The Wilderness Press guidebooks (available in our online store) contain all the maps you'll need to travel on the PCT. But since we know how some folks like maps (we do too) here are resources to help you find them.

The PCT Map Series offers eight high-quality maps at a scale of one inch to the mile on durable plastic paper. They can be ordered from the PCT Store or from the National Forest Store map sales under “Special Area Maps” or 406-329-3024.

Overview Maps

The following maps are useful for planning a trip on the PCT (determining access and re-supply points, etc) but, as they do not depict contour intervals, they should not be relied upon for backcountry travel on the trail.

Triple A maps - The PCT is depicted on most American Automobile Association (AAA) state maps, which are free to AAA members.

Benchmark Maps - Benchmark Maps Road & Recreation Atlases show the PCT as a green line and include PCT trailheads. They're available at: http://www.benchmarkmaps.com/

National Forest Maps - The PCT is depicted on National Forest maps which, given their smaller scale and inclusion of logging and fire roads, are useful for planning. They're available at ranger stations and Forest Service offices along the trail and at: http://www.fs.fed.us/links/maps.shtml

Detailed maps

The following maps contain contour intervals and therefore are useful for backcountry travel along the PCT.

U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) 7.5' Quadrangle Maps - These small scale (1:24,000) maps are the most detailed available. They contain contour intervals and most show the PCT as a dashed line. They're available at outfitters and Forest Service offices and at:
http://ngmdb.usgs.gov/ngmdb/ngm_catalog.ora.html

DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer - Unlike the Benchmark Maps Atlases mentioned above, these atlases do contain contour intervals, making them suitable for use in the backcountry. These large scale (1:150,000) maps are available at:
http://www.delorme.com/atlasgaz/

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Maps - These Surface Management maps, though rather large scale (1:100,000), do contain a red line depicting the PCT as well as contour intervals and are therefore useful for backcountry travel. At $4.00 each (plus tax) they offer an affordable alternative to the PCT guidebooks. They're available from:

For California -
Bureau of Land Management
California State Office
2800 Cottage Way, Suite W-1834
Sacramento, CA 95825-1886

To place an order over the phone, please telephone: (916) 978-4400, TDD (916) 978-4419. As all maps must be paid for in advance, telephone orders must be covered by the use of Visa, Master Card, or Discover Card. Mail orders should be sent to the address above and accompanied by a check payable to Public Lands Interpretive Association (PLIA). California residents should add 7.75 percent tax.
Hours: 8:30-4:30, Monday through Friday

Oregon and Washington - available online at: http://www.or.blm.gov/lo/sales.htm

Electronic maps

There are several electronic mapping software packages and downloadable maps available, which have the ability to create customized maps you can print from your personal computer. As these are scanned versions of paper USGS maps, depending on when they were updated, some might not show the PCT. Here are a few:

Pacific Crest Trail CD-ROM - Created by Ken Roberts of MoreThanAMile Publications this CD-ROM set provides detailed maps and descriptions of the PCT and its environs. Photographs, three scales of detailed USGS topographic maps, mileage tables, elevation profiles, water sources, and resupply information are provided.. The "Print Version" allows you to print high-resolution topographic maps along the entire route of the PCT. The application was sent to US Forest Service District Offices for review and detailed feedback was provided by more than a dozen Wilderness Trail Managers. You may purchase this CD-ROM set from our store, or to learn more visit www.morethanamile.com/pctaorg/

National Geographic - These state-specific CD-ROM sets provide seamless coverage of USGS topographic maps. They're available at: http://maps.nationalgeographic.com/topo/. You can also create a topo map online and order a waterproof copy.

TopoZone.com - All USGS topo maps are available at: http://www.topozone.com/.

MapTech.com - View free USGS topo maps at: http://mapserver.maptech.com/homepage/index.cfm

Hiker Trash Haven- Though the set is incomplete, these free topo maps are a great resource for PCT hikers and riders. Find them at:
http://www.hikertrash.net