A few links for free BLM and TOPO maps

Everyone needs Maps.
TOPO maps gave you an idea of the terrain your heading into.
BLM maps show you if the land is state, federal or privately owned.
Yes I have a pocket GPS but I like my paper maps for that broader view and route planning.
And for gods sakes learn to use and Old Fashioned Compass...
just a couple weeks back here in Colorado we had a doctor separate from his group, got turned around and lost, walked right off the side of a cliff. If only he had a compass. But if your too cheap to buy one
How to Use an Analog Watch as a Compass

Colorado BLM
New Mexico

USGS Map Locator

All U.S. Garmin Compatible Maps



Edit to add: Web Site on how to read a topo map

reply to post by HardCorps


What a helpful post this is! I didn't know about the watch tip, so have bookmarked it as I still have an analogue watch. A French expression when someone falls out of his tree is that he has lost the North.

Thanks also for the topographical links. I always go looking for these when there are storms, eq's, landslides, etc. I can only give you one star and flag, but I hope some Mod will give you some applause for this as it could save lives.

a reply to: aboutface

Glad you found them useful.
These days a lot of folks overlook the usefulness of topo maps.
sure GPS tells ya to turn left here and right there, but a topo map lets you know what your getting into before you get there. It might start off as a nice dry road but come to an abrupt end at a swampy bog or impassable rock wall.

Maybe a bit old fashioned in this day an age but still damn handy to have.