HikeArizona.COM

Alright, I am in the midst of a personal crisis now that USGS maps have been discontinued at REI, World of Maps, and even the State Trust Land Department has stopped ordering new maps (they still have an ample supply available). I understand there is some great topo software out there, but I am not ready to replace my map and compass with an electronic device. I always thought I was being a smart hiker by carrying a paper topo map with me, but there must not be many of us out there because the demand has clearly plummeted for these maps. Of course I could print, but do I really want to limit myself to an 8.5 X 11" sheet of paper?

Does anyone know if the USGS maps on paper are still available anywhere in the Phoenix valley? Does National Geographic Topo! still have printing kiosks out there anywhere?

Most importantly, is anyone out there still carrying paper maps?

not much help if you don't want to print but they are all free on-line at
http://libremap.org/data/state/arizona/drg/

taken and updated from
http://hikearizona.com/dex2/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2549

though I prefer printing from TOPO!
convenient & customizable with the ability to have routes plotted

I noticed maps disappearing from REIs around the country, but World of Maps too? That's heartbreaking. Anyway, I agree with Joe on Topo!. Scrolling around and setting up maps for printing is kind of a pain, but you can get anything on it you want with a little practice. Also, I have 24" roll-feed plotter at work, so I can print huge maps at my convenience (24" x 48" is a great size).

Agreed on the use of Topo! Its especially convenient for measuring your trail distances and elevation profiles. Something that is basically impossible on the old paper maps.

But if you are not lucky enough to have a plotter at work, you can always print the maps you want at the local Kinkos/Alphagraphics on their oversized printers as well. (I believe WWOM has oversized copiers, not sure if they're also printers)

There are a couple of maps that I've had laminated as well, and some commercial service bureaus can print on a teflon-like paper which is both waterproof and tear-proof. It's really neat stuff. I'll see if I can dig up what it's called. Unlike laminated things, this paper is thin so it folds conveniently and also rolls. It's not real cheap, but it does last forever if you are halfway responsible with it.

I have a large collection (several hundred) of USGS paper maps 7.5, 15' 1:100,000. I have a basic GPS (etrex) but I prefer a compass. State Land has very good prices. The Payson Ranger District, The Forest Visitors Centers (one opposite the turnoff on AZ 260 from Woods Canyon Lake and the one on AZ 87 at Happy Jack (Clints Well on the topo map) also sell newer editions of topo maps with forest roads and trails on them.

I take my maps to Mesa Blue Print and make copies of them for field use. Pretty cool to find a bench mark labeled Arizona Territory.