use trails intensively. Please be courteous and polite - these are shared use trails, give the way to bikers as they can not control their bikes as good as you control your feet :) Advanced course winning time expected around 1:15-1:20 and Intermediate course around 1 hour. Beginner course is all on trails and roads with easy to find control locations. Due to wild nature of the area all kids on a course must be accompanied by a grown-up. Enjoy the area, I saw plenty of birds, deer, and even one garden snake! Rattle snakes are not expected but nevertheless watch where you step. I will place one shared water control in the middle of Sport, Intermediate, and Advanced courses. Drink at least a cup or two.PUNCHING:
We will use SI electronic punching. Rent a SI stick for nominal $4 or bring your own.Liability Waivers:
Non-members please bring printed and signed liability waivers (available for download at ctoc-boise.org/pub/ctoc_ind_waiver.pdf ) from home. We will have blanks if you forget. If you are bringing a minor who is NOT your own child, you MUST bring a waiver signed by their parent or guardian.COST:
Single meet (day) dues:
$12 per person/team, free for members
Single Junior (up to 20 years old): $6 per person/team, free for members
If more than one map is needed for a team, a small additional fee may be needed per the discretion of the meet director depending on printing costs.CTOC annual membership (all meets are free):
Join with Monthly Pro-Rated for membership fees:
Membership form and instructions may be found at this link.Cheers,
Sergey19 attendees
Marianne Williams Orienteering
Marianne Williams Park, 3451 E Barber Valley Rd, Boise, ID, USThis is our traditional monthly meet with a Classic course format traveling in sequential order. We will use a new map full of fun areas to encourage exploring a local park in new ways.
4 regular courses:
1. Beginner Course (stats TBD): Suitable for first comers or those who just started the sport. Predominantly on trails, roads, or along easy to recognize linear features. Due to wilderness of the terrain all beginner participants must be accompanied by grownups.
2. Sport Course (stats TBD): A good choice for more experienced orienteerers or you'd like to develop your navigation skills.
3. Intermediate (stats TBD): An opportunity to apply compass-bearing and complex route choice selection skills.
4. Advanced (stats TBD): Same terrain and technical ability as intermediate with a lot more endurance required and enough distance to satisfy that need to run.
Courses are being designed for about 1 hour outing. About 20-25 minutes for beginner course. Keep in mind that these distances are based on straight path distances, not the distance of your travel, that will be longer. Dress according to the weather for outdoor times!LOGISTICS
When: Sunday, November 15
Starts from 10:00 am to 12:00 am. Courses close at 2:00 pm (that means please be back at the start by this time).Meet Location:
Castle Rocks area overlook along the HW 20, about 1 hour drive from Boise toward Sun Valley. See where Google map pin is placed.
We will place directional signs where appropriate.
Please RSVP by Wednesday evening November 11 with name & course choice. You can RSVP in the comments below.Map and Course Notes:
More details will be added closer to the meet.PUNCHING:
We will use SI electronic punching. Rent a SI stick for nominal $4 or bring your own.Liability Waivers:
Non-members please bring printed and signed liability waivers (available for download at ctoc-boise.org/pub/ctoc_ind_waiver.pdf ) from home. We will have blanks if you forget. If you are bringing a minor who is NOT your own child, you MUST bring a waiver signed by their parent or guardian.COST:
Single meet (day) dues:
$12 per person/team, free for members
Single Junior (up to 20 years old): $6 per person/team, free for members
If more than one map is needed for a team, a small additional fee may be needed per the discretion of the meet director depending on printing costs.CTOC annual membership (all meets are free):
Join with Monthly Pro-Rated for membership fees:
Membership form and instructions may be found at this link.4 attendees
Columbia Village Wilderness
Columbia Village Rec Center, 3655 E Lake Forest Dr, Boise, ID, USThis is our traditional monthly meet with a Classic course format traveling in sequential order. New additions to the Columbia Village map await explorers. We will try to design something fun so you come back with smiles and happy! You're welcome to go at whatever pace you prefer.
4 regular courses:
1. Beginner Course (stats TBD): Suitable for first comers or those who just started the sport. Predominantly on trails, roads, or along easy to recognize linear features.
2. Sport Course (stats TBD): A good choice for more experienced orienteerers or you'd like to develop your navigation skills.
3. Intermediate (stats TBD): An opportunity to apply compass-bearing and complex route choice selection skills.
4. Advanced (stats TBD): Same terrain and technical ability as intermediate with a lot more endurance required and enough distance to satisfy that need to run.
Courses are being designed for about 1 hour outing. About 20-25 minutes for beginner course. Keep in mind that these distances are based on straight path distances, not the distance of your travel, that will be longer. Dress according to the weather for outdoor times!LOGISTICS
When: Sunday, December 13
Starts from 10:00 am to 12:00 am. Courses close at 2:00 pm (that means please be back at the start by this time).Meet Location:
Near the Columbia Village recreation center. See where Google map pin is placed.
We will place directional signs where appropriate.
Please RSVP by Thursday evening December 10 with name & course choice. You can RSVP either in the comments below or directly to savelichko@yahoo.com.Map and Course Notes:
These are urban parks, school grounds, sport fields, and all the wilderness areas connecting these. Expect fast moving, split second decisions and such! You will test all your course planning and map reading skills. Some larger streets will be off bounds and forbidden to cross, shown on map with purple color. Remember that for urban orienteering you can not cross high fences, walls, buildings, dark green and olive areas, and bodies of water surrounded with black lines. Whenever you see thick black line - you can not cross it. Look for the gaps or more complex route choices to avoid. There may be light traffic in the parks and urban areas, especially on streets so be watchful. Traffic is not expected to be dense but please look left and right before crossing these areas.PUNCHING:
We will use SI electronic punching. Rent a SI stick for nominal $4 or bring your own. $1 compass renting.Liability Waivers:
Non-members please bring printed and signed liability waivers (available for download at ctoc-boise.org/pub/ctoc_ind_waiver.pdf ) from home. We will have blanks if you forget. If you are bringing a minor who is NOT your own child, you MUST bring a waiver signed by their parent or guardian.COST:
Single meet (day) dues:
$12 per person/team, free for members
Single Junior (up to 20 years old): $6 per person/team, free for members
If more than one map is needed for a team, a small additional fee may be needed per the discretion of the meet director depending on printing costs.CTOC annual membership (all meets are free):
Join with Monthly Pro-Rated for membership fees:
Membership form and instructions may be found at this link.Cheers,
Sergey3 attendees
Past events
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