Gaia GPS

New and Updated National Geographic Trails Illustrated Maps in Gaia GPS

by Mary Cochenour June 3, 2021

written by Mary Cochenour

Dig deeper into the map than ever before thanks to new and updated National Geographic Trails Illustrated maps in Gaia GPS. We’ve added the Sawtooth and Sun Valley National Geographic Trails Illustrated maps to the hundreds of NatGeo map titles available in the Gaia GPS catalog. Plus, get the latest updates on 16 Nat Geo maps in some of the most popular recreational areas across the US.

New Sawtooth and Sun Valley National Geographic Trails Illustrated Maps

Sun Valley Nat Geo Illustrated Map desktop screenshot.

Gaia GPS now has two new National Geographic maps for Idaho’s year-round playgrounds: the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and Sun Valley, Ketchum. If you’re headed to the world-renowned ski area of Sun Valley and its adjacent town of Ketchum, you’ll want to check these maps for the best recreational opportunities in every season. Get a Gaia GPS Premium Membership to download the National Geographic Trails Illustrated maps and take them with you offline, even in areas far away from cell service.

The Sawtooth National Recreation Area is home to three Wilderness Areas in central Idaho: the Sawtooth Wilderness, Cecil D. Andrus-White Clouds Wilderness, and Hemingway-Boulders Wilderness. With over 300 high-alpine lakes and 40 peaks towering over 10,000 feet in elevation, the Sawtooth National Recreation Area offers outdoor opportunities no matter what time of year you plan to visit. Hikers, trail runners, mountain bikers, backpackers, skiers, and snowmobilers will find hundreds of miles of trails to enjoy in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area Trails Illustrated map. Plus, get detailed info about campgrounds, trailheads, whitewater access points, interpretive trails, boat launches, nordic ski areas, and other points of interest in the area.

The Sun Valley, Ketchum area bumps up against the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, extending recreational opportunities all around the town of Ketchum, Idaho. This Nat Geo map shows the towns of Sun Valley and Ketchum and the surrounding Pioneer, Smoky, Solider, and Boulder mountain ranges. Find miles and miles of trails that are suitable for every activity, including hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, and OHV.

Newly Updated National Geographic Trails Illustrated Maps in Gaia GPS

Screenshot of the Wonderland Trail Nat Geo Trails Illustrated map on a laptop.

Sixteen National Geographic Trails Illustrated maps have recently been updated in Gaia GPS to show new trails, additional visitor amenities, distances between trail segments, and more. From Colorado to California, Washington to Wisconsin, check out these updated National Geographic maps in Gaia GPS:

Mount Rainier National Park: This map gives you all the information for a successful trip to Washington’s Mount Rainer National Park. Get the most up-to-date information on the park’s key destinations including Paradise, Longmire, White River, Mowich Lake, Ohanapecosh, Chinook Scenic Byway, Crystal Mountain, and Glacier View Wilderness.

Goat Rocks & Norse Peak Wilderness Area, Gifford-Pinchot & Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests: Get updated details on this portion of the central Washington Cascade region. Outdoor enthusiasts of every stripe will appreciate the details of this updated map, including Rimrock and Bumping Lakes; Crystal Mountain Ski Area; Bumping and American Rivers; Tatoosh Wilderness Area; and Chinook and White Pass Scenic Byways.
The Wonderland Trail: Washington’s premiere trail, the Wonderland Trail circumnavigates Mount Rainer. Get the latest information in this guide about the Wonderland Trail, including wilderness regulations and other important facts and tips to help you navigate this spectacular trail.
Joshua Tree National Park: Located in California’s dry and windswept desert landscape, this Nat Geo map delivers up-to-date details to help you explore this fascinating landscape of rock formations and unique flora.

