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Pacific Crest Trail Maps Available in Gaia GPS, Starting with Washington

by Corey Buhay
written by Corey Buhay

In 2017, renowned thru-hiker and mapmaker Lon Cooper (Halfmile) partnered with National Geographic to craft meticulously accurate maps of the Pacific Crest Trail. We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve joined that historic partnership to bring you those same PCT maps in Gaia GPS.

We’re rolling out the maps one state at a time, starting with Washington. The NatGeo Pacific Crest Trail map layer currently details a 10-mile-wide trail corridor of the PCT as it stretches from the Canadian border to the Columbia River. In it, you’ll find everything from labeled terrain features and amenities, to points of interest, annotated mileages, and hand-curated notes from Halfmile’s original maps.

What is the Pacific Crest Trail?

The PCT traces the spine of the western coastal ranges, carving out a 2,650-mile trail that winds through some of the most storied landscapes of Washington, Oregon, and California. Traditionally, the trail begins at the California/Mexico border and finds its terminus at the Canadian border. In between, it connects desert, volcanic slopes, temperate rainforest, and the rocky alpine crown of the High Sierra.

The PCT was originally conceived of in the 1920s, and has since become the stuff of both American heritage and recent pop culture. Its length and variety makes it ideal for staging day-hikes and section-hikes of any shape and size, in addition to end-to-end hikes. These full-length hikes, called thru-hikes, take most people four to six months to complete. According to the Pacific Crest Trail Association, just 6,636 people have completed the entire trail.

Why National Geographic Maps?

National Geographic consistently sets the standard for quality and accuracy in outdoor recreation mapping. The NatGeo Pacific Crest Trail map is a perfect example. All information is fact-checked and reviewed by long-distance hikers, local land managers, and NatGeo’s own cartographic editing team. The layer also uses a trail-centered map format specially designed for long trails.

This PCT map stands out for its comprehensive campsite coverage. Unlike other maps, this one labels both official and unofficial campsites, and marks over-camped spots. If land managers report that a campsite is heavily impacted by human traffic and no longer recommended for camping, the NatGeo PCT map uses a grayed-out tent icon to indicate discouraged use.

How to Use the NatGeo Pacific Crest Trail Map

The NatGeo Pacific Crest Trail map source is available to any Gaia GPS user with a Premium Membership. To add, simply open the United States category in the map manager. Then tap the plus sign next to the NatGeo PCT map layer. Because NatGeo maps are extremely detailed, we recommend using this one as a primary base map under any of your favorite weather forecasts or feature overlays.

You can find other tips for using Gaia GPS to navigate on thru-hikes and extended backpacking trips here.

More to Come

Keep an eye out for Oregon and California PCT maps, which we plan to add in the coming months. When complete, this will be the second prong of the Triple Crown to be included in the Gaia GPS map catalog. (We added the full NatGeo Appalachian Trail maps in 2018.)

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Forrest Fenn’s Treasure has been Found

by Corey Buhay
written by Corey Buhay
Update: The Forrest Fenn treasure has been found! 
After a mythic decade of exploration, close calls, and a few fatalities, Forrest Fenn’s treasure hunt has come to an end.

On the first weekend of June 2020, someone found the bronze chest filled with about $2 million in treasure that Fenn, an art collector, had buried somewhere in the Rocky Mountains.

“It was under a canopy of stars in the lush, forested vegetation of the Rocky Mountains and had not moved from the spot where I hid it more than 10 years ago,” Fenn announced on his website.

Fenn did not disclose the exact location of the chest or the name of the man who found the trove.

“I do not know the person who found it, but the poem in my book led him to the precise spot,” Fenn, age 89, told The New York Times from his Sante Fe, New Mexico home.

The unidentified man sent Fenn a photo of the treasure, the art collector says. While the finder asked to remain anonymous, Fenn notes that he hails from “back East.”

And the discovery remains finders keepers — with a caveat. The person who finds and retains property that has been lost or abandoned is subject to paying taxes “at its fair market value in the first year it’s in your undisputed possession, the I.R.S. states.

The Story Behind the Forrest Fenn Treasure

Fenn conceived of the idea of hiding a treasure chest after a grim cancer diagnosis. He was told he only had a few years left and decided he wanted to go out with some flair. Fenn selected treasures from his personal collection and made a plan to hide them. But when he outlived the doctors’ predictions, the treasure ended up sitting at home in a vault, gathering dust.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnUIrkfAAgT/

It wasn’t until the Great Recession that Fenn decided to bring the legend back to life and bury the box. Allegedly, his primary goal was to give people hope, and to encourage folks to get outside and have an adventure. Since Fenn announced he’d hidden the treasure in 2010, hundreds of thousands have gone in search of it.

