Does not currently support other GPS apps such as GaiaGPS

The Desert Winter Thru-Hike (WTH!) is an adventurous 800-mile hiking route highlighting 20 Wilderness Areas, 7 National Parks and Monuments, and remote protected lands of the Sonoran, Colorado, and Mojave deserts. Featuring mainly low to mid elevation desert valleys and mountain ranges occurring at lower latitudes of the American Southwest, the Desert WTH offers a true winter season thru-hiking option for very experienced walkers looking to extend the US hiking season into the December - February timeframe. And yet despite the aridity and remoteness of this warmer region, the route has been carefully crafted to greatly reduce or eliminate the need for caching water in advance, while also providing easy access at its termini both to begin and end the long hike.

The 2024-2025 mapset for the WTH consists of detailed printable maps as well as a separate set of georeferenced PDF maps for use in the free Avenza GPS app. A number of hikers have reported successfully using Avenza along the WTH as well as other routes of ours, but for those looking for a more “interactive” phone navigation app experience, we’re also offering a parallel resource for the CalTopo app. The CalTopo resource replaces Gaia for this season, which has certain issues with data security that need fleshing out before we’re comfortable sharing the route on that platform again.

In order to protect the route from public sharing on social hiking apps and websites, standalone tracks (gpx, kml) will not be available going forward until a more secure means of peer-to-peer sharing exists, meaning the resource is not compatible with GaiaGPS, AllTrails, OnX, BCN etc. for track-based navigation. The route is compatible with the CalTopo app, but works best with a CalTopo annual membership allowing for offline map downloads. Otherwise, please familiarize yourself with the free version of the Avenza Maps app as needed before committing to this adventure (you can see the route line graphically displayed on the WTH-specific maps you load within this app along with your location, so are navigating essentially just as you would in other GPS apps).

Additionally there’s a complete 50+ page print-friendly Databook as well as a Water Chart (interactive google sheet), both of which can be cross-referenced with the other resources. A summary-style town / resupply guide assists with planning.

This mapset also contains overview maps, elevation profiles, and section descriptions, together detailing the route's location, length, terrain, and important information between each of its resupply points.

All map and data pages are in the common PDF format and are standard letter-size (8.5 x 11") for home printing as well as easy uploading to document printing websites such as FedEx Office.

System requirements: Digital download (300MB) can be accessed in the Cloud via PC, Mac, Android or iOS. Color InkJet or LaserJet printer recommended if printing at home. Adobe Acrobat Reader recommended for viewing and home printing of PDF maps. Avenza is a free app available for iOS and Android that can optionally be used for GPS-based navigation with our Avenza-compatible PDF maps. GaiaGPS is a subscription-based app for iOS and Android that can optionally be used for GPS-based navigation with our Gaia-ready folder of tracks and waypoints.

PRINTABLE PDF MAPS
50+ PAGE DATABOOK
DETAILED SECTION OVERVIEWS
TOWN GUIDE
AVENZA APP COMPATIBLE
CALTOPO APP COMPATIBLE

 

 

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Disclaimer: While it is our hope and endeavor that the Desert WTH digital mapset will allow experienced users to avoid most navigational problems and will contribute to a rewarding adventure along the route, we do not guarantee the 100% accuracy of these maps and GPS data and other information provided, and assume no responsibility for their use or misuse. Hiking and backpacking are inherently risky activities, so be sure to use these maps as part of an overall approach to maintaining safety in the backcountry, and do not assume their endorsement of a particular road, trail, or creek crossing, etc. Conditions in the field can change, sometimes quickly, and property boundaries can be redrawn to exclude public access. In short, use the maps and benefit from them, but use your skills and your awareness too. And always keep your options open when determining the safest and most practical direction of travel.

 

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