Bandelier National Monument: Get the latest details on this New Mexico recreational area, including information about archeological, geological, and historical sites. The map covers the entire national monument, plus Bandelier and Dome Wilderness areas, White Rock Canyon, and parts of Santa Fe National Forest and Jemez Mountain Trail Byway.
Leadville, Fairplay: This updated map shows miles of trails around the Leadville, Colorado area, including portions of the Colorado and Continental Divide Trails. View clearly marked mountain biking, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and off-roading trails with this classic National Geographic map.
Hahns Peak, Steamboat Lake: Use this map to explore the Routt National Forest in the northern regions of Colorado. This map includes trails and amenities details for Hahns Peak Lake; Steamboat Lake and Pearl Lake State Parks, Bear Creek Lakes, and Mount Zirkel Wilderness.
Clark, Buffalo Pass: This map covers a portion of the Continental Divide through Routt National Forest and surrounding areas in the northern region of Colorado. Get updated trail information for Mount Zirkel Wilderness Area, Christina, Odd Fellows and Irvine State Wildlife Areas, Spring Creek Mountain Park, and Summit Lake.
Steamboat Springs, Rabbit Ears Pass: Get summer and winter recreational information in this up-to-date map for the Steamboat Springs, Colorado area. Find clearly marked trails and other points of interest around the Stagecoach and Fish Creek Reservoirs; Steamboat Ski Area; Yampa River; Sarvis Creek Wilderness; the towns of Steamboat Springs and Oak Creek; Muddy Pass; and a portion of the Continental Divide Trail.
Cloud Peak Wilderness: View this updated map to explore nearly 200,000 acres in the Cloud Peak Wilderness in north-central Wyoming. The map covers the entire wilderness area and includes key areas of interest, such as Highland and Coffeen Parks, Meadowlark Lake, Upper and Low Paint Rock Lakes, Kearny Lake Reservoir, and Cloud Peak Skyway.
North Fork: Glacier National Park: Anyone visiting Glacier National Park will want to consult this updated National Geographic map that includes key areas of interest such as Bowman Lake, Lake McDonald Valley, Goat Haunt and Avalanche Creek. The map includes sections of the Pacific Northwest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail as well as recommended biking trails in this northern region of Montana.
Many Glacier: Glacier National Park: This up-to-date map details hundreds of miles of trails in the national park and includes recreation amenities, including campgrounds, mountain bike trails, waterfalls, picnic areas, and horse rental locations in the Many Glacier area of Glacier National Park in Montana.
Two Medicine: Glacier National Park: This map covers the heart of the Glacier National Park in Montana, including John Stevens Canyon, St. Mary’s Lake, Lake McDonald, and the historic Going-to-the-Sun road. The newly updated map shows clearly marked trails, bridges and shuttle stops for public transportation within the park.
Glacier, Waterton Lakes National Parks: This map covers a large area of northern Montana in and around Glacier National Park. Get detailed topographic information for key areas including Many Glacier, Great Bear Wilderness, Flathead National Forest, Hungry Horse Reservoir, Lake McDonald, Flathead River, St. Mary Lake, Akamina-Kishinena Provincial Park, and the Waterton Lakes. This map features more than 800 miles of trail in the parks and surrounding areas.
Voyageurs National Park: Explore interconnected waterways along the border of Minnesota and Canada with the National Geographic Voyageurs National Park map. Travel by kayak, canoe, houseboat, or motorboat in the summer Use snowmobiles, snowshoes, and skis to explore in winter. This National Geographic Trails Illustrated map is updated and ready to help you find your way through this unique wilderness.
Apostle Isles National Lakeshore: Find boat and kayak launch areas and marinas in the northern territories of Wisconsin. This newly updated map covers the 21 islands and 12 miles of Lake Superior shoreline that comprise the national lakeshore with unparalleled detail. Also covered by the map are Red Cliffs Indian Reservation, Madeline Island, the northeastern corner of Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest and the Bayfield Peninsula.

About National Geographic Trails Illustrated Maps

You can access hundreds of National Geographic Trails Illustrated maps with a Gaia GPS Premium Membership. Trusted and popular maps for America’s favorite outdoor destinations, Nat Geo’s Trails Illustrated maps are continually updated for accuracy. Each map is crafted with input from local land managers and subjected to a rigorous review and enhancement process. Look for Nat Geo’s signature features and details, including clearly marked trails, recreational points of interest, and navigational aids to help you find your way in the backcountry.

How to Access National Geographic Maps In Gaia GPS

With a Premium Membership, you can access all the National Geographic Trails Illustrated maps in Gaia GPS. Simply tap the layer button, and select United States topographic maps. Scroll down to add the National Geographic Trails Illustrated maps. Tap the “Add Maps” button to add it to your active map layers. Downloads maps to view and navigate with them in areas without cell service.

June 3, 2021

Gaia GPS

Customize Your Maps with New Emoji Waypoints

by Mary Cochenour June 3, 2021

written by Mary Cochenour

New emoji waypoints are here! Now you can mark your favorite spots on the map with a ❤️, flag that campsite where you saw a 🐻, and add a💧 at every crucial water source along your route. Customize your waypoints in Gaia GPS using the hundreds of emoji symbols available on your phone, tablet, or computer.

It’s always been possible to customize the name and symbols of your waypoints in Gaia GPS. Now the new emoji waypoints give you almost endless possibilities to mark important places on the map. Whether you’re backpacking across the 🏜, hunting 🦌 on public land, camping 🏕 near a river, or skiing ⛷ and biking 🚲 through the mountains, emoji waypoints give you more options to add custom information to your maps.

Use Emoji Symbols to Add Custom Waypoints

Have you ever worked hard to get up to the top of a ridge and have been overcome by the view? Add a 😃 waypoint to the map to remember the joy you felt when you reached the summit. Use the 📷 emoji icon for waypoints in places with great views or to remember where you snapped photos on a trip. Flag weather conditions on the map to document which days you experienced ☔️ or ☀️ on your trip. Use emoji waypoints to mark hazards such as lightning, wind storms, and mountain snow.

How to Get Emoji Waypoints

Emoji waypoints are available to everyone on iOS, Android, and the web at www.gaiagps.com. Use emojis to customize waypoints on any map in Gaia GPS. Learn more about adding waypoints to the map in this step-by-step article from the Gaia GPS help center.

Customizing a waypoint with an emoji icon is easy. After adding a waypoint to the map, you can customize its appearance by selecting “Choose icon.” Tap the smiley face emoji in the icon menu to access your device’s emoji library. Search for and tap on the perfect emoji to customize the waypoint. Press “Save” after you’ve added the emoji icon.

