New Member GPS help

[kilroyishere]

I just joined Hike Arizona, as I found the group while researching a place to take a backpacking trip with my girlfriend's 13 year old son. Since I've been lost overnight in the wilderness before, I am really concerned about that ever happening again. I have a Garmin GPS Map 60CSX that I've only used for geocaching so far, and though it looks like there are downloads available for many of the hikes, through this site, my head started to spin when I looked at the instructions. Anyone out there willing to help the technically challenged? BTW, trying to decide between Mt Baldy and Mt Graham for this trip.

Thanks,

KilroyIsHere

[big_load]

Download the .gpx version of the track. Then open the newly-saved file in MapSource and transfer the track to your GPS.

[Tough_Boots]

I think, unless its been changed, that you have to upload a unique track before you're allowed to download any-- kind of like a key to the kingdom.

[joebartels]

The gates on the kingdom should be open for all

[JimmyLyding]

What a munificent leader we have in Joe Bartels

[azbackpackr]

Mt. Baldy or Mt. Graham? Both are nice. I just bp'd Baldy. It was fun, and there are a lot of places to set up a tent along the West Baldy trail (it is kind of flat for miles) and then you can go bag the peak after you set up camp. Hauling a full pack to the summit not wise for first backpacking trip. Recommend you bring a day pack (in your big pack), hike in 2 to 4 miles, and set up your camp. Then do the peak. Then you will come back to your tent all ready for you when you are tired! The hike to the summit can seem longer than it actually is, due to the altitude.

Doing the big loop with big heavy pack is probably not the best thing for newbies. In our group, we had planned to do that but due to several factors we changed our plans, and were glad we did, even though we weren't newbies.

When you get near the summit you will reach the junction of the East and West Baldy trails. If you are on the West trail, then you will bear to the right to get out to the bald area, and the summit cairn is less than a mile from that point. I am going to post my hike later today and will post a link for it on THIS thread, including my GPS route.

[kilroyishere]

I have the .gpx file downloaded, my gps connected to the computer, but cannot open the file or see how to transfer it to the gps unit. Any help?

[kilroyishere]

Do I perhaps need software that did not come with the Garmin Map 60 CSX? Mapsource?

[joebartels]

For those old models, yes

Download the .gpx version of the track. Then open the newly-saved file in MapSource and transfer the track to your GPS.

No software needed for Oregon, Dakota or Colorado units. Though I though MapSource came with the older models?

[big_load]

Though I though MapSource came with the older models?

It did, and it comes with any Garmin map product. If you don't have it, Garmin BaseCamp will work. It's a free download from the Garmin website.

For PC: http://www8.garmin.com/support/download ... sp?id=4435
For Mac: http://www8.garmin.com/support/download ... sp?id=4449