The only clues as to its location? It’s above 5,000 feet in elevation. It’s not within a manmade structure, tunnel, cave, or graveyard. It’s in the Rockies somewhere between Santa Fe and the Canadian Border (but not in Idaho or Utah). And its location fits within the criteria described by the cryptic poem Fenn left in his autobiography, The Thrill of the Chase. The poem is as follows, and is said to contain all the clues necessary to find the treasure.

The Best Maps for Treasure Hunting

Fenn himself has said in interviews that he recommends using a GPS for safety reasons, and that a good plan and a good map are essential to the search. But which one?

After poring over the poem and analyzing prevailing theories as to its location, we’ve handpicked these base maps and overlays to help you create the ultimate Forrest Fenn treasure map.

1) Satellite Topo

The poem mentions a canyon and a put-in, and many searchers believe Fenn’s treasure to be hidden off-trail. Use satellite imagery to scout safe water crossings, assess potential put-ins and take-outs, and plan for the terrain. Use the added contour lines to help you stay safe and avoid steep drop-offs.

Safety note: Fenn has said that the treasure isn’t hidden underwater, but most searchers believe there may be river travel involved in finding the right spot. Carefully assess the conditions (and your own abilities) before you head out in a small craft.

2) NPS Maps

In Fenn’s book, he mentions childhood trips to Yellowstone. Some searchers believe the “warm waters” in the poem refer to the Boiling River near the border of the park. If you’re part of the contingent that believes the treasure is in Yellowstone, you’ll need access to maps from either the National Park Service or National Geographic.

3) USGS Maps

Many searchers believe that references like “home of Brown” and “in the wood” refer to proper nouns—like Brown Mountain or Wood River. Make sure you have an updated map with well-labeled place names. USGS maps are some of the most comprehensive official government maps out there, though crowd-sourced data from OpenStreetMap makes a good supplement. You can find USGS maps and multiple OSM sources within the Gaia GPS map catalog.

4) Detailed Road Maps

It’s common knowledge that Fenn drove and parked his car before he started hiking in to stash his treasure. We also know he reached the hiding spot and returned to his car within a single day. A few searchers believe this means it’s within a day’s drive of his home in Santa Fe, though this hasn’t been confirmed.

Regardless, no Forrest Fenn treasure map is complete without an accurate network of roads and trails. Make sure you have access to resources like the USFS Roads and Trails Overlay or MVUM Overlay, which show little-used roads and trails that don’t appear on other maps.

5) Private and Public Land Maps

It’s pretty well accepted that the treasure is somewhere on public land. Hiding and/or searching for it would be illegal otherwise. Even so, searchers have been arrested for poking around private property (most notably, Fenn’s). Use a map with private and public land boundaries to make sure you’re on legal ground, no matter where you search.

6) Recent Wildfires

Some speculate that the “blaze” referred to in the poem is a scar from a wildfire. Reference a map of burn scars and historic blazes to help inform your search.

Get All the Fenn Treasure Maps you Need in One App

The free version of the Gaia GPS app gives you access to the Gaia Topo base map, which includes contour lines, roads, and labeled features. You’ll also be able to create routes and leave waypoints to mark promising locations and past searches (as long as you’re in service).

If you want access to all the maps listed above, plus the ability to download maps to your phone or print custom maps at home, consider giving a Premium Membership a try.

Bonus for full-time treasure hunters: Buying a Gaia GPS Membership also unlocks historical maps of the U.S. and the U.K. from the early 1900s. You can also import your own maps, including scanned paper maps, to further build out your personal database.

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Seek Out the Wild with the New Wilderness Areas Map Overlay

by Corey Buhay
written by Corey Buhay

In the U.S., a wilderness area is officially defined as a place “retaining its primeval character and influence,” a place “untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.” As such, wilderness areas are the gold standard for conservation, preservation, and experiencing nature in its rawest form.

But in the developed American landscape, true wilderness can be hard to find. That’s why Gaia GPS created the new Wilderness Areas Map Overlay. Now, getting your next dose of deep-woods solitude is a whole lot easier.

Why Find Wilderness?

Research has proven time and time again that nature is good for human health. But not all nature is created equal. In fact, some newer studies suggest that the deeper you go, the stronger the effect of nature on stress reduction. That means that out of every land management type, wilderness is the most effective medicine.

Plus, wilderness areas come with their own rules and restrictions, so whether you’re looking for guaranteed primitive experience or just trying to make sure you’re using a drone, 4×4 vehicle, or snowmobile legally, it’s a good idea to know where the boundaries are. With the Wilderness Areas Overlay, you can pinpoint those spots with ease.

How to Use the Wilderness Areas Overlay

The Wilderness Areas map overlay is currently available to Premium Members on Android and iOS platforms, as well as on gaiagps.com. Go to the Feature/Weather Overlay category of the map manager, and add the Wilderness Areas Overlay atop any of your favorite base maps. We recommend using the layer in conjunction with the Roadless Areas Overlay to find even deeper solitude, or adding the Snowfall Forecast or Precipitation Forecast Overlays to help you plan your trip.

