Maps... lets talk maps!

[mmbackpacker]

In my scramble to get my goat area figured out I ran into a problem I didn't anticipate. I can no longer get the typical topo maps I am used to! It appears I haven't purchased a new map in three or so years, the National Geographic custom map printing stations are gone, and the old school USGS topographical quads are long gone. The online providers such as mytopo.com seem ok, haven't purchased anything from them yet, for the scouting trip I managed with a USFS map that was much too massive, covering a HUGE area and not enough detail. I also relied on my Garmin Etrex base model GPS. I'd like to get something more focused on the area.

So, what are you using?

 

[Jeff Martin]

Standard USGS and MyTopo are my goto sources. You can download the USGS for free. Take the .tif file to a print shop like staples and have them print the area you want.

 

[BroodBuster]

The quad maps are still available. I've got a local map store that carries them but I believe you can purchase them online at the usgs website.

Just this past weekend, relying on an old greenriver map we hiked to the top of a ridge just to find a road on the other side. SAS I pull out the quad from my pack and there's the road. Doh!

 

[CentennialELK]

I have all of my maps printed with mytopo. They are great for my uses.

 

[dotman]

Is there not a Nat Geo map available for your area? For $12 I just get the illustrated trail map of my area and it is perfect for my needs in addition to my gps.

 

[JDZ]

I like caltopo.com and Acme Mapper. Acme is pretty basic, but I find it useful. Caltopo has lots of functionality. Play with the layers to show multiple layers with varying opacity. If you want it printed on quality paper, and don't have the equipment to do it yourself, mytopo is probably the way to go, though.

 

[Steve O]

I use MyTopo. I like being able to pick my area and not have to piece together 3 or 4 USGS maps. I've got 6 of those taped together draped over my pool table right now looking at WY sheep country.

 

[kamcgraw]

MyTopo has done me very well. Like stated, I like being able to pinpoint the area my map is centered over. I have had no problems with them over the last 4-5 years.

 

[Rizzy]

For the Sawtooths and the Frank Church you can get hiking maps that are about perfect. Shows topo and trails. REI in Boise has them.

 

[sodaksooner]

Mytopo is ok but I like the natgeo maps. Much better quality, better clarity and trails are much better marked.

 

[MAT]

The Hybrid TopoPhotos from MyTopo are really nice, much better that an outdated USGS quads.

 

[unm1136]

I have a local surveying shop where I go annually. The sell all the software for the GPS, but also have the ability to print the most current topo of the GMU, including private lands. $17.00 gets me a game unit map printed on waterproof paper.

pat

 

[mmbackpacker]

Thanks for all the input fellas! Looks like there is a lot of options to wade through!

 

[mmbackpacker]

Anybody use rugged maps?