California Maps, Back Roads, Hiking Topo Maps, GPS Guides, Buy Camping Maps, Forest Service Dirt Roads

california.maps

Choose the Right Forest
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If you want to get 'off the beaten path' & away from the crowds, you will need to be well equipped. One thing you will need to successfully get way away from the masses & RV parks is a good map. A detailed map that lists most dirt roads is advisable for backcountry road travel. Some of these same maps also detail the areas hiking trails & backpacking camp spots. Large map books are convenient but sometimes aren't as thorough as the standard NFS issued maps. Most maps these days, have longitude & latitude grids for use with your GPS system .

BenchMark Map is a must have!

the basics

How to Read a Map & Signage

The Interstate System

One & Two Digit Signs

Three Digit Signs

Even # are east-west routers
Odd # are north-south routers
Business Loop
Business Spur

First digit even# = route through or around city
First digit odd# = spur into a city

common abbreviations:

Interstate = "I"
Highway = Hwy.
State Routes = SR or CA

Note: Mile Markers (a.k.a. postmiles) for the most part go like this...
Even-numbered routes usually increase from west to east.
Odd-numbered routes, from south to north.
However, there are exceptions. For individual routes & their direction, see this Dept. of Transportation useful Table

Dirt Roads are usually represented by light gray lines, thin double lines or even dashed double lines. Make sure you follow your desired route through to the end to make sure it doesn't extend to a dead end or result in a locked gate. Contact the local ranger or BLM office to find out about gate closures. Or even possible road closures. Familiarize yourself with Backroads / Forest Service Roads (usually dirt roads) if you are planning on heading into the mountains, deserts or back country areas. You may even want to check road conditions before you head out on your adventure. During summer months you are most likely to experience open roads without adverse conditions.

National Forest Service Maps are extremely helpful when venturing off pavement to dirt roads. Most really good primitive camping areas are located on these dirt side roads. Get off the beaten path & find that perfect meadow, waterfall or creek side spot.

map books & state atlases

Online Map Sources:

National Forest Maps - for sale online

Topo Maps on the Web:

TopoZone.com

Large Map Books of back country regions are becoming ever popular. Book maps, such as Thomas Brothers California, DeLorme or Benchmark cover the entire state!

But you best bet for super detailed coverage is still the areas BLM or Forest Service (NFS) maps.

Tom Harrison Maps are some of the best maps out there & they are tear-resistant plus waterproof, so they'll last.

GPS for Everyone:
How the Global Positioning System Can Work for You

Routing

Planning your road trip & what route you will take before you leave is advised. Re-routing & assessing the situation along the way at a dinner stop or roadside bathroom break is also helpful.

New technology producing great stuff: Global Positioning Systems are almost a necessity for logging that perfect trailhead or backwoods campsite.

All about GPS
global position system

Sherlock Holmes' Guide to the Global Positioning System

Get Driving Directions & Make your Own Map

Mapquest is only convenience! Make sure you have another map for cross referencing. Do not depend on MapQuest to be accurate or easy to read, esp. on the country & forests back roads.

topo &
mapping
software

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	One & Two Digit Signs	Three Digit Signs
	Even # are east-west routers Odd # are north-south routers Business Loop Business Spur	First digit even# = route through or around city First digit odd# = spur into a city