In iOS, the layer is interactive. Tap on any wilderness to view the area’s land manager, acreage, and the year it was established, or to discover the best hikes within that zone

All boundary, land area, and land management information is sourced from the nationwide database of www.wilderness.net, a public information hub dedicated to United States wilderness areas.

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Using the Gaia GPS App on Your Thru-Hike

by Corey Buhay
written by Corey Buhay

First off, congratulations: If you’re reading this, you’ve either committed to going on one of the most memorable adventures of your life, or you’re seriously considering it. The people you meet, the landscapes you see, and the experiences you have—whether it’s downing a half gallon of ice cream in Cumberland Valley, or dodging a bear encounter in the Yosemite backcountry—will stick with you forever.

One of the best and worst things about thru-hikes is how tough they are. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources out there that can make your life on the trail a little easier and let you focus on getting your miles in. Gaia GPS is one of those things.

The Gaia GPS app shows you your realtime location on the map, the exact distance to the next camp or water source, and potential bail-out points to help you strategize on the trail. Plus, making sure you never miss a turn will save you from adding any extra mileage to the thousands you’re already hiking.


The Best Maps for Thru-Hikers

The Gaia GPS map catalogue contains over 250 maps. A Premium Membership gives you access to all of them, but these are some of the most useful for thru-hikers.

NatGeo Trails Illustrated. This map layer provides detailed topographic information, points of interest, and trail beta for the entire Appalachian Trail. Coverage also encompasses many national parks, forests, and wilderness areas throughout the West, including large portions of the PCT and CDT trail corridors.

Snowfall and Precipitation Forecast Overlays. Check these maps during resupplies (or whenever you get wifi or 4G) to see an updated NOAA forecast over your proposed route. They’ll help you stock up on the right gear for the weather and plan your mileage accordingly. You can also view them in the app up to 24 hours after you leave service.

Recent Wildfires Overlay. There’s nothing worse than planning to hit a shady section during the heat of the day and finding a sun-blasted burn scar instead of lush forest. Prepare for or reroute around burn zones and active fires with this overlay. In iOS, you can tap an area to learn the year of the fire and the acreage burned.

Satellite Topo Base Map. Satellite imagery gives you the most accurate picture of the trail ahead. Use it to scout safe water crossings, find durable surfaces for setting up camp, and identify loose or rocky terrain. You can access high-resolution ESRI World Satellite imagery with built-in contour lines on the Satellite Topo Base map in Gaia GPS.

Public Land Overlay. In areas where where the trail crosses a patchwork of private and public land, figuring out where to camp can be tough. Referencing land management boundaries can help you determine where dispersed camping is permitted—and make sure you never get woken up by a disgruntled ranger.

Slope-angle shading. When there’s snow in the high country of the Rockies or the Sierra, following the summer footpath may not be your best option. This overlay, coupled with satellite imagery, can help you find low-angle routes, snow-free ridges, and winter-only shortcuts for a safer shoulder season.

A Few More Ways Gaia GPS Can Make Your Life A Whole Lot Easier

For many, thru-hiking is about the social experience. And one of the best ways to make friends on the trail is to always know how far it is to the next spring, shelter, or laundromat. Here are a few features that will help you pull off a seamless hike, and ensure your map is the most envied in camp.

1) See your location on the map at any time. Using the built-in GPS in your smartphone, the Gaia GPS app allows you to view your realtime location on the map, even when you’re offline and out of service. (And when the trail is under snow.) It’s an invaluable resource for finding your way off passes in whiteout conditions.

2) Always know the distance to the next campsite or water source. Gaia Topo includes comprehensive coverage of springs and water sources. Plan your day, maximize your efficiency regarding water refills, and boost your hiking partner’s morale by quickly measuring the distance to any point on the map.

3) Quickly reroute on the fly. With Gaia GPS, it’s easy to reroute to avoid trail closures, scout safer water crossings, determine the quickest route to town, or bail in case of emergency. Simply click and drag to edit a route. If you have an internet connection, use the snap-to-trail tool to quickly determine the best way around an obstacle. You can also drop waypoints to mark points of interest or draw trail closures on your map as you get beta from locals, posted bulletins, and other hikers.

4) Share your location with family and friends. Set your data to public, and the folks back at home can monitor your progress. Your map will update whenever you get enough wifi or cell service to sync your phone with your account online. You can also post to social media directly from your Gaia GPS account, or embed your data into your website or blog.

5) Cross-reference sections of the route on multiple maps. With Gaia GPS, you can choose from dozens of relevant map sources, including the USGS, USFS, NPS, and NatGeo. (See above for more recommendations.) Having multiple map sources can be incredibly useful for double-checking dubious turnoffs and water sources when the way is unclear.

We recommend downloading the maps for each upcoming trail section during resupplies in town rather than all at once. This will give you more space on your phone for music and podcasts while you’re hiking.

