Lowell Observatory Classic Courses and Motala

NOTE: Only people who have already registered via the link below may attend. Just hitting 'Attend' on this Meetup page doesn't register you for this class.

With summer in full swing in Phoenix, we're excited to offer a day of navigation fun at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff. On Saturday, August 16, we're offering three Classic courses and a Motala on the Lowell Observatory grounds. In Classic courses, participants visit destination markers 1,2,3,etc. in the order printed on the map. Participants can do one or more of the Classic courses separately, with breaks in between, or can combine the three by doing the Motala, where participants do all three courses with no breaks.

The Lowell Observatory is home to a number of buildings and telescopes that are part of a National Historic Landmark. It was here that Pluto was discovered in 1930. The site continues today as an education facility that welcomes over 80,000 visitors per year. In addition to its scientific value, the site is also home to an open pine forest located within walking distance from downtown Flagstaff. We encourage you to stop by the visitor's center after a morning of navigation fun.

Schedule:
Check-in, Courses Open...............................................................7:30am
Last Time to Start the Motala.......................................................9:00am
Last Time to Start a Course.........................................................10:00am
Course Closes..............................................................................12:00pm

PRE-REGISTER HERE:
Pre-Registration is open until Thursday, August 14th at 11:59 PM. Pre-registration/Pre-pay is required. The event fee pays for the map printing fee and insurance for the event.
Click here to pre-register: https://eventreg.orienteeringusa.org/eventregister/register/start/lowell2025
(NOTE: Clicking "Attend" on Meetup does not register you for this event. Registration must be made at the above link.)

Fees:
Fees for the Lowell Observatory events are shown below. Note that for the single entry fee, participants can do one, two, or all three courses individually, or can string the three courses together and do the Motala. Cost for GPHXO and TSN members is $10 per person. The cost for non-members is $15.

Parental Consent:
Parental Consent is Required for Participants Under Age 18 (Click here for more information: http://gphxo.org/Business/Forms/ParentalConsent.htm

What to bring:

• Whistle (Mandatory for all. Available for $1)
• Compass (Mandatory for all. Available to rent for $1)
• Water (We will not provide water on the course. We strongly encourage you to bring your own water bottles or a camelback.)
• Long pants are recommended (scrub brush and cactus)
• Sun screen (While there is shade on all the courses, we encourage you to protect yourself from sunburn.)
• Sturdy hiking shoes

For more information and directions visit the Greater Phoenix Orienteering Club's event website: https://gphxo.org/Events/2025/20250816_LowellObservatory.htm