Hiking Resources

It is worthwhile to embrace all the sweet technology available out there to aid in trip planning and route finding. There are a ton of amazing mapping software, apps, and websites on the market for free or for a reasonable subscription charge. Here are a few stellar resources you can use on any of your devices when heading out on a hike.

• These websites and apps are now owned and operated by REI.
• They contain thousands of detailed route and hike descriptions and maps from across the planet.
• Super useful products when you want beta on a new area to backpack or hike. 

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• This free website allows you to look at maps utilizing different layers and scales throughout the world. You can set the parameters and particulars you want to include while also being able to save and print PDF files of your maps. This site now offers a property boundary layer, which can be super helpful in knowing if you are public land or private property – and the contact info of the landowner. Super cool. 
• Caltopo has an app that syncs seamlessly with your phone allowing you to take your maps with you. 
• This website allows you to create routes, add markers and trail lines, along with a ton of other features. 
• Check out this useful video on How To Use Caltopo

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• Avenza Maps™ is a mobile map app that allows you to download maps for offline use on your iOS and Android smartphone or tablet. Use your device’s built-in GPS to track your location on any map – you don’t have to have cell service at all! Plot and record information about locations, import and export placemarks, measure distance and area, and even plot photos. 
• A sweet thing you can do with Avenza is integrate a map you created in Caltopo using the QR code found in the right hand corner of a PDF map you created.
• Here is a short video on how to do that – How To Use Avenza Maps

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• This mobile app has a free and a paid subscription version. Find a ton of hikes near you with in-depth hike descriptions and route maps. This app has a ton of other features too and can be integrated with your social media accounts.

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• This website and app can be a one stop shop and offers many of the same features Caltopo offers. You can create maps and routes, sync with your mobile device, and integrate a variety of layers and features onto your map. There is also social sharing mechanism that allows you to post straight to Facebook and Instagram.

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• Plantsnap is a mobile plant identification app that will help you in being able to identify plants you encounter along your hike. You just open the app and point your phone at the plant you want to identify.
• We recommend renting or buying a local plant guide specific to your area. These are really nice to have and have a ton of helpful information on identifying characteristics and cool info like whether the plant has medicinal value or is edible or not.