6) Record a track to monitor your stats. Monitor your pace and progress by recording a track. You’ll get a user-friendly display showing stats like your hiking speed or elevation gain.

7) Backtrack easily if you get off course. You can also start recording a track if you suspect low-visibility weather or if you’re entering an area where route-finding seems difficult. That way, you’ll be able to follow your own track to retrace your steps.

8) Download GPX files to customize your route. Being spontaneous and hiking your own hike are part of the thru-hiking experience. It’s easy to mix and match side-trips and variations to create your trip—or add onto it mid-hike—by searching for and downloading GPX files online. You can sometimes find GPX files of entire long trails online, as well.

Backups and Other Resources

While Gaia GPS is the standard for GPS navigation and digital maps, you should also consider downloading other information and bringing paper maps as a backup in case your phone gets wet or your battery dies. Most hikers who opt for paper maps mail themselves relevant pages for upcoming sections in resupply boxes. (Keep in mind that resupply boxes are usually reliable but sometimes get lost or compromised, which is another argument for having an app downloaded just in case.)

There are several thru-hike-specific apps like Guthook and Halfmile that contain guidebook-style information on trail towns, points of interest, and other stops along the way. They make a great supplement to the navigational capabilities of Gaia GPS.

Many Pacific Crest Trail thru-hikers download or print out the PCT Water Report, a crowd-sourced database of water conditions along the trail, to cross-reference with any downloaded maps. Water is less of a concern along the Appalachian Trail, but the AT Guide is a popular, regularly updated equivalent, and it includes campsites and other points of interest as well. Both of these are valuable additional resources and backups to Gaia GPS.

This article was written with the help of thru-hikers from all of America’s big long trails, including three members of the Gaia GPS Staff.

Lucas Wojchiechowski Gaia GPS Senior Software Engineer (CDT NoBo 2017)
Erik Baily Gaia GPS Customer Support Specialist (PCT NoBo 2015)
Ashli Baldwin Gaia GPS Operations Manager (AT NoBo 2014)
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9 Reasons to Adventure in Japan (And the Best Map to Get You There)

by Corey Buhay
written by Corey Buhay

Volcanic mountain ranges, hot springs, and world-class powder skiing are enough to put Japan on any adventure traveler’s map. Next time you’re considering an international vacation, here are a few reasons Japan should make your short list.

1) Downloadable topo maps mean it’s easy to navigate.

Whether you’re sightseeing, snorkeling, skiing, or hiking in Japan, you can find your way with the Japan Topo map, downloaded straight to your phone via the Gaia GPS app.

Sourced from the Geographical Survey Institute of Japan, Japan Topo includes contour lines, roads, trails, regional boundaries, and points of interest. It’s currently available to both Gaia GPS Members and Premium Members. We recommend pairing it with the Outdoors topo map, which contains labels in the English alphabet.

2) Japan has its own Alps.

The Japanese Alps, a chain of stunning 10,000-foot peaks, forms the crown of Honshu, the country’s largest island. The region’s trails and national parks make it the epicenter of hiking in Japan.

3) It’s home to thousands of hot springs, or “Onsen.”

Nothing says Japan vacation quite like a dip in one of these traditional hot springs. Credit Japan’s prime real estate along the Ring of Fire for its over 2,500 bubbling mineral pools. Hike to one, or find a resort to relax sore muscles aprés adventure.

Map Tip: Many hot springs, or onsen, are labeled on the Japan Topo base map. Use the Hot Spring icon to find them. (All icons are in the map key on the Gaia GPS Map Legends page.)

4) Climbing Mt. Fuji is a hiker’s rite of passage.

Summit one of the world’s most iconic volcanoes with the hike up 12,389-foot Mt. Fuji, the tallest peak in the country. Plan your climb for July through mid-September while temperatures are moderate and trails are open.

5) Japan powder skiing is legendary.

In lists of the snowiest cities in the world, Japanese towns regularly take silver and bronze (coming in just behind Valdez, Alaska—no surprise there) with 200 to 300 inches per year. Add that to the country’s hilly interior, and you get world-class skiing both inbounds and off-piste.

Map Tip: You can scout out ski resorts in Japan by looking for lift lines (the straight lines on Japan Topo or colored runs on Outdoor Topo. See both below).

6) It has coral reefs.

World War II-era shipwrecks, Pacific reefs, and abundant marine life make Japan just as beautiful offshore as on. The Ogasawara Islands offer divers and snorkelers with Carribbean-blue waters, sandy beaches, and pristine rocky shorelines. You’ll also find a number of national parks on the country’s northwest islands.

7) “Forest bathing” is a thing.

Nature lovers, welcome home. Shinrin-yoku, or “forest bathing” is the practice of taking in your natural surroundings as a way to reduce stress and promote health and wellbeing. The term was coined in the 1980s, but it reflects a more longstanding cultural appreciation of nature, as well as the value of the Japan’s forested regions and rich biodiversity.

