I certainly hope somebody can help you out with some GPS routes.
Maybe some of the Tucsoner's as Sierra Vista isn't exactly loading up the site
... yet!
Personally I rarely use GPS for route finding even on off trail excursions. Maps are so much quicker to the eye. I generally use GPS as a safety backup measure for starting point. Also to track speed/distance and such, but I don't really check it out on the hike.
...if I was down in that area I'd be heading east
checking out "South Fork of Cave Creek"
ApertureFoto wrote:
Do you use preplanned routes via your GPS or do you simply follow the trail or a paper map?
Also, does anyone have any GPS routes for some good hikes in the SW AZ area?
Hi NewBe1,
We always hike with a GPSR. On established trails we don't use it for routing but to answer the all important questions:"how much time until the sunsets, how much further do we have to go, should we turn around now?".
In areas where there are no trails per se, we use it loaded with waypoints along with paper map and compass to get us to our destination. The tracklogs help us get back to our start point.
I like to do a lot of off trail and night hiking. I use both GPS (etrex basic) and compass (baseplate basic). Prior to an outdoor activity, I will review maps (USGS 7.5) and layout a course on the map and prepare a trip plan. I will input the coordinates (mostly using UTM as the position format) into my GPS and plot bearings to use with my compass from reviewing the map.
For trail hiking, I would use a forest service visitors map and sometimes a USGS topo map to assist in planning a trip. When selecting waypoints take note of the topography as your GPS may not work in some areas (canyons, sinkholes etc.)
Some hikes I like just to use a map only for route planning and I may also use a combination of position formats with the GPS on different segments of the same hike and I will use true north bearings and magnetic bearings also on different segments of the same hike. I also like to check my locations by triangulating or checking bearings from prominent terrain features.
I prefer to use USGS topo maps as I have a large inventory of the state and I have noted some of the cd rom map software may not have some of the man made features (bench marks, windmill, mine prospects etc.) that may be featured on the USGS map only. You can also use a USGS topp map only
for route finding by locating features on the map and locating them in the field.
I just use a good old fashioned map and compass. The biggest reason for this is because I can perform the same tasks with the map and compass that the GPS units can in about the same amount of time (at least for the GPS units in my price range). I find the map to be easier on the eyes, and lighter in the pack. Plus you don't have to carry extra batteries for the map and compass. I am sure as technology advances I will make the switch as there are certainly advantages to GPS.
Route Editor
Route Scout
