Minecraft wiki entry for Time-saving_tips, associated text: If you get lost below ground, don't spend too much time trying to find your way back to familiar territory. You know where the surface is; it's up. Just dig a stairway to the surface, where it will be much easier to get your bearings. Do follow mining safety practice as always; don't dig vertically, and watch out for incursions of water, sand, gravel or lava on the way. Be aware of the time as well, and avoid breaching the surface at night if possible.