You’ll need a Gaia GPS Premium Membership to download your custom waypoints and take them with you offline in places without cell service.

June 3, 2021

Alan Adams bikes across a singletrack trail through a field of wildflowers.

How a Milestone Birthday Led Alan Adams to Break a World Record

by Mary Cochenour June 3, 2021

written by Mary Cochenour

In 2013, a life threatening crash in a cycling race set Alan Adams into a spiral of bad decisions. He quit bike racing, and faded into the worst shape of his life. After seven years, Alan finally felt stable in his relationship and job as a Patagonia sales rep. He was ready to reclaim his fitness and ambition by taking on an audacious goal. So for his new years resolution in 2020, the year he would turn 40, Alan aimed to climb two million vertical feet under his own power.

Alan not only met his goal, he smashed it. The Bozeman, Montana, resident climbed over 2.5 million feet of vert by ski touring and cycling — breaking the record for the most human-powered vert climbed in a single year.

Alan climbed an average of 7,000 feet on his skis and bike — every day for an entire year. There was no media fanfare, no Instagram hashtags, and no corporate sponsorships. The challenge was purely a way for Alan to reconnect with the natural world around him and to rediscover his inner strength.

In this episode of the Out and Back podcast, Alan tells the story of what led to this ambitious goal. Tune in to hear how this vertical challenge brought Alan’s life back into focus. The routine of being outside every day taught him to appreciate time and accept a simpler way of life.

Next Episode: Thru Hiker Emily Ford Takes on Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail in Winter

Selfie of Emily and her husky Diggins while hiking a snowy trail.

Tune in to the next episode of Out and Back to hear how thru hiker Emily Ford tackled Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail in the dead of winter. Armed with a ton of clothes and a husky, Emily became the first woman (and second person ever) to complete a winter thru-hike of the 1,000 mile trail.

“One dude did it before me, Mike Summers. And it kind of should have been like a red flag to be like, are you sure you want to do this? I didn’t care. In my mind, this dude did it, so he already broke the ice. I guess I could probably do it too.”

In this episode, Emily tells us all the details of her sub-zero, snowy trip across Wisconsin. She explains how the journey convinced her of the inherent goodness in people. She wound up borrowing a lead mushing dog, Diggins, to keep her company on the trail. And she shares how Diggins ended up becoming a permanent member of her family.

You won’t want to miss this episode of Out and Back to get Emily’s surprising motivation for taking on a winter thru-hike in the midwest. In the meantime, you can follow her on Instagram for updates on her adventures outside and her career as a professional gardener.

Last Episode: How a Tragedy Turned Luc Mehl into a Packrafting Expert

Adventurer Luc Mehl has spent decades exploring Alaska in the most creative ways. He’s skied from Haines to Juneau; ice-skated a 100+ mile route on frozen lakes and seashores above the Arctic Circle; and bikepacked portions of the Iditarod Trail. In 2006, he discovered a much more efficient way to cover miles in the mountains: packrafting. He’s taken floating down alaskan rivers to a new level ever since.

But when a friend tragically died in a packrafting accident in 2014, Luc reexamined his own skills on the river and realized he was boating on water that was way over his head. It was a tough pill to swallow, but he dialed back and started learning the sport all over again. The result is Luc’s new book, “The Packraft Handbook.”

If you missed it, go back to episode 31 of the Out and Back podcast to hear Luc’s incredible Alaskan journey. His story starts with growing up in a tiny, landlocked village deep in Alaska’s interior. He shares how he found joy in playing outside in Alaska’s great expanses, and opens up about how the loss of his friend inspired him to become an expert in packrafting safety.

Learn more about Luc and his Alaskan adventures on his website. Follow him on Instagram. And pick up a copy of “The Packraft Handbook” to get the best tips for staying safe on moving water.

June 3, 2021

Screenshot of Wildfires (Historical) map and 3D satellite imagery on gaiagps.com.

Gaia GPS How-To

How Last Year’s Wildfires Impact Your Upcoming Trip

by Abby Levene May 21, 2021

written by Abby Levene

Wildfires swept through more than 10 million acres of forests and grasslands in the U.S. last year, making it one of the most severe wildfire seasons on record. California’s Creek Fire lapped up against the Nüümü Poyo (John Muir Trail). The East Troublesome Fire in Colorado jumped the continental divide and burned through Rocky Mountain National Park.

Some burn areas, including sections of Rocky Mountain National Park and the Pacific Crest Trail, may still be closed to the public. Trusted camping spots and water sources may be gone. And burn zones may mean you’ll be traveling through extended sections without shade.

Learn how you can use Gaia GPS’s Wildfires (Historical) map in combination with 3D satellite imagery on the web to get a realistic look at how past fires impact your upcoming trip.

Step 1: Add Satellite Imagery Map

Screenshot of Satellite with Labels on gaiagps.com.

To see how a wildfire path, start by adding a high-resolution Satellite imagery layer to your Gaia GPS map. (Choose from Satellite with Labels or Satellite without labels.) This map will give you a crystal clear bird’s eye view of the area at high zoom levels. Scout out forests, campsites, and water sources for your next overlanding or backpacking adventure.

