Hiking Arizona

[RobertBrosko]

Heading to Sedona for 4 days of day hikes and hopefully a trek down into Grand Canyon, if the people in DC get together. Trip begins this week! I have always just used a compass and my spot, but yesterday bought a Garmin eTrek 20. Please keep it simple, where should I buy my downloadable topo maps to load to my garmin. Clearly I need to load and play with it before Thursday!!!! Also, any advise for our group of experience hikers doing the Grand Canyon for the first time, we have all gotten ourselves into as good a shape as we could (mid-late 50s). We are so excited. Saw the canyon for the first time in April, can't wait to hike it! Hermit Trail to Hermit Rapids/Granite Rapids/Horn Creek/Brightangel/South Kaibab out.

[chumley]

There are a couple of resources here on HAZ to begin with.

First, our intro to the Grand Canyon: http://hikearizona.com/article.php?ID=17&O=0
Second, all the Garmin maps you can download. Free: http://hikearizona.com/garmin_maps.php

Finally, you can also download existing GPS tracks for specific hikes. There happens to be one that follows much of your planned canyon route:
http://hikearizona.com/gps=10366 (Click "download" on the left side).
Tonto BA to SK http://hikearizona.com/gps=6659
SK BA Loop via Tonto: http://hikearizona.com/gps=8924

From the map page you can search and find other GPS routes by selecting the "Route" tab in the upper left, and clicking "Find" after zooming in on a specific area of interest (Sedona, for example).

Just select a hike from the pins populated on the map, or from the list on the left, and you can then download the track to your computer or directly to your GPS.

Have a great trip and hope to see photos and read your trip report when you return!

[FOTG]

Ok so Chums def. provided probably all you need, but I purchased the Garmi Southwest Topo 24K map, it has done me well. Dont buy at REI, can get them a little cheaper just about everywhere else.

[John9L]

Hermit Trail to Hermit Rapids/Granite Rapids/Horn Creek/Brightangel/South Kaibab out.

Have a great hike! I really enjoyed that loop a couple of years ago. We exited on BA though. Here is the GPS Track for you to load if you want.
http://hikearizona.com/gps=25118

[RobertBrosko]

@John9L
A Novice with the Garmin, but what you have sent me is all that I really need, I should use your map and tracks.

Am I understanding it corretly?

Could you call me, if appropriate 248-217-8278

[John9L]

Robert - All I sent you is the track. I did not include any maps. I don't have any experience loading maps on my Garmin because mine came pre-loaded. Maybe Chumley will give you a call. He's very helpful.

[chumley]

Haha. As photo evidence on HAZ clearly illustrates, I only use my phone for texting and Facebook. I actually hate talking on the phone.

Seriously however, I'm not the best person to ask. My GPS is a 1999 model with no ability to view or load maps at all. But it gives me my coordinates accurately and that's all I need to figure out where I am with my paper maps.

GPS units are great tools, but there is definitely a learning curve. I would not rely on one on a multi-day Grand Canyon trip if you are unfamiliar with using it. I would personally test it out on a few local hikes to get comfortable with understanding the data it provides. Most people will tell you that a GPS is just one tool to use, a compass and maps are still a critical component to navigating.

I searched for a few past threads here on HAZ that might be relevant reading for you. Hopefully there's some useful information here (though some of it is probably dated as the technology improves and changes over time).

viewtopic.php?f=32&t=6568
viewtopic.php?f=32&t=7660
viewtopic.php?f=32&t=6351
viewtopic.php?f=32&t=7853

Good luck!

[PLC92084]

@RobertBrosko
If you're heading out this weekend, you've got some homework to do!! I consider myself a dweeb (others have different terms to describe me...) but it took me some time to figure out the intricacies of my devices (old eTrex Legend, currently 60CS); I'm still figuring out there are things I don't understand...

I can try assist offline, if you want. PM me with contact information if you like...

[RobertBrosko]

Thank you all, you have helped.
Without a doubt, I will rely on my compass and map.
Will try out the Garmin for a couple of days in Sedona before GC
Agree, lots of homework to do

[JimmyLyding]

One thing's certain, you're better off using a map and a compass instead of just a GPS. A good hiking map specific to Sedona's general vicinity should be available from many sources. I used to own one that was pretty good so they're out there.

[Tough_Boots]

also, if you're in the canyon just keep in mind that your satellite reception will be iffy in spots. You'll completely lose signal at points and your track will drift in strange ways in other areas. Pay attention to your surroundings and always question your gps' accuracy if anything seems odd.