8) Every season puts on a show.

If you can’t plan a vacation to Japan during winter’s fairytale snowfall or summer high season, don’t despair. The fall color show and spring’s famed cherry blossoms (blooming January through May, depending on the region) are just as big of a draw.

9) It’s got history you can hike.

Japan is home to thousands of cultural and historical sites you can visit on foot. The Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, for example, connects temples and shrines in the Kii mountain range. It’s one of the country’s 22 UNESCO World Heritage sites, and a great way to experience local history while hiking in Japan.

Map Tip: Use the Japan Topo legend to identify shrines, temples, and historical sites. The map below shows one of each, plus a hot spring.

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New Map Overlay: Explore Canada Trails with Gaia GPS

by Corey Buhay
written by Corey Buhay

Canada is home to 47 national parks and hundreds of provincial and territorial parks, all crossed and interconnected by world-class trails. Now, you can explore all of them with Gaia GPS.

Thanks to a new trails overlay from award-winning Canadian mapmaker Backroad Mapbooks (BRMB), the Gaia GPS map catalogue includes more detailed coverage of Canada than ever before. Whether you’re planning an expedition to the Arctic Circle, exploring the sky-splitting Canadian Rockies, or taking a day hike outside Montreal, the BRMB Canada Trails Overlay has you covered.

Color Coded for Route Planning at a Glance

The BRMB Canada Trails overlay includes over 70,000 miles of trail, including the country’s well-known behemoth, the 11,635-mile Trans-Canada Trail. All routes are color coded to indicate both their intended use and seasonal availability, making it easy to zero in on the destinations that are right for you.

Part of a Complete Package of Canada Maps

The addition of the BRMB Canada Trails overlay rounds out Gaia GPS’s existing rolodex of Canada maps. That collection includes ESRI World satellite imagery, precise contour line overlays (in both meters and feet), and the Canada Topo base map, in addition to the highly detailed Backroad Mapbooks Canada base map.

Adventurers in British Columbia can also access interactive overlays showing recent wildfires and timber cuts across the province for even more accurate route planning.

Available to Premium Members

The Backroad Mapbooks Trails overlay is available to Gaia GPS users with a Premium Membership both in the app and online at gaiagps.com. We recommend layering it atop the Backroad Mapbooks Canada base map for a complete and encyclopedic picture of the Canadian backcountry.

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New NatGeo Maps for Desolation Wilderness and Big Bend National Park

by Corey Buhay
written by Corey Buhay

The National Geographic Trails Illustrated layer now covers both California’s Desolation Wilderness and Texas’s Big Bend National Park.

About Desolation Wilderness

Glaciers shaped the land of Desolation Wilderness thousands of years ago, leaving the granite peaks scarred and polished and dotted with alpine lakes. Located just west of Lake Tahoe in Northern California, Desolation Wilderness is about a 3.5 hours’ drive from San Francisco and 1.5 hours from Sacramento. The area is known for its waterfalls, open landscapes, and expansive Sierra views. For that reason, Desolation is one of the most popular wilderness areas in the United States.

About Big Bend National Park

The gem of West Texas, Big Bend National Park sits along the Mexican border, centered between El Paso and San Antonio. The park contains mountain hikes, greenery-floored canyons, dirt roads winding through rocky badlands, and cactus-ringed desert springs. It also contains a number of historical and cultural sites, including those of early settlers, miners, and Native Americans. Fossils and dinosaur bones have been found in the area, as well.

How to Use the NatGeo Illustrated Layer

Available with a Premium Membership, the NatGeo Illustrated layer lies within the United States section of the map manager. Simply click the plus sign to add the layer to your map, then download the area of your choice for offline use.

To further build out your itinerary, find hikes in either Desolation Wilderness or Big Bend National Park by using the Hike Search feature. Just tap the “Discover” tab in the app or “Hikes” in the menu on gaiagps.com to get started.

Want NatGeo maps but not a Premium member? Subscribe to Gaia GPS Premium or Premium with Outside+ here.

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Winter Hiking: 10 Things to Remember On Your Next Trip

by Corey Buhay
written by Corey Buhay

Winter hiking might just be the fourth season’s best kept secret. Don’t let a chilly forecast keep you indoors. Learn the facts, and use them to master your gear, fueling, and layering systems. Do that, and you can have just as much fun winter hiking as you would in summer. Honest.

Capitalize on the fourth season’s peace, solitude, and snowy landscapes by remembering these 10 winter hiking tips next time you take on a cold-weather adventure.

 

1. Hot cocoa is actually a winter safety essential.

Your body needs plenty of water for efficient temperature regulation. When you’re well-hydrated, your blood stays thin, which makes it easier for your heart to pump it through the tiny capillaries in your fingers and toes. If you’ve ever spent time exercising in the cold, you know it can be tough to motivate yourself to stay hydrated when all you’ve got is a half-frozen Nalgene. Instead, pack an insulated bottle with hot tea or cocoa.