Find and add Satellite maps here.

Step 2: Add Wildfires (Historical) Map

Wildfires (Historical) map on Gaia Topo on gaiagps.com.

Once you’ve added a satellite imagery layer, add the Wildfires (Historical) map to your active maps. Wildfires (Historical) will show you where wildfires have burned across the US and Canada, including how the East Troublesome fire impacted the Continental Divide Trail through Rocky Mountain National Park.

This interactive overlay displays wildfire areas in shades of red on the map. More recent fires appear in brighter shades of red. Tap on a fire to see the official name, year, and acreage of the fire.

The Wildfires (Historical) map requires a Premium Membership. Find and add Wildfires (Historical) by going to the Premium Maps > Feature/Weather Overlays category of the Layers Menu.

Step 3: Layer the Wildfires (Historical Map) on top of Satellite Imagery

All of Gaia GPS’s signature navigation and route planning tools can be used in 3D mode, including Wildfire (Historic) and Satellite imagery. Three-dimensional maps allow you to visualize how fire modified any and every mile of your route.

Once you’ve paired the Satellite and Wildfires layers together, just hit the 3D button while viewing Gaia GPS on the web. Watch the canyons plunge and the mountains pop. See how fire swept over plains, burned through forests, and crept up mountain passes.

Go Premium for Offline Maps

The Wildfires (Historical) map requires a premium membership. So does layering maps together. Go premium, and get an added bonus: download your maps for offline use. Note: the Wildfires (Historical) map must be used when connected to the internet or in cell service.

Watch: Does Your Trail Go Through a Burn Area?

View Current Wildfires and Air Quality

Screenshot of Air Quality and Wildfires (Current) and Wildfires (Satellite Detections) on gaiagps.com.

Now that you’ve viewed the impact of past fires on your route, you can use Gaia GPS to see if any wildfires are currently active and burning in the area you plan to visit. The Wildfires (Current) layer shows recent wildfire activity, including the fire’s name, size, and activity level. The Wildfires (Satellite Detections) layer taps into NASA satellites to detect all thermal anomalies on earth’s surface. Since some hot spots may be caused by flares, volcanoes, or other heat sources, pair the Wildfires (Satellite Detections) layer with the Wildfires (Current) layer to see what part of an active wildfire is still burning hot.

Even if your route does not directly pass through a wildfire, you may want to pay attention to how nearby wildfires impact the air quality. Use the Air Quality forecast maps to view current and next-day estimated levels of air pollutants anywhere in the United States. Sourced from the US Environmental Protection Agency’s AirNow program, Air Quality maps indicate pollutant levels of moderate, unhealthy for sensitive groups, unhealthy, very unhealthy, and hazardous conditions.

The Wildfires and Air Quality layers are available for free on gaiagps.com and in the mobile app.

May 21, 2021

A screenshot of a route being built on gaiagps.com.

Gaia GPS How-To

How to Plan a Hike with Gaia GPS

by Abby Levene May 19, 2021

written by Abby Levene

The best — and safest — hikes start before you reach the trailhead. Like cooking a delicious meal, going on a delightful hike requires some advanced preparation. Taking a little time to scout out the area and map out a route can save you far more time and stress once you actually head out the door.

Gaia GPS offers powerful planning tools to help you make that game plan. Find and create your hike at home. Download your maps onto your phone. Then navigate to the trailhead and follow your route with ease, even if you go out of cell service.

In this tutorial, Gaia GPS expert Ryan walks through how to plan a hike at home using gaiagps.com. You’ll learn how to:

Search and maneuver around the map to find the location you’re looking for.
Add waypoints to flag your starting location, finish, and key stops on the way.
Use Gaia GPS’s snap-to-trail planning tool to quickly and accurately map out the route.
Scout out the area using additional map layers.
View the map in 3D to get a better sense of the terrain.
Check out the elevation profile so you know what to expect on your hike.

Before you head out for your hike, check out more tips for planning your trip, including how to choose your destination, what to pack, and the hazards you might encounter along the way. For more tutorials on using the Gaia GPS app, visit the Help Center.

To access the entire Gaia GPS map collection, download your maps for offline use, and save your routes, get a Gaia GPS Premium Membership.

May 19, 2021

A backpacker looks at his phone. A satellite communication device is attached to the front of his backpack.

Emergency Response Gaia GPS

Satellite Communication Devices Plus a Field Review of ZOLEO

by Mary Cochenour May 18, 2021

written by Mary Cochenour

A few years ago, I was on a weekend backpacking trip in Montana’s remote Crazy Mountains when I rounded the bend on a rough patch of trail and found a solo backpacker lying in the dirt. A quick assessment revealed that the man had an obvious broken leg with a bulging deformity a few inches above his boot cuff. He was starting to go into shock and needed a medical evacuation as soon as possible.

We were tucked up in a canyon, far beyond the reach of cell service. I had been carrying around a satellite communication device for years, using it to text home and to grab weather reports in the backcountry. But now the time had come to use the device for its true and intended purpose — to call for help. I unlocked the SOS button, took a deep breath, and gave it a long, hard press. Within a couple of hours, a search and rescue helicopter plucked the injured hiker off the trail and delivered him to the nearest hospital for immediate reconstructive surgery.

