Park Maps are not created equally.

For Every Park and Preserve, I have a different strategy on how to plot my day-hike. For those trails that are less explored, the maps seem useless, even for me, who backpacked almost 2300 miles on the PCT. I wish the GutHooks app worked for all the parks.

Here are a few resources to plot your day-hike or overnight trip:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
💥Visit the Park or Preserve Website.
💥Download the map.
💥Look for recommended or suggested trails.
💫It might state the milage of a loop, elevation, and difficulty. That is gold, please take the advice.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
💥Create your personalized route on my google maps.
💫I’ve done this several times. Example: Nisene Marks, Big Basin, Pinnacles, etc. It’s fun plotting different routes. But it may not be available for lesser-known trails.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
💥Use AllTrails as a resource.
💫Some routes will not be accurate. Ex: it may view a road as a trail. Check the actual map with AllTrails to ensure you picked the best route. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
💥Ask friends for tips. They might have good advice!⠀⠀
💥Call the park and ask questions.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
💥Look up the weather conditions and determine the best time to arrive.
💫It all coincides with your destination, mileage, and goals.
💥Ask the staff when you are physically at the park or preserve. The staff is there to help you.
💫The night before we went backpacking in Yosemite, I had a last-minute question. The ranger was helpful and informed us of other crucial info about our hike that couldn’t be found online.
💥Pick up a paper map if it is available. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
💫I prefer to refer to a paper map when hiking. It is a physical tool that doesn’t depend on technology, use it.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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What are other resources you use for planning day-hikes? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I’d love to know what your strategies are for planning a day-hike or overnight trip.