Map resources abound–sometimes we just need to be pointed in the right direction!

Maps are considered an essential part of the gear you need to take along on almost all trips, and paper maps are encouraged.  Digital maps on phones and GPS units are easy and relatively cheap (sometimes free) but only a paper map will do if you drain your batteries.  Some suggestions for obtaining maps:

Trails Illustrated Topographic Maps makes a map for almost every National Park that are kept current and complete.   These maps have topographic lines, colorized and easy to read, waterproof and tear resistant.   I order one for each National Park I visit…and would not be without it.

Each National Forest and each BLM District has a map of their district/area showing the roads, trails, and water ways.  A visit to your local office to discover the maps available is very worthwhile.  Take a minute and ask them what all kinds of maps are available as some offices carry specialized local maps.  The Boise National Forest office on Vinnell Way in Boise is a good example.  They carry maps of many Forests and Districts, and also BLM District Maps.  The BLM land surface ownership maps are nice to have as they show private land areas may require special attention for access.

Guide books usually have topographic maps of the trail/areas they are describing.

Idaho State Department of Recreation (IDPR) has an interactive map of motorized and non-motorized trails, and has many specialty maps for local hiking/skiing areas.

Local area maps, such as RidgetoRivers has their own trail map available at local vendors and online from Avenza.

And, of course, Idaho Trip Reports will have their own on-line maps of featured trails.

If you need a paper map of trails in Idaho and cannot find the map you need, comment here, and ask the trail-user community for suggestions–I bet you will be surprised about the response you get!

 

 

 

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