Satellite communication can make backcountry rescue, like this one, quick and easy. This article tackles how satellite communication devices work, their value for peace of mind, and how I’ve used satellite communication in my personal outdoor adventures and in my work as a backpacking guide. Check out the growing list of top brands of devices, a comparison of retail prices and service plans, and an on-the-ground review of ZOLEO — one of the newer units to hit the satellite communication devices scene.

A search and rescue person sits on a rocky alpine field. A helicopter circles overhead. — *Summit County Search and Rescue team waits for a helicopter pick up during a rescue mission on one of Colorado’s high altitude peaks.* Photo Credit: Summit County Search and Rescue

How Satellite Communication Devices Work

Satellite communication devices allow you to send and receive text messages even when you’re out of range of cell service. Compact and lightweight, these devices send your message to a satellite in orbit and bounce that message back to earth, namely a phone number or email of your choosing. Most devices use Bluetooth to link up to your phone, making the out-of-this-world messaging experience feel and operate like ordinary texting.

Without question, satellite communication devices have changed the backcountry experience. They give you the ability to reach out from the deepest corners of the wilderness and connect with the civilized world. They bring a sense of security and peace of mind that was impossible to gain before the advent of two-way messaging without mobile service.

Best Uses for Satellite Communication Devices

Over the years, I have found myself relying on these devices in the following ways:

When settling down in camp for the night, I’ll often send a text message home to let my family know my location. I know they are relieved to get my message that I’ve had another safe day in the backcountry.
I always bring my satellite communication device when driving through remote places with little to no cell service, like Yellowstone National Park. This brings me a sense of security knowing that I can always call for help in case of an accident or car trouble on the highway.
When I am on a long backcountry trip and the weather changes unexpectedly, I pull up a current weather report to get a picture of what conditions are headed my way.
When trying to meet up with a shuttle driver (or bush plane in Alaska), I’ll send a message with my location to let them know that my group is ready for pick up.
I carry the device on the outside of my backpack and within reach to push the SOS button in case of an emergency. Though I have only pressed the SOS button once, it is the primary reason I carry the device.

Whether out on a day hike or a multi-week adventure to wild places like Alaska or the Wind River High Route, I use Gaia GPS for all my mapping and navigation needs. The app lets me know my exact location in the backcountry, plus it has all the US Geological Survey’s quadrangle maps — my go-to map source for backcountry route planning and navigation. I also carry a two-way satellite communication device to share my location with other backpacking guides, family, and emergency services if that need arises.

Satellite Communication Device Review

Today, many brands of satellite communication devices have entered the market, including Bivy Stick, Somewear, ZOLEO, Garmin, SPOT, and more. Competition has been good for the consumer, drilling down prices and bringing better, easier-to-use technology. The devices come in all shapes and sizes, and with different service plans and prices. Here’s a snapshot of what’s out there.

A chart compares five satellite communication devices: Garmin inReach Mini, ZOLEO, Bivystick Blue, SPOT X, and Somewhere Global Hotspot. — Prices as of December, 2020.

Mary’s ZOLEO Review

I’ve tested the ZOLEO unit while guiding backpacking trips for Andrew Skurka Adventures in the Brooks Range in Alaska and Yosemite National Park. One of my clients have carried a ZOLEO unit on one of my trips. We put our ZOLEO devices to the test, sending messages from places without cell service, like Tuolumne Meadows Campground and places far off the trail.

ZOLEO offered all the features I was used to having on my old Delorme inReach SE and Garmin satellite communication devices. ZOLEO connects to the Iridium satellite network and pulls weather from Dark Sky forecasting service, the same systems used by Garmin.

ZOLEO’s two-way messaging on the unlimited plan was seamless and reliable. The battery was well suited for backcountry travel with 200 hours of use available. The device was sturdy and small enough to hang on my backpack without being annoying, although I’ll admit I’m an ounce-counter and would like to see the device lose a little bit of weight and size.

What stood out about the ZOLEO unit was the seamless messaging between satellite, cell phone, and wi-fi communication. ZOLEO detects which communication is available and selects the most efficient, cost-effective method to use. ZOLEO offers each account a dedicated phone number and email, making it easy to share your contact information with friends. I found the ZOLEO app’s interface easy and intuitive to set up and use.

Best of all, ZOLEO knocks it out of the park on affordability with a $199 suggested retail price for the device. Its service plans are generous too. While the lowest service plan is a few bucks more per month than some of the other plans out there, ZOLEO’s plan offers substantial messaging for its price with 25 satellite messages per month. ZOLEO’s mid-price “In Touch” plan is robust with a whopping 250 satellite messages per month, making me believe there is little reason to purchase the more expensive, unlimited monthly plan.

What Happens When You Press the SOS Button

To activate the SOS button on ZOLEO, press and hold the SOS button on the device for 3 seconds. As an added safety feature, this button works even when you have the device powered off. You can also activate the SOS button from the ZOLEO app on your phone by selecting the SOS tab and pressing the SOS button on your phone’s screen.

