Recommend a good map to me.

Hey guys, I'll be out in Colorado in a couple months for some camping and offroading. I need to buy a map or atlas (a topo map preferably) that shows not only the highways and backroads, but the BLM and FS roads and all too.

I've been fairly disappointed with maps before, so I was thinking that before I spend the money, I'd see if anyone has one they like that's proven to be current and accurate. Anyone have a good one?

 

Can't go wrong with a Delorme Atlas. I have a Colorado one and was pretty impressed by the detail.

 

DeLorme

 

Thanks guys. I've heard the new (6th) edition of Delorme's atlas omits a bunch of campgrounds and smaller roads. Do you know anything about that? I might try and find a 5th edition if it's true.

 

That would be unfortunate, the Gazetteers used to be top shelf. You couldn't replace high detail topos like Trails Illustrated or quads, but as a vehicle map they have always been our go-to.

 

BTW, you might look into the Benchmark atlases. No personal experience, though.

http://www.amazon.com/Benchmark-Maps/e/B005WIPIBG

 

If you go delorme, here is a coupon code I used a couple weeks ago

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/delorme-maps-50-off.419527/

 

I keep a Delorme gazetteer in my truck. On my second edition now, picked it up a year or two ago. I noticed a couple of errors/missing things in the first one, but I haven't heard anything about a new edition omitting a bunch of stuff. They are good for broad navigation, but aren't detailed enough for some uses. They're less than $20, so it's not like it's a huge loss. I have heard a few people say they preferred the Benchmark over Delorme. I looked at both, didn't see much difference.

Most of the time I rely on GPS map data. Depending on the area (mostly Moab) I have a couple of Trails Illustrated maps, which are really nice. For USFS roads, I typically check out the MVUMs for wherever I'm going if there's a question, but those are pretty much only good for the roads themselves, facilities, and rules/restrictions. No topo or anything. Nothing really beats a USGS quad sheet, and those are all available for free now. Including apps to load them on a phone or computer.

Depends on how large an area you are looking to cover and how detailed as to what maps I might recommend.

 

Well, with the discount code, the Delorme was only 10 bucks. I figured I couldn't lose. Thanks all!

 

Yea what they said, I have about 10 of them. Just before an out of state trip off to the bookstore. Going to the Smokies in June, two more please.