Master Maps-
A Master Map references multiple routes within one area or sub-region. Within the Sedona Red Rock Region different areas provide a multitude of adventures. I have broken these areas into sub-regions based on route locations and created maps specific to these areas. Master Maps will increase knowledge and awareness of different routes in each location. For example, Master maps have been created for Bear Mountain, Boynton Canyon, and Brins Mesa/ Wilson Mountain. Master Maps allow the adventurer to:
Combine two or more routes (Link Up’s)
Plan for safe alternatives or bail-out options
Become more familiar with each area’s established trails and routes
Bear Master Map Routes:
Miyagi/ Bobcats/ Sun Bear Full/ Sun Bear Lower/ Big Bear/ Little Bear/ Grizzly/ Dillinger/ Half Dilly/Goldie Drops
Boynton Master Map Routes:
Boynton Island East/ Boynton Island West/ Mushroom Drops/ Slingshot/ Chopper Drop/ Manzanita/ Ponderosa/ Deadmans Descent/ Deadmans Hollow/ Kings Cave
Brins/Wilson Master Map Routes:
Jehova 300/ Mormon Spires/ Mormon Monster/ Mormon Misfit/ Wilson Mtn. Canyon
Maps & Navigation
Navigating through the front and back country is made easier with the use of different route finding skills and tools. Updated KML tracks will be provided on the website and can be used with Smartphones and GPS devices. Maps are provided to give a general sense of direction to prevent erosion and braided trails. Maps are intended to aid the adventurer, and are best used in conjunction with detailed approach information & basic route finding skills. These maps are made to the best of our knowledge and are based off data from multiple trips.
Gaia GPS
Navigation
When traveling outdoors it is useful to become familiar with a GPS app or device that works best for you and it’s intended purpose. When I am navigating outdoors, I find the Gaia GPS application to be most useful for keeping me on track. The app is very user friendly and easy to download. Gaia can also provide driving directions and allow you to easily mark and share GPS locations with friends or family.
One downfall of using Gaia is the inaccuracy of recorded distance and elevation. Sometimes these numbers have been extremely high and Gaia has been working on this issue for quite some time. Other resourves such as caltopo and gps devices may have more accurate information on distance and elevation. Where Gaia really shines is in user friendly navigation and keeping you on track.
Please refrain from marking, cairns, and flagging/ ribbons.
Caltopo
Create/ Modify/ Print
Caltopo is another GPS application that I have found useful for creating, modifying, and printing maps or tracks. Once downloaded from the website tracks can be opened in Caltopo and easily modified or updated. Caltopo has been the most user friendly application for me when it comes to creating maps and importing them into Gaia or other apps.
The recorded distance and elevation in Caltopo tends to be much more accurate based on my own experience. Printing maps is another feature that Caltopo does very well and an added bonus is the QR code in the bottom right corner of the maps that makes downloading the track quick and easy for those with the app.