Once the SOS is activated, a 10-second countdown begins and it feels a little bit like a rocket launch at Cape Canaveral. This countdown gives you time to cancel the SOS alert in case of an unintended push of the button. Yes, this actually happened to me once. I accidentally sat on my inReach SE at Trail Camp below the summit of Mount Whitney in California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range. I leaned up against my backpack to take a break and thought, ‘where is that siren coming from?’ I realized my mistake and jumped up to cancel the SOS alert before the message was sent.

If you don’t cancel the SOS message, the device will send the SOS alert with your location to the GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC) in Texas. GEOS IERCC coordinates response worldwide and is linked to the SOS button on all the satellite communication devices listed in this article. Once GEOS receives the SOS message, they will start a conversation with you by text and exchange information about your emergency. Local first responder crews will be dispatched to your location accordingly.

If you have a ZOLEO unit, you can schedule a test SOS alert to experience this process first hand.

Who Pays for Rescue

Sending an SOS alert is part of your paid service plan with these devices. Rescue, especially if it involves a helicopter, can be costly, or it could cost nothing at all. The cost depends on the location of the rescue. Check with the national park or public lands agency you plan to visit to determine who responds in the event of an emergency and if there is a cost for search and rescue within the agency’s jurisdiction. If the financial risks seem high, consider purchasing an insurance policy like the one offered by GEOS.

To Connect or Not to Connect, That is the Question

I always carry a satellite communicator when I am traveling in an area without cell service, and sometimes I’ve taken heat for it. After all, the whole point of going into the backcountry is to get away from technology and communication with the outside world. I agree wholeheartedly. But I think it’s up to you to decide how much contact to have with the world back home. If you have the will power, you can bring a satellite communicator and only rely upon it in the event of an emergency. Or you can decide to bring your texting addictions with you. Ultimately, the choice is yours.

May 18, 2021

Featured Gaia GPS New Maps

Quickly Find Campgrounds and Trails with the USFS Recreation Sites Map

by Corey Buhay May 17, 2021

written by Corey Buhay

Plan trips faster with the USFS Recreation Sites overlay in Gaia GPS. This map layer clearly marks U.S. Forest Service campgrounds, trailheads, visitor centers, and other points of interest at high zoom levels, letting you view your options across an entire national forest. You can tap on a site to learn about fees, access restrictions, and more.

The USFS Recreation Sites layer receives constant updates as the USFS adds more sites to the dataset. The clear, intuitive icons stand out on just about any base map and scale as you zoom. So whether you’re trying to pinpoint a trailhead within a densely vegetated satellite image, or looking for campsites during the first stages of trip planning, this layer will help speed up your search.

National Forests Lands: Your Best Bet for Dispersed Camping

The U.S. Forest Service manages around 193 million acres of the United States as national forests and grasslands. These areas serve a wide-reaching mission statement, which encompasses conservation and research, as well as multiple-use recreation. That makes USFS land ideal for hiking, camping, trail running, skiing, and climbing, as well as fishing, hunting, and motorized vehicle use.

Dispersed camping is more likely to be permitted on USFS land than in other, more stringently protected areas. And unlike most national parks, national forests and grasslands are typically pet-friendly.

How to Use the USFS Recreation Sites Layer

The USFS Recreation Sites Layer is available with a Premium Membership across all platforms: iOS, Android, and on gaiagps.com. Add the USFS Recreation Site map by tapping the layers icon. Scroll down and select “Feature/Weather Overlays.” Select the “USFS Recreation Sites” map and tap the “Add” button.

Use the USFS Recreation Sites overlay in conjunction with the USFS Visitor map. The USFS Recreation Sites layer is more up-to-date. However, it’s a work in progress, so there may be some sites currently visible on USFS Visitor map that aren’t yet available on the USFS Recreation Sites overlay.

USFS Recreation Sites and USFS Roads and USFS Roads and Tr ails make another great pairing. The combination gives you a complete look at Forest Service infrastructure that you can overlay on top of any base map.

*The USFS Recreation Sites overlay, paired with the USFS Roads and Trails overlay and the Satellite base map.*

May 17, 2021

Desktop screenshot of Wild and Scenic Rivers map.

Gaia GPS New Maps

Find Beautiful Boating Destinations with New Wild and Scenic Rivers Map

by Abby Levene May 12, 2021

written by Abby Levene

Find the best waterways in the US with the new Wild and Scenic Rivers map. Use this map on top of your favorite basemap to see all of the congressionally designated Wild and Scenic Rivers across America.

Wild and Scenic rivers offer some of the best fishing, boating, hiking, and scenery anywhere in the country. Dams block about 600,000 miles of river in the US. Use this map to find sections of free-flowing river as you plan your next kayaking, packrafting, or fishing trip.

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Layer

The Wild and Scenic Rivers map shows the 208 rivers that Congress protects. Scientists who use Gaia GPS to help record data while out in the field requested this map. And you, too, can use this layer:

Check to see if your favorite river is protected.
Scout out some of the most breathtaking places in the country to explore on your next trip, such as the Allagash River in Maine.
Find free-flowing sections of river as you plan your next boating or fishing trip.
Discover the country’s most prolific salmon runs, such as the Klamath River in California.

