Dirt road maps?

[KeithG]

What is a good atlas/site/resource for dirt road maps?  USA and specifically TX.

I found this, but have only seen it on the web, haven't held it in my hand:  www.texasmapstore.com/Roads_of_Texas_atlas_map_p/stat096.htm

[willapajames]

DeLorme gazetteers are great for finding dirt roads and roads you might not have known were there.  They're not very portable, but you can photocopy the page or two for your specific area and carry them along with you.  I do just that when exploring dirt roads here in Vermont.  A heck of a lot cheaper than a GPS!
You can also use google earth/maps to do some aerial scouting before you head out too.  Dirt roads show up very well in satellite imagery...

[AZTtripper]

Gazetteers are a great resource I like to carry a photo copy of the area I will be riding in even with a GPS. Even if I never use it it is nice to know I have it mostly I am thinking if I have to bail off track it is easier to plot a course on the map then trying to search through a big area on the small GPS screen.

[KeithG]

Cool thanks.

I went to barnes and noble today and look at the Delorme and Mapsco versions side-by-side.  I found the Mapsco to be a little easier to read/see from a dirt road standard.  The dirt roads on the Delorme were tiny and hard to see what did or didn't connect.

OK, can't believe I'm gonna ask this, cuz I'm pretty anti technology with my outdoor activities, but do some GPSs have some good functions/downloadable maps that include dirt roads? 

[daveB]

I hear ya on the anti-technology part, but having scouted dirt road riding in my area, what's really powerful is using in concert all the map books and local trail maps you can find with TopoFusion.  USGS quads have tons of "dirt roads" marked.  Some actually still exist, others have long since vanished.  Being able to draw a "theoretical" track and bring it along on the GPS allows for much more comfortable exploration.

Maps you can put on the GPS are variable just like printed maps in exactly what they show.  I have cobbled together routes from a lot of different sources, and TopoFusion does that gracefully.

[AZTtripper]

Dirt road jeep trail pack trails topo lines you name it the newest ones download the actual map.

Although it does change the nature of the experience having a GPS is really the only way to fly.

It doesn't make up for common sense and knowing where you are in the world but it sure makes dealing with unmarked junctions a whole lot easier.

Even if you don't have a know route to follow it is easy to pinpoint you location on a map by comparing topo lines or even the layout of a trail (the track you are creating as you go compared with the trail printed on a map) will help clue you into where you are.

Ah I see Dave got in before me 2nd on the Topofusion as for the whole outdoor experience GPS enables us to do big rides at a good pace to have to do all of the route finding for big ride you could loose hours.

That said there is nothing wrong with spending time lost in the outdoors as long as you find yourself along the way.

 

[KeithG]

Dirt road jeep trail pack trails topo lines you name it the newest ones download the actual map.

Although it does change the nature of the experience having a GPS is really the only way to fly.

It doesn't make up for common sense and knowing where you are in the world but it sure makes dealing with unmarked junctions a whole lot easier.

Even if you don't have a know route to follow it is easy to pinpoint you location on a map by comparing topo lines or even the layout of a trail (the track you are creating as you go compared with the trail printed on a map) will help clue you into where you are.

Ah I see Dave got in before me 2nd on the Topofusion as for the whole outdoor experience GPS enables us to do big rides at a good pace to have to do all of the route finding for big ride you could loose hours.

That said there is nothing wrong with spending time lost in the outdoors as long as you find yourself along the way.

 

Cool - thanks you guys.  Speaking of getting lost, sherpaxc, couple other guys, and myself got "lost" in Arkansas last year when we ran off our map.  We weren't too worried though because we had plenty of food left and water in the area is plentiful.  It was actually some of the most fun of the trip.

OK, sounds like it is time to start considering a GPS. Did I actually just type that?

[sherpaxc]

Yes you did.  Good, I'm glad someone besides myself can now be responsible for navigation on our trips.  Figure out this whole GPS thingy.  I can't seem to.  Having a Mac hasn't exactly made things easy with them either.  I have a GPS (e Trex) but the software doesn't work with my MacBook.

[Marshal]

Ha, closet luddites beware

Once you start down the dark path of GPS use (especially when combined with the excellent TopoFusion software) you will be DOOMED to the evils of modern technology.

And if you like long self supported type exploration on a mtn bike the deeper your pending doom

You have been warned!!

Oh, If you want to get a feel for the GPS/TopoFusion -- long ride possibilities -- get on Scott’s blog and hunt thru his archives   http://www.topofusion.com/diary/archives/

[gbach]

I too will 2nd the gazetteers - wonderful for dirt road explorations in Colorado.  And... thinking of gps, I'm biting the bullet, I'll be getting an e-Trex and topofusion.  Then I can go back to wandering around the colorado plateau and see all the places I was lost.