Because it’s an effective mood booster and way to coax in some extra calories, cocoa mix is actually a recommended item for many search and rescue kits, and a documented tool for helping winter rescue victims cope in emergencies.

Pro tip: If you do carry a water bottle while winter hiking, remember water freezes from the top-down. Store your bottle upside-down in your pack to keep the lid from freezing shut.

 

2. There’s no such thing as bad weather—just bad gear.

If you find yourself cold or wet on a day hike, don’t blame the weather: You might just be wearing the wrong things. The biggest step you can take to stay safe and comfortable while winter hiking is to choose the right materials and really dial in your layering system. Wet or sweaty clothes can sap warmth from your skin, and in winter, that can result in hypothermia even in moderate temperatures. To keep yourself warm and dry, opt for plenty of thin layers so you can optimize your body temperature no matter how fast or slow you’re moving.

At the very least, pack a windproof layer, a waterproof shell in case of precipitation, and a fleece or light jacket to go under your shell. Select wool or synthetic materials for everything from your baselayers to your hat, gloves, and socks, and consider adding gaiters to seal out snow and a scarf or Buff to seal in heat. Unlike cotton, wool and synthetics retain warmth even when they’re wet. It’s also smart to pack an insulated “crisis puffy” in case of unexpected drops in temperature, as well as extra gloves or socks on long winter hikes.

 

3. Batteries die faster in the cold.

If you’re using Gaia GPS to navigate and want to make sure your phone lasts in the cold, keep it in a pocket close to your body to keep the battery warm when it’s not in use. For other electronics, consider using lithium batteries, as they’re lighter, more efficient, and typically perform better in extreme temperatures than alkaline.

(Note: Lithium batteries are a great choice for many uses, but not all. For example, most avalanche beacon manufacturers recommend using alkaline batteries, as a lithium battery’s remaining charge is harder for beacons to measure.)

 

4. Traction and flotation are essential for safe travel.

You wouldn’t drive on packed snow with summer tires, would you? Think of your winter hiking footwear the same way. If your route carries you across steep slopes, boilerplate, ice, or no-fall zones, consider bringing crampons and an ice axe (and know how to use them). To negotiate packed snow or even just a few slick spots on lower-consequence slopes, consider traction devices for your shoes like Microspikes or Yaktrax, as well as a pair of ski or trekking poles. If the forecast calls more than a few inches of fresh snow, you’ll need flotation, as well: Bring snowshoes or backcountry skis to save yourself some post-holing.

 

5. Walking through snow will take twice as long.

Traveling through even just a few inches of unpacked snow can increase your energy expenditure by up to 2 to 3 times what you’d need to hike the same trail without snow, and that means hiking slower—think one mile per hour or more. Even with snowshoes, you should budget for a longer and more strenuous day than you’d otherwise have in the summer.

If you’re in a higher latitude, you’ll be even tighter on time due to shorter days. Look up sunrise and sunset times before you plan your hike, set a hard-and-fast turnaround time, and start full-day trips before dawn to make sure you don’t get caught in the dark. (Bring a headlamp just in case.)

 

6. Frostbite and hypothermia can sneak up on you.

Hypothermia can strike in temperatures as high as 50°F, and many people who get frostbite fail to notice it until it’s too late (it’s easy for numb feet to stay out of sight and out of mind). Know the symptoms before you head out, and bring the right gear to keep your fingers and toes comfortable and safe in the cold.

If you notice you’ve got chilly toes even in thick, waterproof boots, take a look at the fit: Sometimes thick socks can impair circulation just enough to keep hot blood from flowing through. Try thinner socks, or sizing up your boots to accommodate your winter-weights.

Also be sure to keep your feet dry: Long days in wet boots can result in immersion foot, or trench foot, which takes longer to develop than frostbite but can also cause lasting damage if left untreated.

 

7. Winter navigation is a whole different ball game.

Even familiar trails are bound to look different in winter, either because of snow or just the visual differences of fallen leaves and bare branches. Download maps and routes in Gaia GPS before you head out, just in case. Be sure to reference the Snowfall Forecast overlays, which will show NOAA’s forecasts for snow accumulation up to 72 hours in advance. Always bring a map and compass as backup.

 

8. On average, temperatures drop 3 to 5°F per 1,000 feet in elevation.

This is a good rule of thumb, and it makes sense: The higher the altitude, the colder the air. However, winter weather can be unpredictable. Check the forecast before you go, and pack for the lows, not the highs. Use a weather resource like mountain-forecast.com, which shows the expected temperatures and wind speeds at the tops of mountains as well as at the bottom. If you can’t find a detailed elevation forecast for your area, do some rough math: If it’s 40°F at the trailhead and your hike’s high point is 2,000 feet above that, make sure you have layers to keep you warm down to 30°F.