Add this layer and see each river or section of river that has been designated as Wild and Scenic. Tap on the river icon to learn more about that river, including its name, classification as Wild, Scenic, or Recreational, and the state in which its located. Plus, you’ll see the river’s water quality for drinking, swimming, and fishing.

What is a Wild and Scenic River?

Screenshot of Wild and Scenic Rivers on a phone shows multiple rivers on the west coast.

Rivers remain critical resources not only for recreation, but also for clean drinking water, biodiversity, and even flood protection. Just over 50 years ago, Congress recognized that the vitality of American rivers was at stake. So it created the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in 1968 (Public Law 90- 542; 16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.) to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition.

Wild and Scenic Rivers have one or more special features. These may include:

Pristine water
Beauty and scenery
River recreation
Flora and Fauna fecundity
Importance to the country’s history and culture

Of the 2.9 million miles of rivers in the US, only 12,709 of those miles are protected as Wild and Scenic. Yet this fraction of one percent of rivers are spread out around the country. Some Wild and Scenic Rivers are remote and ideal for a multi-day float trip, such as Idaho’s Salmon and Selway rivers. Others are more developed with roads and bridges and close to population centers, such as New York’s Upper Delaware. Take a day trip to escape the city and enjoy the soothing tranquility of the rushing water.

Often, only sections of a river are designated as Wild and Scenic. Other parts of the river may have dams or other development. Such is the case with the White Salmon River in Washington. The Condit Dam was intentionally breached in 2011, allowing this river to flow unimpeded for the first time in nearly a century. Now, these 27.7 miles of protected river are home to exhilarating Class III and IV rapids.

How to get the Wild and Scenic Rivers Map

Access the Wild and Scenic Rivers Map with a Premium Membership. Add this map by clicking the layers icon, selecting Add Map Layer, tapping Nautical/Aviation Overlays, scrolling down and adding the Wild and Scenic Rivers layer.

Layer the Wild and Scenic Rivers map on top of Gaia Topo or use it with your favorite base map. Boaters and fishers may also want to use Wild and Scenic Rivers in conjunction with the USGS Streamflows map, where they can get current streamflow in cubic feet per second (cfs) and status rankings against historical daily means. For tips on adding the Wild and Scenic Rivers layer and any other layer on Gaia GPS, visit this help center article.

May 12, 2021

Gaia GPS Out and Back Podcast

How Tragedy Turned Luc Mehl into a Packrafting Expert

by Mary Cochenour May 6, 2021

written by Mary Cochenour

Adventurer Luc Mehl has spent decades exploring Alaska in the most creative ways. He’s skied from Haines to Juneau; ice-skated a 100+ mile route on frozen lakes and seashores above the Arctic Circle, and bikepacked portions of the Iditarod Trail. In 2006, he discovered a much more efficient way to cover miles in the mountains: packrafting. He’s taken floating down Alaskan rivers to a new level ever since.

Don’t miss episode 31 of the Out and Back podcast as Luc takes us on his incredible Alaskan journey. His story starts with growing up in a tiny, landlocked village. Yet it took moving to the city for Luc to find joy playing outside in Alaska’s great expanses.

Luc’s adventures on foot, bike, ice skates, skis, and packraft can seem extreme to most people. But he swears he’s not in it for the thrill. Taking on new sports is just Luc’s way to keep growing.

“Part of what I am after is the learning curve,” Luc says on the podcast. “Every day I go out and I’m a little better than I was yesterday. I’ve done that with all these sports: skiing, biking, packrafting. As soon as the learning curve flattens out, I start to get a little restless. I’ll embrace learning even if it means giving up being an expert and I’ll pick up something new.”

Luc used the Alaska Mountain Wilderness Classic — a punishing adventure challenge across 100+ miles of rugged terrain — to test his limits and learn new things. The Wilderness Classic felt like a safe place for Luc to experiment with his gear, food, and sleep deprivation. Sometimes he stayed up all night to rack up extra miles.

Luc’s goal in the Wilderness Classic was to see just how minimally he could survive. Until one day, cutting corners resulted in tragedy.

In 2014, Luc’s friend drowned in a packrafting accident in the middle of the race course. Though Luc was not on the scene, the loss of his friend changed his perspective on decision-making in the mountains. Suddenly, his history of many close calls came into sharp focus.

Book jacket of Luc's book, "The Packraft Handbook."

Looking at his skill level through the lens of tragedy, Luc realized he was boating on water way over his head. It was a tough pill to swallow, but he dialed back and started learning the sport all over again. The result seven years later is Luc’s brand new book, “The Packraft Handbook.”

Due out at the end of May, “The Packraft Handbook” captures Luc’s knowledge about backcountry river travel. Everything from reading water to river hazards, packraft gear and safety equipment, “The Packraft Handbook” reaches both beginners and expert paddlers.

Learn more about Luc Mehl and his Alaskan adventures on his website. Follow him on Instagram. And pick up a copy of “The Packraft Handbook” to get the best tips for staying safe on moving water. Pre-orders are available now and will be shipped in June.

Last Episode: The Pacific Crest Trail with Barney “Scout” Mann

Barney at his computer, with book cases on either side. His back is to the camera.

