good maps for the unpaved roads

[Moose_DK]

Hi
I just wanted to ask anybody could tell me if there is some good maps that could help plan our coming journey. right now we are in wyoming and on our way to west fest. but after we plan to travel north all the way to canada and then south again... maybe to california..

we would love to travel of the tarmac and on as many unpaved roads and tracks as possible. is there any maps that are better for that.?? the highway map I have is really bad and only show big roads..



you can see here why we are seeking these maps to help our planning,
Our RR: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=483092

[oldmanb777]

While at West Fest, many people can out line some good routes for you. I don't know of a single map. Most of the maps like Latitude 20 are great, but cover such a small area, that you would need a truck load of them. Get a list of BLM and Forest Service offices in the cities you will go through. Then in each city pick up the appropriate maps for the next couple days, then repeat as nessecary.

[oldmanb777]

P.S., I don't know where in Wyoming you are, but, if you post where, then someone could give you some ideas as to how to get to West Fest without interstate highways. I'm in london, but could give you some ideas when I get home tomorrow.

[Hayduke]

When you hit Colorado, look for one of these maps, available at most gas stations:



It shows alot of the through dirt routes. That map in combination with a gps works great for dirt road touring in our state.

[TNC]

Thanks for that one, Duke. I've compiled a bunch of maps I have to sift through when going to different areas in CO. It would be nice to find a more concentrated source. I'll look for that next week.

[Hayduke]

Originally Posted by TNC

Thanks for that one, Duke. I've compiled a bunch of maps I have to sift through when going to different areas in CO. It would be nice to find a more concentrated source. I'll look for that next week.

It's not the most detailed, but used in conjuntion with my gps, it works well- better than carrying the Gazetteer everywhere. It just helps give you the big overview when doing long dual sport rides.

For getting into more serious stuff, I'll carry the NF maps or Lat. 40 if there's one available.

[Spat]

Originally Posted by Hayduke

When you hit Colorado, look for one of these maps, available at most gas stations:



It shows alot of the through dirt routes. That map in combination with a gps works great for dirt road touring in our state.

Ride on! good map to keep on the bike, and not expensive either.

[autolycos]

I've showed Moose my Nebraska Gazetteer, and he's impressed with it, but I couldn't find one for Wyoming.

[autolycos]

Originally Posted by oldmanb777

P.S., I don't know where in Wyoming you are, but, if you post where, then someone could give you some ideas as to how to get to West Fest without interstate highways. I'm in london, but could give you some ideas when I get home tomorrow.

In Torrington, as of this writing.

[Bill Shanks]

That Rec map of Colorado has a Wyoming equivalent. If you get to Denver, either REI or Mapsco at 8th and Lincoln downtown should be able to fix you up. In any state, stores catering to either bait and bullet types or hiker/tree huggers should have what you need. The big DeLorme atlas/gazeteers for each state are great, but need something big to carry them in. I use a case made from 6" PVC pipe; capped one end, threaded cap other end. Makes a good prop with sidestand other side for chain oiling/flat repair as well.

[eakins]

benchmark is the gold standard for unpaved roads.
http://www.benchmarkmaps.com/

[Oldwin1]

+1 on what Duke said.
One of my customers just got back from 9 days across Colorado, Wyoming and Montana and loved these. I give the Colorado ones out to my multiday rentals. Increases the chances of getting my bikes back.

Ron

Originally Posted by Hayduke

When you hit Colorado, look for one of these maps, available at most gas stations:



It shows alot of the through dirt routes. That map in combination with a gps works great for dirt road touring in our state.

[Moose_DK]

Now I know a little more what to look for..
Will try and find that Colorado map..
and maybe a Benchmark one.. they look really good.