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Tag:

National Geographic

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
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HikesNew Maps

Complete National Geographic Pacific Crest Trail Maps Now Available in Gaia GPS

by Julien Friedland November 22, 2019
written by Julien Friedland

Now, you can hike the Pacific Crest Trail with digital maps born of a partnership between National Geographic Maps and Halfmile.

In 2017, National Geographic teamed up with thru-hiker and mapmaker Lon “Halfmile” Cooper to produce maps that included both NatGeo’s meticulous cartography and Halfmile’s firsthand notes and insider information. The result contains careful annotations about trail mileages, official and unofficial campsites, water sources, and other points of interest.

Gaia GPS started converting and uploading those maps this spring, adding first Washington, then Oregon. Now, we’ve reached the finish line with one final push to add the entirety of the trail through California. (National Geographic has also released the PCT California maps in print.)

About the PCT in California

For most thru-hikers, the journey starts in California. North bounders hikers toe the Mexican border, then set off through Campo and into the Laguna Mountains and the stark beauty of the Southern California desert. The following sections of trail contain some of the most iconic landmarks along the entire PCT. Think giant sequoias, the granite monoliths of Yosemite National Park, and 14,491-foot Mount Whitney, the highest point in the Lower 48.

In total, California holds 1,692 miles of the PCT—over half the trail. Whether you’re out to hike the whole thing, hunting for your next big backpacking adventure, or scouting scenic day hikes near Los Angeles or Sacramento, the NatGeo Pacific Crest Trail map layer has everything you need to plan and execute a smooth trip.

How to Use the NatGeo Pacific Crest Trail Map Layer

You can access the NatGeo Pacific Crest Trail map layer—in addition to weather forecasts, wildfire overlays, and other premium maps—with a Gaia GPS Premium Membership.

To access the map layer, follow these steps:

  1. First, download the Gaia GPS app. It’s available on the App Store for iOS devices and on the Google Play Store for Android devices.
  2. Open up the Map Manager. Go to United States > NatGeo Pacific Crest Trail, and tap the green plus-sign to add it to your main map.
  3. Scroll across the main map to find your upcoming section of trail. Then, download maps for offline use.
November 22, 2019
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camp set up on the JMT photo by Miguel Vieira
Gaia GPSNew Maps

NatGeo John Muir Trail (JMT) Maps Now Available in Gaia GPS

by Angela Crampton April 20, 2018
written by Angela Crampton

Whether you’re a thru-hiker or section hiker, use the National Geographic John Muir Trail map to help plan your JMT adventure with Gaia GPS. The Premium base map includes detailed topographic information, clearly marked trails, recreational points of interest, and navigational aids.

Gaia GPS NatGeo John Muir Trail map preview GIF

What is the John Muir Trail?

Have you wanted to thru-hike but haven’t had months to hit the trail? The John Muir Trail (JMT) provides an alternative that averages 15 days to hike a total of 210.4 miles.

Located in California and named after outdoor explorer and wilderness advocate, John Muir, the JMT passes through the Sierra Nevada mountains and various wilderness areas, like Ansel Adams Wilderness.

gaia gps john muir trail map preview on ipad

Wilderness permits are required for the trail through the national park service. If you aren’t able to obtain a permit, consider section hiking portions of the trail instead.

The John Muir Trail map by National Geographic provides helpful nuggets of information on where to camp, water resources, and campfire restrictions.

gaia gps natgeo john muir trial map

How to add the John Muir Trail map

If you use an Android device, click here to watch an Android specific tutorial.

Step 1: To check out the new map, open the Layers menu (iOS/Android/GaiaGPS.com) and navigate to the “Premium Base Maps” section and turn on the “NatGeo John Muir Trail” map.

gaia gps natgeo john muir trail base map

Step 2: Search “John Muir Trail,” go directly John Muir Trail page, or drag map onto screen to view the yellow highlighted trail.

Step 3: From the Map Sources menu, select the “NatGeo John Muir Trail” map source.

Step 4: Download the map for offline use.

gaia gps natgeo john muir trail base map

National Geographic long distance trail maps

Last year, we added National Geographic Trails Illustrated maps as a separate map in Gaia GPS.

Beginning with the addition of the John Muir Trail map, we plan to continue introducing more National Geographic long distance trail maps over the course of this year.

A Premium membership with Gaia GPS includes the option to layer map sources and access to all of the premium maps. 