Tune in to the last episode of Out and Back podcast for a chat with Barney “Scout” Mann. Since 2006, Scout and his wife “Frodo” have been hosting Pacific Crest Trail hikers at their suburban San Diego home.

The ultimate trail angles, the Manns offer to pick up arriving PCT hikers from the airport, bring them to their five-bedroom house, feed them dinner, entertain them with music, and teach them the ways of the trail. The next morning, the Manns shuttle the hopeful thru-hikers some 60 miles to the Mexico border. With a hug and a smile, they send their new hiking friends off to Canada. The Manns don’t charge a penny for their services.

In this episode, Scout describes how running their famous hiker hostel kept Scout and Frodo connected to the PCT even after their own thru-hike in 2007. Scout reflects on how the pandemic forced them to close up shop in 2020, and why they decided not to host PCT hikers in 2021. Listen through to the very end to hear why Scout and Frodo will consider hosting in 2022.

Find out about the release of Scout’s new book, Journeys North, which chronicles his own PCT thru-hike with Frodo. Give Scout a follow on Instagram — he’s on the Arizona Trail right now and posting pictures of his trip along the way. Learn more about Scout and Frodo’s hiker hostel on the Mann’s website.

May 6, 2021

A screenshot of Gaia GPS on the web shows adding an overlanding route to a folder.

Gaia GPS New Features

New Folder Organization on gaiagps.com

by Abby Levene April 22, 2021

written by Abby Levene

If you’ve built complex overlanding routes with countless waypionts or recorded hundreds of hiking tracks, you can now keep all of that data organized and easy to find thanks to Gaia GPS’s new and improved folders on the web. Folders are now intuitive to build, find, and edit right from the Saved Items sidebar on gaiagps.com. This update also makes it a snap to declutter your map: simply hide folders (and the contents inside them) from view.

Read on to learn about filing all of your info for a specific trip, from waypoints to photos to the route itself, together in one folder. Plus, see how you can nestle folders into other folders for ultimate organization. And discover how searching for certain folders or the contents inside them is easy with intuitive filtering and sorting capabilities.

Create and Manage Folders in the Sidebar

When you build a detailed overlanding route filled with waypoints, or create separate routes for each section of your thru-hike, you can now easily file all of those trip details into one folder right from the sidebar. Just click the Folder icon to get started.

Rename and Edit Folders in One Click
If you want to rename a folder, you can do so in one click. Tap the three dots at the top of the folder in the sidebar. Quickly delete folders, routes, waypoints, and other data you no longer want by selecting those items in bulk and deleting them all at once.

Nest Folders for Ultimate Organization
Easily file folders together by nesting them into their own parent folder. This tree-branch folder structure lets you organize a bunch of folders that all pertain to backpacking trips in a certain geographic location, or do you have a list of overlanding routes that you want to classify together. Add even more organization by creating subfolders, similar to how you might build them in iOS or Windows.

Declutter your Map with the Visibility Button

Once you’ve created a lot of routes or saved many tracks in one geographic area, the map can become cluttered and hard to read. This can be tedious if you’re trying to build a new route, or examine a zone for prime camping spots. Plus, looking at a spider web of tracks might make it difficult to follow one particular route while you’re out in the backcountry. There’s a quick fix for this confusion — hide your saved items!

Filing your routes, tracks, waypoints, and other saved items into folders makes it quick and easy to hide those items in bulk. Click the blank space just to the left of the select button for that folder. An eye with a line through it will appear, indicating that all of the routes in that folder are no longer visible on your Gaia GPS map.

Easily Find Saved Items with Search, Sort, and Filter Functions

A screenshot of Gaia GPS on the web shows how to filter for items within folders.

If you have lots of trail running routes, backpacking tracks, off-roading waypoints, or saved areas to sift through, no sweat. Searching, sorting, and filtering functions make it easy to find the item you are looking for.

Search
When you remember the name of that backcountry ski folder or prime fishing spot waypoint that you’re trying to find, the search bar makes this easy. Just type the name or the keyword right into the search bar in the Folders sidebar. All items with that word in the title will pop right up.

Sort
You can choose whether to sort by metrics including distance, elevation, time created, and alphabetically. To sort items in the Saved Items sidebar, click the arrow pointing down at the top. You can also change the direction in which items are sorted, from newest to oldest or vice versa.

Filter
If you want to search through a smaller assortment of saved items, you can filter what appears in the sidebar. Just click the Filter button on the top. This lets you filter items by item type, and also by whether it’s visible or hidden on the map.

Folders are Available to Everyone

All Gaia GPS users can create routes, areas, and waypoints, as well as organize, backup, and share data. This includes the capability to create and manage folders. Get started with Gaia GPS at gaiagps.com and download the app for free on iOS and Android.

Get a Premium Membership to fully take advantage of Gaia GPS’s powerful route finding and navigation tools. Access all the best maps, including the entire catalog of National Geographic Trails Illustrated, public lands, elevation shading, weather overlays, and many more. Print your maps so you always have a backup, layer maps together to get the best sense of an area, and download maps for offline use so you can stay found.

April 22, 2021

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