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
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