 

9. Snow can reflect up to 80% of the sun’s rays.

In most conditions, the worst you’ll come home with is a pretty serious goggle tan. But on sunny days above treeline, all that reflected light can cause serious sunburns and even snow blindness, a type of UV damage to the eyes that can impair vision for up to several days after exposure. Wear sunscreen, UV-blocking chapstick, and polarized shades or glacier glasses with full coverage.

 

10. Quick-burning carbs warm you up the fastest.

Constantly adding fuel to the furnace is one of the best ways to stay warm in the winter. Carbohydrates metabolize the fastest, giving you a quick burst of energy and warmth. Munch on high-carb snacks like potato chips, crackers, and candy bars throughout the day. Mix in high-fat foods like nuts, chocolate, summer sausage, and cheese, which provide more consistent, slow-burning energy.

Whatever you bring, make sure it resists freezing and is easy to eat on the go. And make sure it tastes good: Winter hiking should be fun, and it’s hard not to have fun when there’s chocolate involved.

 

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FeaturedGaia GPSHuntingNew Maps

Unlock New Routes with the USFS Roads and Trails Overlay

by Corey Buhay
written by Corey Buhay

An overlay featuring backroads, forgotten trails, and brand-new routes currently unavailable on any other Gaia GPS map, USFS Roads and Trails expands your possibilities. Use it to explore the backcountry, and add it to your repertoire of tools for building the ultimate customized map.

The USFS Roads and Trails overlay displays a web of roads and trails sourced from official U.S. Forest Service data, and uses a color-coded scale to indicate how developed each road or trail is. In iOS, it’s also interactive: Tap a pathway in the app to get information on its width, surface type, and vehicle clearance requirements.

Because this layer is updated more frequently than the more expansive USFS topo maps, it’s a useful resource for discovering new trails that don’t yet exist on those maps, as well as for checking the status of old ones.

This new overlay is designed to supplement Open Street Map data with government-verified information. It’s an ideal supplement for existing Gaia GPS topo maps in addition to the USFS Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) overlay, as the USFS Roads and Trails layer is derived from a separate dataset. It therefore covers some areas unavailable on the MVUM overlay, and vice versa.

How to Use the USFS Roads and Trails Overlay

The USFS Roads and Trails overlay is available for iOS and Android users as well as on gaiagps.com. It will be updated four times per year as the USFS releases new information.

To access the layer, find it in the Feature/Weather Overlays category of the map manager. Then, add it atop any of your favorite base maps to see available routes clearly picked out against the background of your choosing. This and other detailed map layers are currently available to those with a Premium Membership.

You can find the legend below as well as on the Gaia GPS Map Legends page.

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AdventuresFeaturedGaia GPSHikes

Top 10 Day Hikes Near Seattle

by Elisa Wirkala
written by Elisa Wirkala

A city ringed by emerald waters, glaciated volcanoes, and jagged peaks, Seattle has no shortage of great hikes within a short drive of downtown. But with so many options, the biggest challenge is deciding where to start. Save yourself some time and reference this guide for the best trails and views within a 3-hour drive of the city.

Whether you’re looking for a weekday trek close to home or a chance to push your limits in the mountains, you’ll find what you need in this list of top Seattle-area day hikes. Check out the links for full descriptions, plus detailed maps, and driving directions.

1. Heather-Maple Pass Loop

The Gaia GPS community ranks this hike #1 within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, and the views of alpine lakes, meadow, and craggy ridges covered in wildflowers make it easy to see why. If you can’t carve out a weekend to experience this trail in the summer, don’t feel like you’re settling: Come fall, larch trees beckon hikers with dazzling gold foliage.

Length: 7.2 mile loop
Elevation gain: 2,051 feet
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 3 hours

2. Alta Mountain via Rampart Ridge Backdoor Trail

While many hikes feel incomplete if you turn around halfway, this trail’s non-stop views and a seemingly endless string of alpine lakes means you can call it a day just about anywhere. Plan a casual day out by setting your finish line at the easier-to-access Lake Lillian, Rampart Lakes, or Rachel Lake, or push your limits and complete the whole trek up to 6,151-foot Alta Mountain.

Length: 8.8 miles out-and-back
Elevation gain: 2,438 feet
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 1.5 hours

3. Mount Pilchuck

Ask a Seattleite what their first mountain summit was, and chances are it was Mount Pilchuck. The iconic hike’s trailhead starts right around 3,250 feet above sea level, which means the relatively short (albeit steep) climb deposits hikers high above the surrounding landscape for big visual payoffs. Soak up the 360-degree views of Mount Rainier, the Olympics, and Mount Baker from the summit shelter lookout.

