maPs
BoOks
According to Brad , books are single-handedly the best source of information you can get your hands on if you are planning a trip to an area you have no information on . Yes , the internet is a great resource , but books contain a different level of detail and can hold very important considerations when locating and navigating new trails . I believe Brad is right in the sense that books can offer very specific insights that cannot be found anywhere else .
For example , consider the Mojave Trail Guide by DesertUSA . This book and guide should be the first stop in your adventure through the Mojave Trail , a historic trail that stretches 138 miles through terrain that ’ s seemingly unchanged since prehistoric times . This guidebook offers so much content that you could live out the adventure from the comfort of your own home . Although I know most of you would much rather saddle up in your rig and start heading out , the point I ’ m making is that the guidebook has enough information that the legendary Mojave Trail can be experienced from your couch .
In conjunction with books , magazines , and articles , good old-fashioned maps offer another layer of detail in planning , finding , and navigating trails . One notion often overlooked is the idea of avoiding places where camping is prohibited . Brad mentioned he uses this angle of conversation to get the best recommendations for trails and camp spots from the local rangers . It ’ s a win-win .
When you ’ re out in the backcountry , you don ’ t really know the rules because rules change from place to place , such as camping near a water source or a hiking trail , wildlife warnings , fire restrictions , etc . Maps generally have information that can address those concerns , and if not , you can visit the local ranger station to obtain a detailed trail map of the area . One tip an E3 member gave was to ask for the “ Recreation Plan ’’ as it offers the best information for a safe and informative adventure .
In terms of finding and scouting out trails , Google Earth is hands down the best program / app to see the trails without actually having to be there . Notice I didn ’ t say Google Maps . Yes , Google Maps is a great tool for navigation and finding trails , but Google Earth offers you a much more detailed perspective and deeper depth when finding new trails to blaze , especially for areas that are completely off the grid . The best and coolest way I love to describe the perspective of Google Earth is imagining yourself in a small little plane flying around looking down , sideways , longways , and up-ways , and getting a true birds-eye view of the area . You can see live topography , you can see clouds with Google ’ s live weather option , and you can see how steep and tight some switchbacks are . It ’ s amazing what you can scout out using Google Earth , and it should definitely be in your tool kit when finding new trails for your next adventure .
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