Featured image by Miguel Vieira.

April 20, 2018
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Gaia GPS Adds Bob Marshall Wilderness to National Geographic Map Layer
Gaia GPSNew Maps

Gaia GPS Adds Bob Marshall Wilderness to National Geographic Map Layer

by Nathan Copeland March 7, 2018
written by Nathan Copeland

The National Geographic Trails Illustrated layer now includes full coverage of the Bob Marshall Wilderness in northwest Montana.

Gaia GPS Adds Bob Marshall Wilderness to National Geographic Map Layer

The Bob Marshall Wilderness Area, nicknamed “The Bob”, ranks as the fifth largest wilderness area in the continental U.S. and covers over 1 million areas of pristine alpine lakes, waterfalls, and ionic peaks like the Chinese Wall section of the Continental Divide. [1] The Bob also includes over 84 miles of the Continental Divide Trail (CDT).

Follow Gaia GPS on Facebook or Twitter to keep up to date with the all the new additions to the National Geographic Trails Illustrated layer

Gaia GPS Adds Bob Marshall Wilderness to National Geographic Map Layer

Want to check out Gaia GPS’s National Geographic Trails Illustrated layer but not a Premium Member? Subscribe to Gaia GPS Premium or Premium with Outside+ today.


[1] “Wilderness.net Wilderness Data Search page“. Retrieved 2018-03-05.
Feature photo by Sam Beebe.

March 7, 2018
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App UpdatesGaia GPSiOSNew FeaturesNew Maps

NextGen Gaia GPS, with National Geographic

by Aileen May 22, 2017
written by Aileen

Today, we released the next generation Gaia GPS app for iOS. We’re also delighted to announce the inclusion of National Geographic Trails Illustrated maps, on iOS, Android, and gaiagps.com.

The new app is a huge leap for Gaia GPS, with tremendous technology, new maps and features, and a polished user interface. Since last September, eleven people have worked on the design, engineering, and cartography for the new Gaia GPS. The beta tester group of about 80 participants includes professional guides, long distance hikers, backcountry skiers, hunters, off-roaders, mountain-bikers, and others – a broad cross-section of the Gaia GPS community.

Try the new Gaia GPS for free:     

Beautiful Map Display

The new Gaia GPS includes a faster/smoother mapping engine. Gaia Topo and some other sources now display as ‘vector’ maps. This improvement means labels stay crisp as you zoom in/out and maps download in smaller sizes.

National Geographic Trails Illustrated

The new Gaia GPS includes an expanded map catalog, featuring National Geographic Trails Illustrated. These are the most trusted and highly-rated topographic maps available for the United States’ top outdoor destinations. They are produced and regularly updated in partnership with local land managers and experts. They include detailed topographic information, clearly marked trails, recreational points of interest, and navigational aids. We’re thrilled to include this layer with a Gaia GPS Premium Membership.

Additionally:

  • Premium Members also get access to another new source – Neotreks topo maps for the US
  • all users of the new Gaia GPS can now access MapBox Satellite, Outdoor, and Streets maps – previously restricted to premium subscribers.

Trail and Park Search

Search the map like never before in Gaia GPS.

Gaia GPS will now suggest results as you type, and the new search feature lets you find parks, trails, forests, POIs, coordinates, and addresses. You can use the same search when you discover and plan trips on gaiagps.com/map.

You can also now tap directly on map features to get more information. Get stats about trails, pictures of places, official websites for parks and trails, and more.

Slick Redesign

The new Gaia GPS app makes navigating the backcountry easier, with a streamlined interface and unified design. Every screen got some love – from login/signup, to the map, to saved data – and we polished all the little details.

The new app has tabs along the bottom for major functions, unified button icons, and refined colors/fonts/layout. You can find the controls to customize the main map view (pictured in the right screenshot) by long-pressing the fullscreen button on the map.

Free Usage Periods for Existing Users

Already have the old Gaia GPS? You get a 2-year free usage period with the new app. You can also continue to use the old app.

Additionally, existing users with “GaiaPro” subscriptions from the old app get access to the new app at no additional cost, including National Geographic and all other Premium maps.

Existing Gaia GPS users can read an FAQ about the new app here.

Try it For Free Today

Anyone can download the new iOS version of Gaia GPS today, and start a free 7 day trial. Experience the next generation of outdoor mapping.

May 22, 2017
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