Length: 5 miles out-and-back
Elevation gain: 2,020 feet
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 1.5 hours

4. Kendall Katwalk Loop via PCT

Experience the wonders of the PCT without the months of body odor and blisters. Often regarded by thru-hikers as the most scenic spot along the whole Washington PCT, Kendall Katwalk shows off the best of the Pacific Northwest. And it won’t just be the altitude pumping up your heart rate: Hikers are rewarded with views of the surrounding mountains above Snoqualmie Pass via a narrow path blasted out of the cliff face. This is a local favorite in the summer, and frequented by backcountry snowshoers and skiers in the winter.

Length: 12 miles out-and-back
Elevation gain: 2,550 feet
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 1 hour

5. Lake Serene and Bridal Veil Falls

Nestled in by jagged peaks, Lake Serene is the perfect spot for a swim and an idyllic picnic atop Lunch Rock. With lush forest, alpine surrounds, and snow-capped mountains, it lives up to its name and calls hikers back year after year. On the way up, the short one-mile round-trip excursion to see Bridal Veil Falls is well worth the bit of extra effort and makes a fine turnaround point for hikers with young children. It’s also not very far from Seattle, making it an ideal retreat for those looking for pristine nature without a long drive.

Length: 8.3 miles out-and-back
Elevation gain: 2,067 feet
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

6. Sahale Mountain

If the idea of climbing a non-technical peak in the mountaineering haven of the North Cascades National Park piques your interest, don’t miss this summit trek up Sahale Mountain. Though the nearly 5,000 feet of elevation gain might seem daunting, smart trail construction and 30-something generous switchbacks make this hike surprisingly manageable. Plus, it’s hard to focus on the quad burn with near-constant North Cascades views putting you face-to-face with peaks to add to your tick list.

Summiting Sahale Mountain is a great first step for aspiring mountaineers as it includes a short snow crossing and an exposed 4th class scramble to the summit block. For those less inclined to try the steep final pitch, there are equally beautiful views to be had from just below the summit. Go in summer when the snow has receded and purple lupines blanket the slopes.

Length: 13.4 miles out-and-back
Elevation gain: 4,941 feet
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 3 hours

7. Little Si

The Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area is home to a couple of classic Seattle-area hikes. Though well-loved and busy, the Little Si trail is a great choice year-round, with less snowfall than surrounding alpine areas during the winter months. It also makes for great training grounds for those looking to get some miles in not too far from the city and is perfect for new hikers, families, runners, and those with dogs. Whereas the nearby Mount Si trail has a series of switchbacks over steeper elevation, Little Si meanders more easily through lush woods over undulating terrain. The straightforward but scenic trail through Pacific Northwest forest culminates with stellar views of the valley below.

Length: 7.6 miles and 3.6 miles out-and-back
Elevation gain: 3,252 feet and 901 feet
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 45 minutes

8. Camp Muir

Get high in Washington’s alpine country at Mount Rainier’s 10,000-foot base camp. Reaching Camp Muir is considered a right of passage for some Seattleites, and a worthy summer hike for those looking for a challenge. It’s also the highest you can climb on Mount Rainier without a climbing permit. And if you decide you can’t make it the whole way, even the first section will give you a mountain experience you won’t soon forget. Get awesome views of the volcano and glaciers while ascending to the Muir Snowfields and historic huts dating back to the early 1900s. Mountain weather can change quickly, so make sure you’re prepared for high winds and precipitation no matter how the sky looks at the trailhead.

Length: 8 miles out-and-back
Elevation gain: 4,639 feet
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes

9. Rattlesnake Ledge

Like on nearby Mt. Si, this hike’s easy access and moderate elevation gain belie the vastness of its views. It makes a great hike for beginners, families, or those looking to stretch their legs without the commitment of nearby alpine trails. Though it does get a lot of traffic, it’s a great choice for a mid-week outing or an easier jaunt with your pup. That said, the trail does continue on through the Rattlesnake Mountain Scenic Area for those looking for a bigger workout and further viewpoints from above, and is worth extra time and exploration.

Length: 4.3 miles out-and-back
Elevation gain: 1,117 feet
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 40 minutes

10. The Enchantments Thru-Hike

Due to its unique geography and delicate ecosystem, the alpine Enchantments zone is highly protected, making backpacking permits difficult to come by via the annual lottery system. But those with a strong will and sturdy legs can complete the whole 18-mile thru-hike in a single day without a permit. If you’re not ready for the whole shebang, build up your strength and get a taste of the untamed peaks with one of the shorter out-and-back trails to Snow Lakes, Colchuck Lake, or Eightmile Lake on the periphery of the Enchantments.

Length: 17.8 mile thru-hike (with much shorter out-and-back variations possible)
Elevation gain: 6,484 feet via Snow Lakes
Distance from downtown Seattle: Approximately 2.5 hours

Want more? Search for hikes near Seattle using the Discover tab in the Gaia GPS app, or go to the web and use the Seattle hikes page as a launching point to find your next adventure.

Note: These hikes were checked for accuracy, but the routes themselves were ultimately sourced from the Gaia GPS community. The exact mileage and elevation gain tracked may vary from device to device.

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