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Balboa Park

Sat, Apr 18, 2026, 10:00 AM PDT

Location
San Diego, CA
1900 Presidents Way, 92101
Type
TRAIL
Official registration

Sign up and verify details on the organizer’s official page.

At a glance

Explore Balboa Park like never before with an orienteering adventure, blending navigation, scenic trails, and problem-solving fun for all skill levels.

  • Fun
  • Scenic
  • Competitive
  • Quirky

Great for: casual, fun-first runners, runners who like a competitive edge

Less ideal for: walkers-only pacing

Discover Balboa Park in a unique way with an orienteering adventure. This event invites you to navigate through scenic gardens, historic architecture, and winding trails, testing your problem-solving skills and enjoying outdoor fun. With courses for beginners to seasoned navigators, including an introductory clinic, it's a wonderful opportunity to explore San Diego's iconic landscape. Grab a map, challenge yourself, and experience the park like never before.

What to expect

  • Navigate through Balboa Park's diverse terrain, from gardens to historic architecture.
  • Choose from Beginner (2km), Intermediate (3.5km), or Advanced (5.5km) courses.
  • An introductory clinic is offered at 9:45 am to teach the basics of orienteering.

Standout details

  • Orienteering adventure in Balboa Park
  • Courses for all skill levels
  • Introductory clinic available
  • Electronic punching for scoring

Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.

Distances & registration

3 options

Registration for all distances is through the official signup link above.

  • Traditional - Beginner

    Sat, Apr 18, 10:00 AM PDT · From $15.00

    Opens Mar 18, 2026, 6:00 AM PDT · Closes Mar 28, 2026, 7:59 PM PDT

  • Traditional - Intermediate

    Sat, Apr 18, 10:00 AM PDT · From $15.00

    Opens Mar 18, 2026, 6:00 AM PDT · Closes Mar 28, 2026, 7:59 PM PDT

  • Traditional - Advanced

    Sat, Apr 18, 10:00 AM PDT · From $15.00

    Opens Mar 18, 2026, 6:00 AM PDT · Closes Mar 28, 2026, 7:59 PM PDT

The course

  • Hilly
  • Timed race
From the organizer

Come explore the jewel of San Diego city parks !

Discover one of San Diego’s most iconic landscapes in a whole new way! Join us at  Balboa Park for an orienteering adventure through scenic gardens, historic Spanish-style architecture, and winding trails. Whether you're brand new or a seasoned navigator, you’ll find courses designed to challenge and inspire. Grab a map, test your skills, and enjoy a day of exploration, problem-solving, and outdoor fun—right in the heart of the city. Register now and experience Balboa Park like never before! 🧭

Event Team :

Event Director: Dana Borie Course Setter: Michael Noblett Visit the Volunteer page to learn how to help with the event. See "Volunteer" at the top right of the page. 🔝 Volunteers get up to a $20 credit toward a race registration fee. Volunteer roles explained in detail

Format : Traditional

Map :   scale  1:4000  |  2.5 m contours

Courses : Beginner (2km), Intermediate (3.5km), and Advanced (5.5km) - distances as the bird flies

​Starts : 10am to 11am

Time Limit : Two hours. All competitors must return to HQ and download by 1pm so we know you are safe. If you don't check in before leaving, volunteers will search the course to ensure you are not lost. Please check in before you leave.

Scoring : Electronic punching will be used. All participants must bring, rent, or purchase one. Controls will be AIR+ enabled.

E-Punches : If you don't have your own E-stick, rental electronic punches will be available for $5. (Use "000000" when registering).

Clinics :  An introductory clinic will be offered at 9:45 am. An experienced orienteerer will teach you the basics.

Registration : All participants must pre-register. All standard SDO registration policies apply.

Fees :

$20 for adults, $10 for juniors (under 21) $5 early bird discount through midnight, Saturday, March 28th. Closes : Registration will close at 10 am on Friday, April 17th, or when we reach our limit

Entry Limit : This event is limited to 75 participants. See the "Find a Participant" tab to see the registration list.

HQ Location : parking lot grass south of Air & Space Museum   Link

Parking : There is ample parking at the park. Free for San Diego residents (if you register your vehicles), paid for non-residents. More info here .

San Diego Orienteering: Home page   |  Events

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